ARJUNMALHOTRA
THE SUPER TECHIE'S IMPRESSIVE STORY!
Fierce, steady, innovative, visionary and creative, Arjun Malhotra is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and global leader of the IT industry. His journey is symbolic of HCL, SPIC-MACAY and many leading business and technology institutions of India.
A quote you often quote:
Mountaineer Eric Shipton was asked, "Why do you want to climb Everest?" He said, "Because it's there!" I want people to overcome challenges with the same attitude because they're there.
Arjun Malhotra stands among the leaders who helped shape India’s modern technology story and then carried that entrepreneurial spirit across continents. His vision, discipline and firm grip on technology made him one of the defining figures of the Indian IT industry.
Born in Calcutta on January 7, 1949, he spent his childhood across Calcutta, Delhi and Dehradun. His family background blended scholarship, public service, medicine and discipline, and those influences helped form his sharp mind and wide-ranging curiosity.
His name, Arjun, evokes focus and brilliance, and that focus has marked his life: from IIT Kharagpur to HCL, from TechSpan and Headstrong to mentoring startups and supporting institutions that build India’s future.
His Key Strengths
Arjun grew up surrounded by people who valued learning and service. His maternal grandfather, Dr Sunder Lal Hora, was an acclaimed scientist and ichthyologist, while his mother, Dr Prabha Malhotra, was an accomplished doctor and public health specialist.
He studied at Loreto House, St Xavier's, St Columba's and The Doon School before entering IIT Kharagpur in 1965. He graduated with honours in Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering and received the Dr BC Roy Gold Medal, one of his proudest achievements.
After college, he joined Delhi Cloth Mills as a Senior Management Trainee, where his work with Shiv Nadar and others eventually helped create the foundation for one of India’s most important technology companies.
The HCL Journey
Arjun, Shiv Nadar, Subhash Arora, Yogesh Vaidya, Ajai Chowdhry and D S Puri started Microcomp Limited, which later became Hindustan Computers Limited, better known as HCL.
As Vice Chairman of HCL, Arjun handled field operations and played a major role in expanding the business in India and overseas. He was involved in HCL America, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and several important HCL ventures.
He also contributed to initiatives such as Hindustan Instruments, Hindustan Reprographics, Hindustan Telecommunications, NIIT and Far East Computers in Singapore.
Building Beyond HCL
After retiring from HCL in 1988, Arjun founded TechSpan with a strong team of entrepreneurs and professionals. TechSpan later merged with Headstrong, where he served as Chairman and CEO.
His later work included leadership roles with Magic Edtech, Evolko Inc and boards such as Lumis Partners, Entercoms, Mapmygenome, AIMIL and HD Medical.
He is also a Co-Founder of EPIC Foundation, which works to strengthen India’s position in global hardware and electronics.
Mentor, Builder And Giver
Arjun has served on the Board of Governors of ISB Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur Foundation in the US and Charities Aid Foundation India. He has been a Charter Member of TiE and has also chaired its Global Board.
He helped set up campus communication infrastructure at IIT Kharagpur and endowed the Prof G S Sanyal School of Telecommunications and the Prof M N Faruqui Innovation Centre in honour of his professors.
He is actively involved with Pan IITians Action for India, PARFI, WHEELS and the WHEELS Global Foundation, supporting work in water, health, energy, education, livelihoods and sustainability.
Behind Every Successful Man
Arjun credits the strong women in his life for shaping his journey. His mother gave him financial and emotional support when he stepped into entrepreneurship, while his maternal grandmother gave him space where early ideas for Microcomp and HCL could take shape.
His wife, Kiran, has been a constant partner in life. Their children, Poorva and Shiven, built their own paths across technology, education and business, carrying forward the family’s spirit of learning and enterprise.
Note to a younger Arjun:
I used to count to 10 when something angered me, but I found it more effective to look for the humorous side of whatever upset me. Had I gained this wisdom earlier, I would not have gotten into a lot of situations.
Note to newbies in IT:
First, follow your passion; satisfaction, money and fame will follow. Second, do not be a lone wolf. Team up with people smarter than you, welcoming their ideas and suggestions.
What is freedom?
Freedom of thought is vital. I must have the right to my opinions and be able to discuss these with people and voice my disagreements without fear of reprisal. I give others the same respect.
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