Mahendra Pratap, Co-founder of HCL, Passes Away

Mahendra Pratap, a pioneer in India’s information technology industry and co-founder of HCL Technologies, has passed away. His legacy as a visionary technical leader and innovative thinker leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian entrepreneurship, information technology and technological advancement. Widely known as one of the pillars of IT industry, Mahendra Pratap was the first research and development engineer to join Microcomp for HCL. At the company, he was in-charge of leading the EPIC Hardware design coordination.

"Mahendra Pratap was a technologist with a big heart. He was mentoring number of electronic startups guiding them through their journey. He will be sorely missed," said Pradeep Gupta, Chairman, CyberMedia Group on the unfortuante development.

Mahendra Pratap graduated from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) in 1972 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He embarked on his professional journey with DCM Data Products, where his brilliance and ingenuity quickly became apparent. In 1976, he joined forces with Shiv Nadar and a group of 8 like-minded individuals to establish HCL, laying the foundation for what would become one of India's most prominent technology companies.

At HCL, Mahendra Pratap played a pivotal role in pioneering the development of commercial products based on microprocessors, an achievement that was considered groundbreaking at the time. Under his leadership, the company introduced innovative solutions such as the Moscal 1101 and Micro 2200, revolutionizing the landscape of computing in India. Also among his notable contributions was the design of the KTMF data entry machine and the Microcomputer HCL 8C. His invention revolutionized data management, particularly in the context of mainframe computers. By replacing traditional Computer Cards with a combination of KTMF and HCL 8C, equipped with Standard 7 or 9 Track Magnetic Tape attachment, he was in a way responsible for streamlining the data entry process.

Mahendra Pratap's contributions to the field of technology extended far beyond the confines of HCL. His vision extended beyond mere technological innovation as he sought to create products that could thrive in India's diverse environmental conditions, a testament to his commitment to serving the needs of his country. In 2007, he spearheaded the development of iMFAST, a groundbreaking solution designed to facilitate financial inclusion in India. This innovative platform, which received widespread acclaim and recognition, played a crucial role in enabling access to banking and payment services for millions of Indians, particularly in rural areas.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mahendra Pratap remained dedicated to the advancement of India's electronics industry. Even after his retirement in 2018, he continued  working tirelessly to formulate strategies for fostering innovation and growth in the sector.

He is survived by his family, friends, and a grateful nation, who are mourning the insurmountable loss of a true visonary. The entire CyberMedia Group and Dataquest extend their deepest condolences to everyone associated with Mahendra Pratap.