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Anand Deshpande: From IIT Kharagpur to Tech Industry Titan

Anand Deshpande’s story isn’t just one of leadership—it’s a journey of ambition, risk-taking, and an unwavering belief in India's potential. From the classrooms of IIT Kharagpur to the helm of Persistent Systems, his path reflects the struggles and triumphs of a visionary entrepreneur.  

A Bright Start in Kharagpur

In 1984, Anand Deshpande graduated from IIT Kharagpur with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Back then, India’s IT industry was in its infancy, with limited job opportunities for computer engineers. Like many of his peers, Deshpande decided to go abroad for higher studies, pursuing an MS and Ph.D. in Computer Science at Indiana University.  

His time in the U.S. was transformative—not just academically but also in shaping his vision for the future. While working at Hewlett-Packard in California, he observed the rapid growth of the software industry and realized that India had the potential to be a global hub for technology services. But at a time when most Indian engineers aspired to build careers in Silicon Valley, Deshpande made a bold choice: to return home and build something of his own.  

Taking the Leap: The Birth of Persistent Systems

In 1990, Deshpande returned to India with a dream but little else. He started Persistent Systems from a small office in Pune with a handful of employees, no significant funding, and a nascent Indian IT industry that lacked infrastructure and support. Convincing global clients to trust an unknown Indian company was an uphill battle, but Deshpande persisted.  

The early years were full of struggles—finding customers, setting up operations, and building a company culture from scratch. Yet, he remained focused on the belief that India could be a hub for outsourced software development. Unlike IT services giants that focused on large-scale outsourcing, Persistent Systems carved a niche in software product development, which proved to be a game-changer.  

Growth and Recognition

Through perseverance and strategic decision-making, Persistent Systems steadily grew, partnering with global technology firms and expanding its footprint worldwide. The company went public in 2010, a significant milestone for Deshpande’s journey from a startup founder to an industry leader.  

Amidst this success, Deshpande never forgot his roots. In 2012, IIT Kharagpur honored him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, recognizing his contributions to the tech industry. He remained actively involved with the institute, mentoring students and supporting initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship.  

Giving Back and Looking Ahead

As Persistent Systems flourished, Deshpande’s vision extended beyond business success. He founded the deAsra Foundation to help small entrepreneurs in India by providing mentorship and resources. His belief in technology as a force for change continues to drive his efforts, both within Persistent and beyond.  

Anand Deshpande’s journey is one of resilience and conviction. From a young IIT graduate with dreams of making an impact to a tech pioneer shaping India’s software industry, his story is proof that sometimes, the boldest journeys begin with the simplest belief: that something great can be built where others see only challenges.  

IITKGPF USA Board Member Partha Ghosh Keynote at PIWOT 2025

IITKGPF USA board member Partha Ghosh gave a keynote address at PIWOT 2025 hosted by PANIIT India earlier this year. PanIIT World of Technology (PIWOT) Summit was held from January 17-19, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The event welcomed over 3,500 delegates and approximately 75 global attendees to engage in discussions centered around the theme ‘Technology at Work,’ examining the profound impact of digitalization and innovation across industries, governance, and society.

Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future