Lost several nights of sleep recently: Narayana Murthy

Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy has said he lost "several nights of sleep" after being accused of violating the company's high standard of business ethics. Mr Murthy's comments are part of Infosys' annual report to the shareholders.

The article, the last from Mr Murthy before he retires as the company's chairman in August is called "Goodbye, folks, March on with values..." Mr Murthy has been the face of Infosys for the last three decades. He will be succeeded by ICICI Bank Chairman KV Kamath.

On his separation from Infosys, Mr Murthy said, "The best analogy that I can think of for this separation between Infosys and me is that of one's daughter getting married and leaving her parents' home."

Tracing the entire Infosys journey, Mr Murthy delves on various themes – from starting the company to the challenges, leadership and finances - in his three page article. Mr Murthy said he was instrumental in every decision of the company - from designing the logo to the company song to the materials used in the various buildings across campuses.

Mentioning the high points in Infosys' journey Mr Murthy said, "The day we convinced our first US customer to close his own operations at SEEPZ and hitch his fortune with ours was a significant milestone for us. The day we won the MICO data center contract, starting as an underdog and going on to differentiate ourselves based on our advanced mathematical modeling competence was a day that boosted our confidence as engineers."

But there were moments of dilemmas and sadness too, Mr Murthy said, "Deliberating all alone on the resignation offer of a co-founder is not something I would wish even upon my enemy."

Mr Murthy also delved extensively on wealth, the company has generated for its employees and shareholders. “Distributing 27 per cent of the company's equity among our employees was a proud moment for those of us who have always considered the idea of sharing wealth to be an important part of our social responsibility," he said.

Mr Murthy said Infosys has given as much as Rs. 50,000 crore (at current stock prices) of stock options to employees.

On his new role as the Chairman-emeritus of the company, Mr Murthy said, "I will always be there to add value if asked."

source: Ndtv Profit