How a ‘rebellion’ and a meeting with Narayana Murthy shaped India’s IT landscape, reveals Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani
Nandan Nilekani, a fresh graduate from IIT Bombay, was uncertain about his career path. Having missed his graduate school entrance exam due to illness, he sought new opportunities in the rapidly growing computing sector. His search led him to Patni Computer Systems in Pune, where he had a life-changing encounter with Narayana Murthy. This meeting not only kickstarted Nilekani’s career but also laid the foundation for his pivotal role in India’s IT revolution.
The Chance Encounter at Patni Computers
Nandan Nilekani’s first encounter with Narayana Murthy was anything but ordinary. At the time, Patni Computers was a modest firm, and Nilekani was drawn to the company because it specialised in mini-computers, a field that was then gaining momentum. Nilekani recalled his first thoughts: «When I heard about this mini computer company, I said, ‘Wow, this sounds exciting.’» This interest in emerging technology soon led to a significant career opportunity.
Murthy, who was heading the software division at Patni, conducted an unconventional job interview with Nilekani. Rather than focusing on traditional qualifications, Murthy posed a series of problem-solving questions to Nilekani, giving him a chance to demonstrate his skills. Nilekani managed to answer the questions correctly, securing the job and beginning a career that would soon take him to global prominence.
A Professional Relationship That Shaped His Career
Nilekani's professional bond with Narayana Murthy was immediate and deep. Reflecting on the experience, Nilekani
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