'If he asked me to jump off the cliff, I would...': Nandan Nilekani on his first meeting with Narayana Murthy

Published On : 2024-11-28T15:04:12+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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The Indian IT industry a cornerstone of the country's modern economic growth owes much to the fortuitous meeting of two visionaries Nandan Nilekani and Narayana Murthy in 1978. This pivotal encounter at Patni Computer Systems in Pune marked the beginning of a transformative partnership that would give rise to Infosys

Nandan Nilekan’s meeting with Narayana Murthy at Patni Computer Systems “I would have done anything...”: Nandan Nilekan’s meeting

“I would have done anything...”: Nandan Nilekan’s meeting with Narayana Murthy at Patni Computer Systems

In 1978 Nandan Nilekani a recent electrical engineering graduate from IIT Bombay found himself at a crossroads. Illness had derailed his plans for graduate studies abroad leaving him uncertain about his next steps. It was during this period of exploration that he encountered Patni Computer Systems a pioneer

At Patni’s modest Pune office Nilekani met Narayana Murthy who was leading the software division. This meeting would prove life-changing. Nilekani later described Murthy as an ambitious leader with the ability to set inspiring goals.

Narayana Murthy's unconventional job offer to Nandan NilekaniNarayana Murthy's unconventional job offer to Nandan Nilekani

Narayana Murthy’s unconventional job offer to Nandan Nilekani.

During their meeting Murthy posed problem-solving questions to Nilekani. “Fortunately I managed to answer them correctly,” Nilekani said. Impressed by the young graduate’s analytical skills Murthy offered him a job on the spot.

For Nilekani this was not just a job—it was an entry point into the burgeoning world of computing that was rapidly evolving in the late 1970s. This experience laid the groundwork for the eventual founding of Infosys where Nilekani became one of the six co-founders.

The Path to Patni: A story of rebellion and serendipity

Nilekani’s journey to this pivotal moment was shaped by a mix of rebellion and circumstance. Years earlier he defied his father’s wish for him to join IIT Madras opting instead for IIT Bombay to pursue electrical engineering.

How Nilekani and Murthy built InfosysHow Nilekani and Murthy built Infosys

How Nilekani and Murthy built Infosys?

In 1981 just a few years after their initial meeting Nilekani and Murthy co-founded Infosys along with four other colleagues. Their shared vision was to create a company that could leverage India’s burgeoning talent pool to provide software solutions to global clients

Under Murthy’s leadership and Nilekani’s strategic acumen Infosys grew from a small startup into a multinational corporation symbolizing the rise of India as an IT powerhouse. The company became a leader in outsourcing and software services employing thousands and inspiring generations of

Legacy of vision and innovation

Today the story of Nilekani and Murthy serves as a testament to how chance encounters combined with vision and determination can lead to transformative outcomes. Nilekani’s admiration for Murthy’s leadership continues to resonate.

This historic partnership not only launched Infosys but also contributed significantly to India's reputation as a global IT hub. It stands as a reminder of the power of mentorship, ambition and shared goals in shaping industries and

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Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles

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