Harish S. Mehta is an Indian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author, widely regarded as one of the founding figures of India’s software industry. A driving force behind the creation of NASSCOM, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s IT policy and positioning India as a global technology hub.

Early Life & Education

Born into a Gujarati family, Mehta pursued engineering and management before venturing into technology entrepreneurship. His early career spanned leadership roles in both India and the United States, giving him global exposure before he returned to help build India’s IT ecosystem.

Writing & Thought Leadership

Mehta turned to writing to share the lessons of his entrepreneurial journey and the collective spirit that powered India’s IT rise. His acclaimed book, The Maverick Effect (2022), offers a behind-the-scenes account of the vision, struggles, and collaborations that transformed India into a software powerhouse.

Style & Themes

His writing combines inspiration with practical leadership lessons, weaving storytelling with insights on collaboration, innovation, and nation-building.

Achievements

• Founding member and first elected Chairman of NASSCOM
• Key contributor to the creation of India’s IT policy environment
• Recognized as an industry leader, mentor, and nation-builder

Beyond Writing

Mehta continues to mentor startups, champion philanthropic initiatives, and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Future Work

He is expected to publish further writings on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, sharing decades of hard-earned wisdom.

Quote / Philosophy

“True leadership is not about being in front but enabling others to move forward together.” – Harish S. Mehta