T. V. Mohandas Pai is a prominent Indian business executive and investor, best known for his significant contributions to the IT industry and education sector. Born in 1958 in Bengaluru, Pai is a Chartered Accountant and holds degrees in commerce and law from Bangalore University. He gained national recognition as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Infosys from 1994 to 2006, playing a pivotal role in transforming the company into a global IT powerhouse. During his tenure, he was instrumental in launching the first Indian company listing on NASDAQ and introducing India’s first employee stock option plan, helping employees share in Infosys’s growth.
After stepping down as CFO, he took on leadership roles in human resources, education, and research within Infosys until 2011. Beyond Infosys, Pai co-founded the Akshaya Patra Foundation in 2000, the world’s largest midday meal program aiming to provide nutritious meals to millions of schoolchildren across India.
Currently, Mohandas Pai is the Chairman of Manipal Global Education Services and Aarin Capital, a private equity firm investing in education and life sciences. He is widely recognized for his contributions to education, finance, and entrepreneurship in India, and has been honored with the Padma Shri award for his work.
Pai is also an active angel investor and thought leader, known for his vocal participation in policy discussions and advocacy for India’s growth in technology and education sectors. His career exemplifies a blend of corporate leadership, philanthropy, and fostering innovation in India’s knowledge economy
Mohandas Pai is trending in October 2025 mainly due to his outspoken views on several key issues related to Karnataka and Bengaluru:
Criticism of Karnataka’s Finance Commission Allocations: Pai stated that Karnataka received a “raw deal” from the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions regarding tax and fund allocations, highlighting concerns over skewed distribution despite the state’s large contribution to national revenue. He emphasized the autonomy of these commissions despite political narratives.
Pushback Against ‘Outsider’ Narrative in Bengaluru: Pai, along with industrialist Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, rebutted social media claims labeling them as “outsiders” in Bengaluru. These labels ignited controversy focusing on ethnic backgrounds to question their legitimacy, which Pai condemned as bigoted and harmful to the city’s unity.
Comments on Bengaluru’s Infrastructure Woes: He has been vocal on the city’s lagging infrastructure relative to its rapid growth, backing calls for urgent improvements in roads, transport, and governance to support the booming IT and startup ecosystem.
Sharp Critique of Indian Business Environment: Pai also attracted attention for his candid remarks on India’s oppressive business regime, policy challenges, and lack of capital and innovation funding, which he argues are causing brain drain and suppressing entrepreneurship.
Reactions to Viral Policing Incident: He condemned a viral video showing police misconduct in Bengaluru, calling for police accountability and citizens’ rights.
Overall, Mohandas Pai is trending due to his bold, sometimes controversial opinions on governance, economics, and social issues affecting Bengaluru and India’s broader development landscape, drawing wide public and media attention
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