New Delhi — In a country once marked by limited access to financial services, millions of Indians today can send and receive money seamlessly with just a few taps on their mobile phones. This monumental transformation in India’s financial landscape bears the imprint of one visionary leader Nandan M. Nilekani, whose digital innovations have redefined the nation’s financial inclusion journey.

As the Co-founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Infosys, Nilekani has been at the forefront of India’s digital revolution. From Aadhaar to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), his leadership has helped build one of the world’s most advanced digital public infrastructures.

Aadhaar: Building the World’s Largest Biometric System

In 2009, Nilekani accepted the challenge of leading the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) an ambitious initiative to provide a digital identity to every Indian resident. Under his stewardship, Aadhaar became the world’s largest biometric identity system, enrolling over 1.3 billion people.

But Aadhaar went far beyond identification. It evolved into the backbone of India’s digital ecosystem, facilitating direct benefit transfers, reducing corruption, and promoting transparency in government services. Its integration with banking services also empowered millions of previously unbanked citizens to access formal financial systems.

“Technology is a great leveler. It has the potential to bring financial services to the masses safely, securely, and affordably,” Nilekani once remarked.

Through Aadhaar-enabled Payment Systems (AePS), rural and remote communities now perform financial transactions effortlessly, marking a major leap toward nationwide financial inclusion.

UPI: Revolutionizing Digital Payments

Building on Aadhaar’s success, Nilekani played a key role in the launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in 2016 a transformative platform that allows real-time money transfers between bank accounts.

With its speed, security, and simplicity, UPI has revolutionized digital payments in India, becoming the preferred choice for individuals and businesses alike. Today, the platform handles over 10 billion transactions each month, positioning India as a global leader in digital finance.

Beyond convenience, UPI symbolizes financial empowerment, enabling every Indian from urban entrepreneurs to rural shopkeepers to participate in the formal economy.

ONDC: Democratizing Digital Commerce

True to his forward-thinking spirit, Nilekani’s latest endeavor, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), seeks to transform how India shops and sells online. Designed as a decentralized digital marketplace, ONDC aims to level the playing field between local retailers and large e-commerce giants.

Still in its early stages, the initiative envisions a future where small merchants gain visibility and competitiveness through open digital infrastructure.

“The future of commerce lies in creating an open, inclusive ecosystem where everyone from the smallest vendors to the largest corporations can thrive,” said Nilekani.

AI Vision: The Next Frontier

As the global focus shifts toward artificial intelligence, Nilekani’s attention has turned to harnessing AI for social good. Recognized by TIME magazine in 2024 as one of the most influential figures shaping AI’s future, he believes the technology can unlock human creativity and help tackle India’s pressing challenges from healthcare to education.

Nilekani advocates for accessible, affordable, and scalable AI solutions, ensuring that innovation remains inclusive and beneficial to all. His vision positions India as a potential world leader in ethical AI adoption.

Philanthropy and Global Recognition

Beyond his technological achievements, Nilekani and his wife Rohini Nilekani have made philanthropy a core part of their mission. As signatories of the Giving Pledge, they have committed to donating half their wealth to causes including education, healthcare, and urban development.

Nilekani’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Padma Bhushan (2006) – One of India’s highest civilian honors.
• Joseph Schumpeter Prize – For innovation in economics and governance.
• Recognition among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2006 and 2009.

These honors underscore his enduring influence on technology, governance, and society.

A Lasting Legacy

From building India’s digital identity infrastructure to empowering millions through cashless payments and open digital commerce, Nandan Nilekani’s contributions have reshaped the nation’s economic narrative.

As India continues its march toward a fully digital future, Nilekani’s leadership rooted in innovation, inclusion, and integrity remains a guiding light. His work stands as a testament to how visionary technology can drive social progress, economic empowerment, and national transformation.