Great leaders are not defined by the success they achieve, but by the institutions they build and the values they uphold. BVR Mohan Reddy, founder of Cyient, stands among those rare leaders who combined technical brilliance with integrity, transforming India’s image in global engineering.
Born on October 12, 1950, in Mahbubnagar, Telangana, Mohan Reddy’s life journey reflects vision, determination, and a relentless drive to prove that Indian engineering can compete at a world-class level.
Early Life and Education of BVR Mohan Reddy
Mohan Reddy’s childhood in Mahbubnagar was shaped by curiosity and a fascination for how things worked. His keen interest in machinery led him to pursue Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering, Kakinada, followed by postgraduate studies at IIT Kanpur and the University of Michigan in the United States.
Education became more than an academic pursuit for him; it was a foundation to build something larger than himself. His deep technical grounding and global exposure gave him a rare perspective on how India could leverage its intellectual talent to serve the world.
He would later receive honorary doctorates from several prestigious institutions, including JNTU Hyderabad, Andhra University, and KL University, recognizing his lifelong contribution to engineering and education.
Building a Career Grounded in Learning
Mohan Reddy began his professional journey in 1974 with the DCM Group (Shriram Refrigeration), where he worked on the assembly line for diesel engines. This hands-on exposure to industrial operations instilled in him a deep respect for process discipline and quality.
He later worked with MICO Bosch, HCL, and OMC Computers, steadily expanding his understanding of manufacturing, technology, and leadership. By the time he became Managing Director of OMC Computers, Mohan Reddy had developed a sharp business acumen and an ability to anticipate global trends.
These experiences became the groundwork for a bold vision that would soon redefine India’s role in the global technology landscape.
BVR Mohan Reddy: Founding of Cyient – “Engineered in India, for the World”
In 1991, when India was taking its first steps toward economic liberalization, Mohan Reddy took an audacious leap. He founded Infotech Enterprises, which would later become Cyient, with a simple but powerful idea — to provide high-quality engineering services to global clients.
At a time when “Made in India” was not yet a recognized standard in engineering, he championed the concept of “Engineered in India.” Under his leadership, Cyient grew from a small startup into a multinational corporation serving Fortune 100 companies and contributing over $5 billion in cumulative exports.
Cyient’s success was not just commercial. It represented the triumph of Indian technical talent, precision, and innovation. Mohan Reddy proved that India could lead in complex engineering services, from aerospace and telecommunications to transportation and utilities.
Leadership Beyond Business
Mohan Reddy’s influence has extended far beyond Cyient. He has played a transformative role in shaping India’s technology ecosystem.
He served as the Chairman of NASSCOM (2014–15) and has been part of its Executive Council since 2003, where he guided policy initiatives that strengthened India’s IT and engineering sectors. As Chairman of CII (Southern Region) and Vice Chairman of CII Andhra Pradesh, he actively promoted industrial growth and entrepreneurship.
BVR Mohan Reddy is also one of the Founding Directors of T-Hub, India’s largest startup incubator, which has nurtured hundreds of emerging technology companies.
Championing Education and Innovation
A firm believer that education is the foundation of national development, BVR Mohan Reddy has devoted significant time and energy to building and guiding academic institutions.
BVR Mohan Reddy serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Hyderabad and IIT Roorkee, helping these institutions strengthen their global presence and research excellence. He also contributes to several educational boards, including the Leadership Advisory Board at the University of Michigan, NIIT University, and IIIT Hyderabad’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Through these efforts, Mohan Reddy continues to inspire a new generation of engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to think globally while contributing meaningfully to India’s progress.
Awards and Recognition
Over the decades, Mohan Reddy’s contributions have earned him national and international acclaim. Among his many honors are:
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Padma Shri Award (2017) for Trade and Industry
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Golden Peacock Award for Lifetime Achievement
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ASME Distinguished Leadership Award
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Geospatial Hall of Fame (GWF 2022)
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Outstanding Entrepreneur Award (Ernst & Young, 1999)
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Hyderabad Management Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2015)
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HYSEA Outstanding Contribution Award (1997)
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24th ICSI Lifetime Achievement Award
Each recognition symbolizes not only his business success but his commitment to excellence, ethics, and nation-building.