T. V. Mohandas Pai, a prominent business leader and former CFO of Infosys, continues to influence India’s socio-economic landscape through his multifaceted contributions. From economic policy advocacy to philanthropy and active investment in startups, Pai’s recent activities demonstrate his commitment to driving positive change in various sectors.
Economic and Policy Advocacy
Mohandas Pai has been a vocal advocate for India’s economic growth, predicting that the country will become a leading global power by 2029. He highlights the significant reforms in banking, taxation, and infrastructure that have propelled India towards becoming one of the top three global economies by the end of 2026. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, Pai points to the transformative changes in these sectors as key drivers of economic growth​.
In addition to his optimistic projections, Pai has been a strong critic of the Angel Tax, introduced in 2012 to curb unaccounted money through inflated startup valuations. He argues that this tax has become a major barrier for startups, hindering their ability to raise funds and grow. Industry bodies such as Nasscom and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) support his call for the tax’s repeal, emphasizing that its removal would significantly boost capital formation and ease of doing business for startups.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Pai’s philanthropic efforts are notable, particularly his support for the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which provides mid-day meals to millions of school children across India. His contributions to the foundation are both financial and advocacy-driven, encouraging senior executives at Infosys to support the program through funding and volunteer work. Pai’s dedication to addressing hunger and improving education for underprivileged children highlights his commitment to social causes.
Moreover, Pai has been actively involved in educational initiatives, including a large scholarship program for Vishwa Konkani Kendra. This program, set up five years ago, has assisted over 8,000 students in pursuing higher education in fields such as engineering, medicine, and general studies. In 2024 alone, the scholarship fund distributed a total of Rs 3 crore to 2,500 students, showcasing his ongoing commitment to supporting education and skill development among the youth.
Business and Investment
As the chairman of Aarin Capital, Mohandas Pai continues to play a significant role in the startup ecosystem in India. Aarin Capital focuses on investing in early-stage ventures across sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education. Under Pai’s leadership, the firm supports innovative business models with the potential to scale and make a positive societal impact.
Mohandas Pai’s recent contributions span economic policy advocacy, philanthropy, and active investment in the startup ecosystem. His efforts to forecast and influence India’s economic growth, challenge counterproductive policies like the Angel Tax, support large-scale philanthropic initiatives, and drive investments in innovative startups underscore his multifaceted impact on India’s socio-economic landscape. Pai’s work continues to inspire and shape the future of India, reflecting his enduring commitment to progress and development.