Wanted to create Infosys as microcosm that didn’t suffer from inequity, discrimination: Narayana Murthy

“While I did not expect to address every challenge of our society in my Infosys journey, I hoped to create a microcosm that did not suffer from the injustice, inequity, discrimination, and unfairness of the society that I had seen or experienced around me when growing up. I wanted to create a company of the professional, by the professional, and for the professional as Abraham Lincoln defined a democracy. I wanted this corporate child of mine to be an expression of the best that the corporate world and the society could offer,” N R Narayana Murthy added in his address.

This, to him, has been the Infosys he dreamt from the day he first discussed it with his then friend and, today, his wife in 1977, he stated.

“Even today, my undying passion burns bright for these ideals that have made Infosys special. My dream for Infosys has never been just that of a mere profit-making machine. But rather, an experiment and a demonstration of social change for the betterment of my country. Infosys has been an umbrella offering shelter to many who shared the same belief,” Murthy said.

“How you behave when you are on top and have power and wealth is your true character. In such moments, grace, courtesy, and humility shown to others reveal the real you,” he added.

Following the tradition started since 1974, the IIMA held its 58th annual convocation at the famous Louis Kahn Plaza.

Addressing the gathering, Pankaj R Patel, Chairperson, IIMA Board of Governors, said, “The expectations from you are many. Take this knowledge that you have learned through your academic pursuits and keep building on them and sharing them whenever opportunity presents itself. A defining feature of any advanced learning experience is the diversity of thoughts and process of inquiry that it stimulates.”

In his concluding address, Prof Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA said, “Always remember that you are now part of the illustrious network of IIM Ahmedabad alumni who have made a mark across various walks of life.”

A total of 597 students graduated from IIMA this year, with 380 from the two year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP); 48 from the two year Post Graduate Programme in Food and Agribusiness Management (PGP-FABM); 140 from one year Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (PGPX) and 29 from the Ph.D. Programme in Management (PhD).