Book Review | 'Against All Odds': A captivating chronicle of India's Information Technology revolution

“Against All Odds: The IT Story of India” is not just a book; it is a tribute to the audacious spirit, foresight, and resilience that have defined the trajectory of India’s Information Technology (IT) industry over the past six decades. Penned by S. ‘Kris’ Gopalakrishnan, N. Dayasindhu, and Krishnan Narayanan with an enlightening introduction by Gurcharan Das, this book transcends the boundaries of a corporate memoir. It serves as a comprehensive historical account, chronicling the birth, evolution, and impact of the IT industry in India.

Introduction by Gurcharan Das: Setting the context

Das’s introduction serves as a literary prologue that not only introduces the readers to the essence of the book but also delves deep into the macroeconomic and historical context that shaped India’s IT landscape. The narrative navigates through the Soviet-style planning era, the mistrust of the private sector during Nehru and Mahalanobis’ time, and the pivotal contributions of visionaries like Vittal. This contextual groundwork sets the stage for readers to grasp the enormity of the challenges faced by the pioneers in India’s IT sector.

Das, with his profound insights, sheds light on the ideological underpinnings that marked the early years of India’s tryst with IT. The historical perspectives offered by Das become a crucial lens through which the subsequent chapters unfold, adding layers of meaning to the stories of resilience, innovation, and determination presented in the book.

A journey through the decades: Building the IT ecosystem

The book serves as a perfect example of first-hand experiences, narrated by Kris Gopalakrishnan and fifty other stalwarts who have been instrumental in the creation and shaping of the Indian IT landscape. From the early days when the concept of computers was still nascent to the contemporary era of cutting-edge technologies, the narrative spans the entirety of the industry’s evolution.

It is a journey marked by persistence, where pioneers faced challenges head-on and navigated uncharted territories. The narrative unveils the foresight that drove these visionaries, emphasizing the importance of planning and being prepared when opportunity knocked. The authors neatly paint a picture of an industry that thrived on the spirit of adventure, where each hurdle was an opportunity for innovation, and each setback was a chance to regroup and forge ahead.

Triumph amidst challenges: A tale of India’s global technological ascendancy

The book “Against All Odds” is, at its core, a tale of triumph. It tells us how the Indian IT industry emerged from humble beginnings to become a global powerhouse. The narrative captures key moments and milestones, such as the establishment of Infosys and the journey of other industry giants, providing readers with a front-row seat to the unfolding drama of India’s technological ascendancy on the global stage.

The narrative spans the introduction of the first computer at IIT Kanpur, its unconventional journey by air and bullock cart, and the creation of India’s first indigenously built computer. The purchase of a mainframe by TCS in the 1980s, costing more than the company’s gross block at the time, reflects the audacity and vision of the pioneers.

We also find that central to the book is the enduring belief in technology and its potential to bring about positive change in India. It reflects not only the technical prowess of the industry but also the deep-seated conviction that technology can be a force for good. The authors convey an account where faith in the transformative power of technology becomes a driving force, propelling individuals, and the industry forward against all odds.

Through the lens of the book, the reader also witnesses the contributions of luminaries such as Bhabha, Rajaraman, Narasimhan, and P.V.S Rao. These stalwarts, often unsung heroes, laid the foundation for what was to become a transformative force in India’s global identity.

Missed opportunities and what could have been

The book doesn’t shy away from addressing missed opportunities, notably in hardware development. Bhabha’s contemplation of a semiconductor manufacturing facility six decades ago raises thought-provoking questions about the trajectory of India’s technological prowess. The book prompts readers to reflect on what could have been, especially in the context of semiconductor manufacturing, an area where India is still playing catch-up.

IT’s broader contributions

Beyond the financial success of IT and ITES companies, the book underscores the multifaceted contributions of the industry. It highlights how the IT sector became a torchbearer for enhancing India’s global image. The world began to take interest in India not just as a destination for outsourcing but as a hub for innovation and talent. Moreover, it provided a unique opportunity for first-generation middle-class individuals to make their own path, breaking away from the constraints of family wealth.

The book also paints a vivid picture of the employment landscape, showcasing the direct and indirect impact of the IT industry. From highly skilled professionals to support staff in subcontractors, the industry has been a pivotal force in shaping India’s employment scenario, preventing a potentially grim outlook.

The concluding chapter, “Where Are We Heading?”, acts as a compass pointing towards the future. It invites readers to contemplate the trajectory of India’s IT sector and its role in shaping the nation’s destiny. This forward-looking approach ensures that the book is not merely a retrospective but a call to action, urging stakeholders to envision and contribute to the next chapter of India’s IT journey.

A glimpse into the future: Anticipation of greater achievements

The authors leave readers with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. The title suggests that the best is yet to come, hinting at the continuous evolution and growth of the Indian IT sector. As the narrative unfolds, it encourages readers to look to the future with optimism, echoing the industry’s perpetual spirit of innovation and adaptation.

“Against All Odds: The IT Story of India’’ is a captivating chronicle that takes readers on a journey through the past, present, and future of India’s IT industry. With its blend of personal narratives, historical insights, and a forward-looking perspective, the book serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the remarkable saga of India’s IT revolution against all odds.

The author is a Bengaluru-based management professional, curator, and literary critic. He can be reached at ashutoshbthakur@gmail.com. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost_’s views._

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