Nilekani will head government’s Unique Identification Card project, which aims to provide identity cards to citizens.
Co-founders share memories
Commenting on his resignation, S. Gopalakrishnan, CEO of Infosys, said, “I will be parting with a colleague whom I have known for more than 30 years.”
All the other founders also shared their memories and personal experiences on Nilekani’s last day in the company.
Nilekani’s mother, wife Rohini, daughter and son were also present on the occasion.
Mohandas Pai, member of board of directors and director-HR, said, “I think for a short-term it leaves a void because Nandan knew possibly 60 of the top 100 chief executive officer (CEO) in the world; he has built-up a very personal relationship, he has an unique ability to connect.“
Pai said that before leaving Nilekani made a very pertinent remark, “So far I have been identified because of Infosys. My identity is because of Infosys. From tomorrow I don’t have an identity even though I am supposed to give identity to a billion people because I cannot say I am Infosian.”
A flashback of his career
Nilekani joined Patni Computers after graduating from IIT Bombay and began working under Narayana Murthy. Three years later, in 1981, Infosys was born under the leadership of Murthy and the other co-founders.
Nilekani was CEO and managing director of Infosys from March 2002 to June 2007.
In January 2006, he became one of the youngest entrepreneurs to join 20 global leaders on the World Economic Forum (WEF) Foundation Board.
Nilekani's confessions
Leaving the company, Nilekani said, “It was one of the most difficult decisions but it is for ‘a greater cause’. This was an offer I could not have refused.
"The cause here is so large that it is worth leaving my comfort zone. The Prime Minister has mandated me to roll out UIDs benchmarked to the best in the world.”
