Dr. Durga Prakash Devarakonda
Indian born Global Pioneer of Digital Platforms
Dr. Durga Prakash Devarakonda is a classic Indian success story – Born in rural Andhra Pradesh, he went on to create a record as the youngest Indian to complete all Microsoft @prakashdurgad certifications at the age of 21, even receiving an award of appreciation from Bill Gates himself. In the next 25 years, he pioneered Digital Solutions in Senior Leadership Roles across various Global Conglomerates, and today, he’s paying it all back by sharing his insights with the society at large. “I have a passion for People and Technology, and a burning desire to promote Indian Talent on Global grounds,” he reveals.
Dr. Devarakonda’s story (or DP as he’s fondly known as) began in South India. He lost his father when he was just one year old. His mother, who had studied till 5th grade, became a pensioner. With limited scope, he studied in local medium and government schools with guidance from his three elder brothers. Academically brilliant, he managed to complete his Electrical Engineering and later went to Udupi for a Master’s degree in Information Technology.
At the young age of 21, when digital technology in India was still in a nascent stage, DP had completed every possible computer exam and certification. He soon got a call from Europe to be part of JD Edwards ERP Development and worked with the world’s largest Re-Insurance form MunichRE, developing endto-end software for their Reinsurance business. His name became synonymous in the Global Reinsurance Industry as he built some of the most complex algorithms to predict the risk to underwrite any possible risk, irrespective of insurance that the MNCs were offering.
His passion for Mathematics and Critical Thinking was recognised by top European authorities. He spent the next 25 years in Senior Leadership Roles with Global MNCs such as CapGemini, Oracle, Accenture, Tech Mahindra, and Temenos.
DP gained Global acclaim when he built platforms that solved the toughest problems of the world and provided comfort to both businesses and individuals. His expertise to build Software Platforms in a wide range of Consumer, Retail, Banking and Healthcare segments made him unique. And his ability to understand the core business and solve difficult problems became his defining characteristics.
Today, he is a Member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Staff Vice President Technology, at Legato Health Inc (Anthem’s India based Global Capability Centre). He is leading the Artificial Intelligence and Innovative Digital Platforms for the fortune 23 US Healthcare firm. “There is ample room for Digital and AI Platforms in Global Healthcare. This opportunity is a multi-trillion opportunity,” he tells us.
As a veritable Thought Leader and Speaker, what drives DP to constant innovation? “Solving bigger problems that impact billions of lives and working with ordinary people who can deliver extraordinary results. My passion is to drive value from India and solve world problems with Indian Intellectual Talent,” he states.
Having played such a leading role in expanding technology across the country and globe, DP has been honoured at the biggest international podiums: Asia’s Most Influential Business Leader 2022 by Asia One Magazine; Forbes India’s Tycoons of Tomorrow 2022; Global Achievers Forum Award 2021; GCC Visionary Award 2021; and Mahatma Gandhi International Leadership Award from the UK Parliament in 2018.
Clearly, he is a towering personality among the 5 million IT Professionals we have in India. On being coaxed, he shares his contribution to the industry: “In the last 25 years, I have directly created more than 20,000 highly paid Software Engineering jobs in India, and guided thousands of people towards a better career. I also worked with many schools, colleges and universities to help them navigate this complex world with the right curriculum
and global exposure. For instance, I was the key person for designing some high-end leadership and business analytics courses for a leading Global Indian business school. I have also guided several top notch Business and Engineering schools in India and abroad,” he says.
A high-powered yet simple leader, we ask DP to leave us with a message for our readers, and he gladly obliged: “Our potential is what we think we can not achieve. Fortune always favors a prepared mind. As long as you have the patience to keep trying, your victory is guaranteed. Trust yourself, find a good mentor, and be your best version every day. After all, outcome and accomplishments are a function of focus, time investment, consistency and patience.”
