In the vast and dynamic world of technology, few stories are as inspiring as that of Rao Remala. As the first Indian to be hired by Microsoft in 1981, Remala’s journey from a small village in Andhra Pradesh to the forefront of the tech industry is a testament to determination, talent, and the power of education.
Rao Remala: From Humble Beginnings to Academic Excellence
Rao Remala was born in T. Kothapalem village, Nagayalanka Mandalam, in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Growing up in a peasant family in a village with limited health and education infrastructure, no electricity, no running water, and no sanitation system, Remala faced significant challenges.
Despite these hardships, he exhibited an exceptional aptitude for math and science, leading him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from NIT Warangal. His academic journey continued with a master’s degree in Computer Science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
The First Indian at Microsoft
After completing his education, Rao Remala began his career at DCM’s Computer R&D center and later moved to Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL). His big break came in 1981 when he accepted a job at Microsoft. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see him become one of the lead developers of the first version of Microsoft Windows.
Remala’s arrival at Microsoft was a significant milestone not just for him but also for the company, as he was among its first 50 employees and the first South Asian hire.
Working closely with Bill Gates, Rao Remala contributed to the development of several key products, including BASIC, COBOL Compiler, Windows 1.0, Windows 2.0, OLE 1.0, OLE 2.0, Office 95, and Office 97. His roles at Microsoft ranged from individual contributor to Group Manager, Product Unit Manager, and ultimately, Director.
Building Windows and Beyond
During his 21-year tenure at Microsoft, Rao Remala played a crucial role in shaping the personal computing industry. His work on the early versions of Windows helped lay the foundation for the operating system that would go on to dominate the global market. Reporting directly to Bill Gates, Remala’s contributions were instrumental in transforming Microsoft from a small startup into a tech giant.
A Commitment to Philanthropy
Despite his professional success, Remala never forgot his roots. Driven by a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities he received, he, along with his wife Satya, established the Satya & Rao Remala Foundation in 1998. The foundation was inspired by Remala’s humble beginnings and Satya’s parents, who were dedicated to serving their community in Eluru, India.
The Satya & Rao Remala Foundation focuses on breaking the generational cycles of poverty by supporting educational opportunities and access to healthcare, primarily in India and Washington state. Their daughters, Srilakshmi and Srilata, have joined them in this mission, bringing their own professional expertise to the foundation’s grantmaking efforts.
Empowering Communities Through Education and Healthcare
The foundation’s work spans a wide range of programs aimed at providing direct services to underserved populations and fostering systemic change. By prioritizing education and healthcare, the Remala family seeks to create lasting impacts in the communities they serve.
Their efforts include funding scholarships, supporting schools, and improving healthcare facilities, thereby giving individuals the tools they need to improve their lives.