- Founder of Syntel

by Vijay Anand (BTech EE 75 / H8)

Troy, Michigan

Q: Do you plan to write an autobiography ? What would it's title be?

A: I have no plans to write an autobiography.  [I pushed for the title, anyway]. I might call it "Journey through life"

Q: What was your favourite "daru" in IIT? What about now? (Mosambi Narangi Jai!)

A: In IIT : double Ghoda - remember that ??  Now : Red wines / Microbrews

Q: What was your biggest mistake?

A: I didn't work hard at IIT, and wasn't serious about my studies. It could have helped sharpen my mind, and built discipline and focus. I also ignored physical development.

Q: What was your best decision?

A: To marry Neerja. She has been a great partner, and a soul mate.

Q: What were some of the set backs you had to overcome on the road to success?

A: Far, far too many to list -- there are setbacks at every step !

Q: What does your success allow you to do that you couldn't do before?

A: It gives freedom of choice, and removes constraints. As Jean-Jacques Rousseau says, "Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains.". I have not exercised these options although they are available. I would like to travel on leisure, and keep in touch with friends.

Q: What are your favourite comic strips?

A: Doonesbury and Cathy.

Q: What's your golf handicap? What other sports do you play? Who was your greatest opponent?

A: I have not measured it, but it is in the high 2-digits. I tore my ligaments skiing this year, but I'm getting back to Tennis. I had the privilege of playing Bridge with Jeff Meckstroh and Paul Solloway.

Q: Where did you earn your FIRST paycheck, and how did you celebrate?

A: At Tata Consultancy Services (1975), my salary was Rs. 769. I blew Rs.25 on a Bridge book.

Q: Who were the 3 most influential people in your life ?

[Note: before this interview, I had spoken with BD's wife, Neerja. She had indicated that if her name was NOT on this list, BD would suffer untold injuries to tender parts of his anatomy]

A:

1. The Principal at St. Xaviers High School, Ahmedabad

2. Mom

3. Neerja [ Whew! .. Tender parts stay intact]

Q: If you were to write about your IIT days, what would you emphasize ?

A: Homo’s class, not having sufficient girls around the campus, trip to Indochina

Closing comments from BD:

IIT and India have given us a tremendous start in life. IIT gave us education and camaraderie. . We need to stay in touch with each other, and give back.

[BD has contributed to the IIT Bombay Heritage Fund, funded several business projects at IIT, and sponsored bridge teams]

Closing Comments from BD’s friends

Mashru: BD maintains grueling schedules, often working 16 hours a day. I used to receive telephone calls from BD at 2AM routinely. As Syntel crossed $30M, $50M and $100M in revenue, we urged BD to take life easy. BD stayed on his path and has continued to lead Syntel during the steep growth period. Congratulation, BD.

Kannu: (Criticism of the Interviewer)..This is not the BD I know (or you know). Too sanitized...I think you need an apprenticeship with "Baba wawa".

Vijay's Answer: The BD you and I know would scandalize too many people, and I probably would not be permitted to print it.