Ajai's parents migrated to India, from Pakistan, during the Partition of India, along with six children. They came to a refugee camp in Delhi. Later, Ajai's father picked up a job in Mount Abu, to get the accession of the princely states. Ajai was born in Mount Abu, on 29 August 1950. Ajai is the youngest of the seven siblings. In 1955, his father joined Indian Administrative Service. Ajai Chowdhry did his schooling from Christ Church School, Jabalpur. He passed out of school in 1966. Thereafter, he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree, from Jabalpur Engineering College, in 1971. He has also completed an Executive Program from the University of Michigan, in 1994.
Career
Beginning his career in 1972, Ajai Chowdhry worked with DCM Data Products. In 1975, he quit his job to start Microcomp. Ajai Chowdhry has been a key force in driving the growth of HCL. He led the foundation of HCL's overseas operations, starting with Singapore in 1980s and later expanded to the other South Asian Markets. Ajai Chowdhry was also a key force in driving the growth of HCL Infosystems, the flagship company of the group. He took over the reins of HCL Infosystems in early 90s and became the Chairman of the company in 1999. His leadership infused tremendous energy taking the company from a turnover of Rs. 400.6 crores in 1994 to Rs.11, 542 crores. The company today has emerged as the country’s information-enabling powerhouse and was also awarded ‘Business Superbrands’ by The Brand Council and rated the Most Trusted Indian IT Brand by Economic Times in 2010-11. Ajai Chowdhry was nominated by the Hon’ble President of India to be the Chairman for IIT Hyderabad and then the Chairman of IIT-Patna. Ajai Chowdhry has been appointed as the Chairman of IIIT Naya Raipur, for evolving IIIT—Naya Raipur as one of the foremost IIITs in the country under his guidance. Ajai Chowdhry is the Chairman of the Electronics Sector Skills Council. Ajai Chowdhry is the Chairman of the National Institute of Foundry & Forge Technology. Ajai Chowdhry is also currently the Co-Chairman of the Working Group for Development of Innovation and IP in the ESDM sector.
Other activities
Ajai Chowdhry is focusing on incubating entrepreneurship by aiding start-ups. He is also on the Board of Indian Angel Network. He is also on the Investment Committee of the IAN Fund and the EDF Fund. He mentors many start-ups. Ajai Chowdhry set up a Charitable Trust called ‘Swayam’ which is committed to provide education support to deserving children who cannot afford good education. Also he has worked on providing solar power to many villages around, Jabalpur. Ajai Chowdhry has constantly been driving a vision of “IT for the masses” and has been on several Government committees working towards taking PC and broadband into every village in India. Ajai Chowdhry works closely with the Government of India, for various endeavours and initiatives. Ajai Chowdhry has been part of several Government of India committees. These endeavours aim at increasing IT proliferation in India, and also towards facilitating the growth of the IT and Electronics industry in India. In August 2009, the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications & IT and the Government of India constituted the IT Task Force, under the leadership of Ajai Chowdhry. Ajai Chowdhry was a member of National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council, which is an apex body providing advisory inputs for shaping government policy. Ajai Chowdhry was the Chairman of CII National Committee on Technology. Ajai Chowdhry was a panelist on the USC Forum on Globalization and Innovation. In 2010, Ajai Chowdhry co-chaired the ‘World Economic Forum on Africa' in Tanzania.
Awards and accolades
In 2011, Government of India awarded Ajai Chowdhry with Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, recognising his consistent contribution to the Indian IT industry.
In 2014, Ajai Chowdhry was honoured with the Cybermedia Business ICT Award 2013 for Lifetime Achievement in ICT by Shri Narendra Modi.
In 2009, Ajai Chowdhry was ranked third in the "Power List of 75 Most Powerful Brand Builders of India".
In 2009, Ajai Chowdhry was adjudged among "India Inc’s Most Powerful CEOs" by The Economic Times.
In 2007, Ajai Chowdhry was named the "Dataquest IT Person of the Year 2007", for his focus on the Indian domestic market, and his belief in the potential of computer hardware manufacturing in India.
In 2006, EFY presented the "Electronics Man of the Year - 2006" to Ajai Chowdhry, for being instrumental in driving the growth of HCL Infosystems.
Wisitek Foundation presented Ajai Chowdhry with the "Corporate Ratna – IT Industry of the Millennium" Award.
In 2004, Skoch Consultancy awarded Ajai Chowdhry with the 'IT Man of the Year' title.
The Foundation of Indian Industry and Economists has presented Ajai Chowdhry the "Best IT Man of the Year" award.
