India's journey in Information Technology (IT) has been transformative, evolving from nascent beginnings in the 1970s and 80s to becoming a global IT powerhouse. This development has profoundly reshaped both work culture and society.

Development of Information Technology in India:

1. Early Foundations (1970s-1980s): Initial focus on mainframe computing for government and public sector undertakings. The establishment of institutions like the National Centre for Software Technology (NCST) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) laid the academic groundwork.
2. Liberalization and Export Boom (1990s): Economic liberalization in 1991 opened doors for foreign investment and private sector growth. The Y2K phenomenon provided a massive impetus, showcasing India's software capabilities to the world. The rise of companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL marked the beginning of India's IT services export dominance.
3. Dot-Com Era and BPO/KPO (2000s): The dot-com boom and subsequent bust, while volatile, solidified India's position. The emergence of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors diversified IT services, creating millions of jobs.
4. Digital India and Startup Ecosystem (2010s-Present): Government initiatives like 'Digital India' focused on digital infrastructure, e-governance, and digital literacy. The proliferation of smartphones and affordable internet access fueled a vibrant startup ecosystem, particularly in fintech, e-commerce, and ed-tech. India became a hub for innovation and digital consumption.

Influence on Work Culture:

1. Globalization and Outsourcing: Indian IT companies became integral to global supply chains, leading to a work culture focused on international standards, client-centricity, and 24/7 operations to cater to different time zones.
2. Skill-Based Economy: The IT sector emphasized continuous learning, upskilling, and specialized technical expertise, driving demand for STEM education and professional development.
3. Formalization and Professionalism: The IT industry brought a more structured, meritocratic, and professional work environment compared to traditional sectors, with clear career paths and performance-based appraisals.
4. Remote Work and Gig Economy: Especially post-pandemic, IT has accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work models. This has also fueled the gig economy, offering flexibility but also raising concerns about job security and benefits.
5. Increased Female Participation: While challenges remain, the IT sector has historically offered more opportunities for women in urban areas, contributing to a more diverse workforce.
6. Work-Life Balance Challenges: The demanding nature of the industry, tight deadlines, and global connectivity often lead to extended working hours and blurred lines between personal and professional life.

Influence on Society:

1. Economic Growth and Urbanization: The IT sector has been a significant contributor to India's GDP, driving economic growth and creating numerous direct and indirect jobs. This led to rapid urbanization around IT hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai.
2. Digital Divide: Despite widespread adoption, a significant digital divide persists between urban and rural areas, and between different socio-economic strata, impacting access to opportunities and services.
3. E-Governance and Public Services: IT has enabled e-governance initiatives (e.g., Aadhaar, online tax filing, digital payments), making public services more accessible and transparent, though implementation challenges remain.
4. Education and Healthcare: Digital learning platforms and telemedicine have expanded access to education and healthcare, particularly in remote areas, though quality and infrastructure vary.
5. Social Connectivity and Information Access: Social media and instant messaging have transformed communication, fostering new communities, facilitating information dissemination, and influencing public discourse.
6. Cultural Shifts: Exposure to global work cultures and digital content has influenced youth aspirations, consumption patterns, and social norms, leading to both modernization and concerns about cultural erosion.
7. Privacy and Security Concerns: The increasing reliance on digital platforms has brought forth critical issues of data privacy, cybersecurity, and the spread of misinformation.

In conclusion, the development of IT in India has been a double-edged sword, bringing immense economic prosperity, global recognition, and societal transformation, while also presenting challenges related to inequality, ethical concerns, and the need for continuous adaptation.