Born to Mohan R Nilekani, Nandan's father was a manager in Minerva Mills, and Nandan spent his early childhood in Bangalore, studying at the elitist Bishop Cotton Boys School. However Mohan's job was transferable, often taking him to small towns. So at age twelve Nandan was packed off to live with his uncle for four years. In Dharwad he joined St Joseph's an SSC school. "That was the first turning point in my life. At 12, I learnt to become independent," he reminisces, "I had moved from a big city to a small town. And from living with my parents, I moved in with my uncle and his family.
He was born on 2 June 1955, the second and last son, to Mohan R Nilekani. Nandan's father was a manager in Minerva Mills, and Nandan spent his early childhood in Bangalore, studying at the elitist Bishop Cotton Boys School. His father was his role model and Nandan had an intellectually stimulating childhood, where family conversations centered on issues like global warming.
However Mohan's job was transferable, often taking him to small towns. So at age twelve Nandan was packed off to live with his uncle for four years. In Dharwad he joined St Joseph's an SSC school. "That was the first turning point in my life. At 12, I learnt to become independent," he reminisces, "I had moved from a big city to a small town. And from living with my parents, I moved in with my uncle and his family. In fact, my upbringing has helped me open my mind in dealing with multiple situations."
It was Nandan's independent streak and thirst for knowledge that prompted him to apply to IIT. Being a good student Nandan had no problems getting in. Then in July 1973, this gawky 18 year old from a small town, first stepped into the sophisticated world of Mumbai. This was the second turning point in his life. "I was in awe of everything around me. Five years later, I had the experience and confidence to face the world," he says.
Nandan is extremely conscious of IIT's contribution to his life. He recalls how the wonder years, instilled in him a code of conduct that shaped his life, and how he learnt the importance of meritocracy, unbiased decision making, team work and hard work.
At IIT Nandan cultivated his leadership qualities. He was the general secretary of student affairs organizing student cultural festivals like Mood Indigo and participating in inter-collegiate quiz contests. It was at one of these events that he met Rohini who is now his wife. Today he is the single largest donor to his alma mater, having already given Rs240mn with no conditions attached, except that the money be used wisely.
After graduating in the late 1970s Nandan approached NR Narayana Murthy, the head of sales of Patni Computer Systems for a job. Their chemistry clicked and Murthy hired him right away. A couple of years later Murthy decided to quit Patni and start his own company. Braving family criticism, Nandan signed on with Murthy without a second thought. "I was too young to know any better," he laughs.
Along with four friends, pooling Rs10,000 each, Infosys was born on 2 July 1981 in Murthy's small Pune flat. Headquarters shifted to Bangalore in 1983. While Murthy anchored the company in Bangalore, from 1981 to 1987 Nandan was in the US assisting and programming for clients and clinching deals. "We lived on a shoe string salary abroad. We had to share an apartment with others and we couldn't afford a car," he reminisces. Infosys, or Infy as it is listed on Nasdaq, has come a long way since then. For Nandan the Nasdaq listing in 1999 was his most satisfying moment.
Source : MoneyControl
He was born on 2 June 1955, the second and last son, to Mohan R Nilekani. Nandan's father was a manager in Minerva Mills, and Nandan spent his early childhood in Bangalore, studying at the elitist Bishop Cotton Boys School. His father was his role model and Nandan had an intellectually stimulating childhood, where family conversations centered on issues like global warming.
However Mohan's job was transferable, often taking him to small towns. So at age twelve Nandan was packed off to live with his uncle for four years. In Dharwad he joined St Joseph's an SSC school. "That was the first turning point in my life. At 12, I learnt to become independent," he reminisces, "I had moved from a big city to a small town. And from living with my parents, I moved in with my uncle and his family. In fact, my upbringing has helped me open my mind in dealing with multiple situations."
It was Nandan's independent streak and thirst for knowledge that prompted him to apply to IIT. Being a good student Nandan had no problems getting in. Then in July 1973, this gawky 18 year old from a small town, first stepped into the sophisticated world of Mumbai. This was the second turning point in his life. "I was in awe of everything around me. Five years later, I had the experience and confidence to face the world," he says.
Nandan is extremely conscious of IIT's contribution to his life. He recalls how the wonder years, instilled in him a code of conduct that shaped his life, and how he learnt the importance of meritocracy, unbiased decision making, team work and hard work.
At IIT Nandan cultivated his leadership qualities. He was the general secretary of student affairs organizing student cultural festivals like Mood Indigo and participating in inter-collegiate quiz contests. It was at one of these events that he met Rohini who is now his wife. Today he is the single largest donor to his alma mater, having already given Rs240mn with no conditions attached, except that the money be used wisely.
After graduating in the late 1970s Nandan approached NR Narayana Murthy, the head of sales of Patni Computer Systems for a job. Their chemistry clicked and Murthy hired him right away. A couple of years later Murthy decided to quit Patni and start his own company. Braving family criticism, Nandan signed on with Murthy without a second thought. "I was too young to know any better," he laughs.
Along with four friends, pooling Rs10,000 each, Infosys was born on 2 July 1981 in Murthy's small Pune flat. Headquarters shifted to Bangalore in 1983. While Murthy anchored the company in Bangalore, from 1981 to 1987 Nandan was in the US assisting and programming for clients and clinching deals. "We lived on a shoe string salary abroad. We had to share an apartment with others and we couldn't afford a car," he reminisces. Infosys, or Infy as it is listed on Nasdaq, has come a long way since then. For Nandan the Nasdaq listing in 1999 was his most satisfying moment.
Source : MoneyControl