About Harish Mehta
Harish Mehta is a pioneering figure in India’s technology and startup ecosystem. Known as the driving force behind NASSCOM, he is the founder of Onward Technologies and the author of The Maverick Effect, which chronicles India’s IT revolution. With a career spanning over four decades, Harish has been instrumental in shaping policy, nurturing innovation, and mentoring tech entrepreneurs. His blend of humility, foresight, and fearless decision-making has made him one of India’s most respected changemakers in technology and beyond.
Podcast Overview
In this high-impact episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna engages Harish Mehta in a reflective conversation on innovation, leadership, and living with perspective. From giving up a stable life in the U.S. to co-founding NASSCOM, Harish shares bold choices, personal struggles, and the human values that have driven his journey. This episode is more than a tech tale—it’s about building purpose-driven ecosystems, leading with trust, and celebrating the simple joys that often go unnoticed. For Harish, happiness isn’t a goal—it’s a moment, lived with laughter, simplicity, and presence.
Key Themes and Takeaways
Happiness is Being Present
He defines happiness as the ability to enjoy the moment—free from future anxiety or past regret—where joy lives in presence, not performance.
Purposeful Risk-Taking
Harish recounts how his return to India from the U.S. was not driven by patriotism but by a desire for simplicity and independence—leading to foundational work in India’s tech space.
Trust and Collaboration in Leadership
He explains how creating NASSCOM was less about lobbying and more about building a trustworthy, inclusive platform where competitors became collaborators.
Happiness in the Ordinary
For Harish, happiness isn’t in grand achievements—it’s in laughing with grandchildren, celebrating small wins, and being fully present.
Why You Should Listen
This episode is for anyone building something from scratch—be it a business, a community, or a personal path. A standout moment comes when Harish shares his mantra: “Enjoy the present. Don’t be anxious about the future, or dragged down by the past.”
Harish unpacks how The Maverick Effect became more than a book—it was a movement guided by neutrality, unity, and service to the nation. His reflections on laughter, risk, and collective vision offer rare wisdom for entrepreneurs and changemakers. Listen in to be reminded that success built on joy, simplicity, and service is success that lasts.
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