Curtains to come down tomorrow on NRN's first innings in Infosys

Bangalore, Aug 19 (UNI) For Mr N R Narayana Murthy, tomorrow would mark the end of an illustrious first innings in IT bellwether Infosys Technologies Limited when he would step down as its Executive Chairman on his attaining superannuation.

However, in his second innings from August 21, he would function as its Non-Executive Chairman and Chief Mentor. The Nasdaq-listed firm, while inducting him as an additional Director on the Board after his retirement, had kept the Executive Chairman's post vacant.

In keeping with the company's policy, he would relinquish his executive post, paving the way for company Managing Director Nandan M Nilekani to take on the mantle.

Mr Murthy had reached the pinnacle of fame after Infosys, which he co-founded with six others in 1981 with a meagre Rs 10,000 each, etched its name in the global IT map.

It had been a long journey for both Mr Murthy and Infosys, which had become the country's second largest software exporter with revenues in excess of two billion dollars and over 58,000 employees on its rolls.

But, for Mr Murthy, life would be the same even after retirement, with hectic schedules and overseas visits being the order of the day.

''I will continue to do what I have been doing. I am already on the board of some companies...I have joined some more. I travel abroad 20 to 22 days a month, I will continue to do that,'' he told UNI here.

The IT czar ruled out nurturing another entrepreneurial venture, saying Infosys would continue to be his first and last love. He was also averse to enter politics as he considered it a too complex canvass for him.

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