Lasting Rose

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"When I walked out of Infosys on August 20, 2011, I did not in my wildest dreams imagine that I will be back here in an executive capacity". These words captured a million hearts across the globe when Mr. Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy, decided to take over the leadeship of IT giant Infosys yet again, the pioneer in IT revolution in India. Why?
Not just for Infoscions, not just for IT professionals, for thousands of Indians, Narayan Murthy was a huge inspiration as a leader, as a torch-bearer, and above all as a visionary. When he decided to call it a day at Infosys in 2011, many people described it as a loss for the mammoth industry. His decision to step aside was to bring new genes and experience from different sectors of work to impart extra vigor and zeal to the company which was at the threshold of losing its shine. He cautiously took the decision as a leader and decided that the inevitable, long delayed metamorphosis should be brought in.
Though he was still in the ship as Chairman Emeritus, his other responsibility which he took for the society and other establishments restrained his availability towards his "middle child". During this period of two years when he detached himself from the firm, which he started with the help of his like minded friends by taking a loan of Rs.10,000 from his wife was going through the toughest phase. Stocks fell unconditionally. All the fiscal quarters were alarming. "It's a dream team. I'm leaving it in safe hands," was what N R Narayana Murthy said when he retired from Infosys in 2011. He was referring in particular to K V Kamath, his successor in the chairman's position, Kris Gopalakrishnan, the executive co-chairman , and S D Shibulal, CEO & MD. But, unfortunately, the dream team ran out of ideas to bring the company to a strong platform.
Hence, at this juncture, its really interesting to know how Mr. NRN Murthy can steer the ship. And more interestingly why Mr. Murthy?
Mr. Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy, as the pioneer of the industry, has seen all the turbulent current at it's gestation period. It was his initiative which triggered many entrepreneurs and big business establishments to set up their companies in the software industry. His visionary steps in establishing and outsourcing, were thousand steps ahead when compared to India's foreign policies then. His ideas on Global village for IT companies and special zone for enhanced work environment created a new wave in all sectors of society including real estate, retail, transportation et al. He was the person who created a new breed in the society, corporate. He was the reason for raising the bar of living standard of urban india to a larger extent. More than the founder of Infosys, Mr. Murthy was the face of Modern India, who inspired millions of indians to change, the way they thought, the life they lived and the dreams they dreamt.
His entry into the society with the new industry, was at a very crucial phase. Unemployment was at its helm and only a job in the government sector was considered as a job in the society. A job in the private sector was never appreciated in Indian families. And moreover, an engineer was someone who would construct a bridge or a building or work in any rig in Gulf country or somebody who would work in an electricity office. An idea of learning computers and becoming an engineer was very far for decision makers in the family. But, no mountains could stop this glacier and it melted and took everyone with it's wave. It was Mr. Murthy with the willpower of his patrons, which made India shine in the global arena.
Hence, it's very important to be Mr. Murthy, Mr. Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy. The man who steered the most lucrative industry in the job sector, the man who faced mountain hurdles in foreign and national policies, the man who created sophisticated middle class society and above all the pioneer who saw India twenty years ahead.
Today, when the ship has hit the rock, it's his visionary ideology and superior management resolutions that can come for rescue. Rohan Murthy, his son, who holds a doctorate in computer science from Harward, will assist him in his tenure of next five years. S Gopalakrishnan would be re-designated Executive Vice Chairman effective June 1, 2013 and would primarily focus on key client relationships and broader industry issues. S D Shibulal would continue to be the Managing Director and CEO.
And, for a man who could change the the way the society thought, its not a tough task to bring back the shine and luster and reinforce the faith of it's investors. Hence at 67, it's very very important to be Mr. Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy.

NB: During his five year term, unlike other corporate team, Murthy and the above team would draw a token compensation of Rupee One per year.