Aur kya chal raha hai? Som Mittal #JeenaIssiKaNaamHain
It’s his signature question. Whether you’re meeting him for the first time or the tenth, Som Mittal’s “Aur kya chal raha hai?” is never just small talk. It’s a loaded question, asked with a twinkle in his eye and a genuine curiosity that can catch you off guard. You answer, he listens, and somehow, he just knows.
Som Mittal, former President of NASSCOM, is one of those rare leaders who transformed not just an organization but the people around him. Every NASSCOM President has taken the institution to the next level, but Mr. Mittal faced an unprecedented challenge even before stepping into office. The industry’s once soaring double-digit growth was faltering. There was no playbook, no roadmap — so he had to write one, in the midst of a storm, supported by a deeply committed team.
The first time I met him was during NILF 2006, late one evening, as he moved swiftly between meetings. The late Sunil Mehta grabbed my arm and made a quick introduction. “Mr. Mittal, meet Avi.” I expected a polite nod and a quick exit. Instead, he shook my hand and immediately took an interest in what I did at NASSCOM. I told him about our newly launched EMERGE forum and our mission to support the next wave of software product innovators. That was Som Mittal — he didn’t just hear you; he truly listened. I would later realize that his ability to deeply connect with people wasn’t a leadership tactic. It was simply who he was.
When he took over as NASSCOM President in 2008, he shifted base from Bangalore to Delhi NCR. Around the same time, the media relentlessly targeted him over a horrific incident that had occurred while he was at HP. Because he was heading APAC, his name was unfairly dragged into the coverage, insinuating a direct responsibility that was neither fair nor true. The attacks were relentless, the headlines merciless, all in the name of selling news.
Most people would have crumbled under the weight of such scrutiny. But Som Mittal? He stood firm. The smile never faded, the warmth never wavered. I watched him closely during this time — how he navigated pressure with grace, how he remained focused amid the noise, how he led with quiet resilience. It was a masterclass in leadership, one that I absorbed and have carried with me ever since.
Once he settled into his role, he invited me to his office. He was genuinely excited about EMERGE and, in the years that followed, would become one of its biggest champions. If Mr. Karnik helped us breathe life into the forum, Mr. Mittal ensured it grew into its next phase. Coming from a global corporate giant, he had a keen eye for efficiency — whether it was optimizing office spaces for collaboration or ensuring new leaders brought fresh, innovative thinking to the table. He was receptive, open, and always prepared.
Preparation was, in fact, one of his defining traits. Before any meeting, he would dig deep, gathering every relevant detail. He would engage with leaders like Sangeeta Gupta to get research-backed insights. Every discussion he led was grounded in data, and I learned the value of extreme preparation from watching him.
He also had a rare storytelling ability — one that didn’t rely on theatrics. Give him a few key points, and he’d weave them into a compelling narrative, effortlessly capturing attention. And yet, what set him apart wasn’t just his ability to communicate but the way he made people feel.
Years ago, when I built my home, I invited him for the housewarming ceremony. It was more of a courtesy than an expectation — I never thought he’d actually come. But he did. And not just to make an appearance. He engaged in heartfelt conversation with my father, to the extent that it felt like a parent-teacher meeting. My kids still fondly remember that day. That’s Som Mittal — making people feel valued, not just as colleagues, but as human beings.
At NASSCOM offsites, he was one of us. During breakout sessions, while others might have stepped out for calls, he stayed, participated, and contributed like any team member. He also had a sharp eye for recognizing contributions. Knowing my reluctance to step forward during presentations, he always ensured I got the recognition I deserved. That, too, was a lesson — leaders don’t just lead; they lift others up.
Then came a moment in my life that I deeply regretted. At the behest of a few, I carelessly shared sensitive information about NASSCOM’s internal operations — data that mapped value creation. The press got hold of it from another source I had trusted, twisted the narrative, and the blowback landed squarely on Mr. Mittal.
I should have been more responsible. The weight of that mistake sat heavily on me. And just like that, a cherished bond vanished. For almost four years, we didn’t speak.
Then, one day, my phone rang. It was Mr. Mittal.
He started with, “Avinash…” before realizing he had called the wrong Avinash — he was trying to reach his banker, who happened to share my name. The moment I clarified, he chuckled and, in true Som Mittal fashion, asked, “Aur kya chal raha hai?”
I was shaken. Embarrassed. I immediately began apologizing, but what happened next revealed the depth of his character.
He cut me off. “Avinash, are you happy?” he asked. “I want you to be happy. I have moved on, and so should you.”
That was it. No grudge. No bitterness. Just grace.
A year later, at IIC, we had a small gathering of NASSCOM leaders. He was there. I walked up to him, still carrying the guilt, and tried to apologize once more. He simply clasped my hand and said, “Avinash, never again bring up this topic. It’s important to move on in life.”
If graciousness had a name, it would be Som Mittal.
I have seen him remain calm and smiling in the middle of a storm. I don’t know how he does it. But I do know this: the next generation of leaders would do well to take a page from his book.
Mr. Mittal, thank you for everything. Sharing space with you has been an honor. Wishing you great health always.
