Mohandas Pai (Manipal Global Education Services)
Overview
T. V. Mohandas Pai, commonly known as Mohandas Pai, is an influential figure in India's business and educational landscape. He is primarily recognized for his roles in the corporate world as the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a board member at Infosys, one of India's largest IT services companies. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of Manipal Global Education Services and Aarin Capital, a private equity fund, focusing on life sciences, technology, and education companies. Mohandas Pai is also a noted philanthropist, having co-founded the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which runs the world's largest school meal program.
Recent Developments
- June 2025: Mohandas Pai flagged the lack of domestic capital for Indian startups, advocating for policy reforms and increased investment in research and development. He emphasized the need for significant reforms to enable insurance companies to invest in startups and suggested expanding government's fund-of-funds.
- May 2025: At the Stanford India Conference, Mohandas Pai pinpointed India's ageing population as one of the future's major challenges due to declining fertility rates.
- April 2025: Mohandas Pai criticized the current income tax regime in India, urging the government to rethink tax slabs and alleviate the burden on the middle class.
- March 2025: Pai met with Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, to discuss Bengaluru's development, stressing the need for improved city infrastructure.
- February 2025: He publicly called for better governance in Karnataka, criticizing the state government's inability to effectively manage infrastructural problems in cities like Bengaluru.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | T.V. Mohandas Pai |
| Born | 24 March 1958, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Businessman, Investor, Educationist |
| Known For | Former CFO of Infosys, Manipal Global Education |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be substantial due to investments |
| Education | St. Joseph's College of Commerce; University of Bengaluru |
Early Life and Education
Mohandas Pai was born in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and showed an early interest in commerce and economics. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Commerce from St. Joseph's College of Commerce and later pursued a law degree from the University of Bengaluru. A certified Chartered Accountant, Pai was actively involved in various academic and co-curricular activities, which set the foundation for his future business endeavors. His commitment to education and innovation has been a consistent theme throughout his professional career, particularly in the realm of corporate governance and social impact.
Career and Notable Achievements
Mohandas Pai's career is marked by his significant contributions to Infosys, particularly during his tenure as CFO from 1994 to 2006. While at Infosys, he implemented India's first employee stock option plan, allowing employees to participate and benefit from the company's success.
- Infosys: As CFO at Infosys, he played a pivotal role in listing the company on the NASDAQ, making it the first India-registered company to do so.
- Manipal Global Education: Since 2011, as Chairman, Pai has driven the company's mission to expand its global education footprint, improving the standard of education and professional training.
- Aarin Capital: Under his leadership, Aarin Capital has made significant investments in various innovative sectors, particularly focusing on startups and emerging technology companies.
- Awards: Padma Shri in 2015, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2008, among others.
Current Work and Impact
Mohandas Pai is actively involved in several ventures focusing on education, technology, and social welfare. Through Manipal Global Education, he continues to influence higher education by aligning academic resources with industry needs. At Aarin Capital, Pai focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, investing in emerging companies that have the potential to drive substantial economic and social impact. His advocacy for increased investment in India's educational infrastructure and startups underscores his commitment to maintaining India's competitive edge in global markets.
Aarin Capital Mohandas Pai
Aarin Capital, founded by Mohandas Pai, is a private equity fund targeting investments in life sciences, technology, and educational services. With a focus on driving transformational growth, Aarin Capital invests in companies that have breakthrough solutions that solve critical problems.
Mohandas Pai Infosys
During Mohandas Pai's tenure at Infosys, the company experienced tremendous growth, transitioning from a medium-sized enterprise to a global IT leader. Pai's strategic financial maneuvers and effective corporate governance practices were instrumental in this growth trajectory.
Conclusion
Mohandas Pai's influence extends beyond his business and philanthropic endeavors, reflecting a deep commitment to enhancing India's global standing through strategic education initiatives and supportive investments in technology and innovation. His legacy at Infosys and continued leadership roles in various organizations mark him as a pivotal figure in India's economic and educational advancement. As he continues to champion causes related to education and startup funding, Pai's impact is expected to foster further growth and facilitate long-term sustainable development across these sectors.