Book Launch in Surat: Harish Mehta’s ‘The Maverick Effect’ Reveals IT Sector’s Untold Stories

Celebrating India’s IT Revolution: ‘The Maverick Effect’ Launched in Surat

Surat, September 13, 2024 — The launch of the highly anticipated book, “The Maverick Effect,” by renowned author Mr. Harish Mehta, was held at the SRK Hall in Nanpura, Surat today. This event marks a significant moment in documenting India’s IT revolution.

Mr. Harish Mehta, the author of “The Maverick Effect: The Inside Story of India’s IT Revolution,” is a prominent figure in the industry. He is the founding chairman of NASSCOM, the Managing Trustee of the Dewang Mehta Foundation Trust, and the founder of Onward Technologies Limited. The book launch was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Dakshesh Thakkar, former Vice Chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. Additional notable guests included Mr. Nikhil Madrasi, Vice Chairman of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), and Mr. Pranav Pandya, Chairman of GESIA.

The event featured a fireside chat with Mr. Harish Mehta and Mr. Kamlesh Yagnik, a BFSI technocrat, former SGCCI President, and Chairman of the SRK Knowledge Foundation. The discussion explored the themes of the book and engaged with the audience, including college principals, faculty members, students, and IT professionals from Surat.

“The Maverick Effect” chronicles the transformative journey of India’s IT sector. Mr. Mehta, a key figure behind NASSCOM’s establishment in 1988, recounts the stories that fueled the IT industry’s growth. As the first President of NASSCOM and a pivotal leader, Mr. Mehta provides insights into the untold stories and experiences of NASSCOM leaders. The book highlights India’s evolution from a “Land of Snake Charmers” to a “Global Technology Hub” within a span of just 30 years.

Mr. Mehta shared, “This book presents the myriad stories of the Indian IT revolution under NASSCOM’s leadership. It includes never-before-heard tales and the invaluable experiences of NASSCOM leaders. The stories of India’s transformation are deserving of being shared with every Indian. The unique values and leadership lessons detailed in the book are applicable across any industry. Since India gained political independence in 1947, the IT industry, led by Nasscom, has played a pivotal role in its economic development. When software was still a new idea to many policymakers, the industry has grown to contribute 20 lakh crore to the economy and create 3 crore jobs. This transformation marks a significant chapter in India’s history, showing how technology can drive national progress.”

The Gujarati translation of the book aims to make these compelling narratives accessible to a wider audience, celebrating the remarkable achievements of India’s IT sector.