Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani reveals why he 'rebelled' against his father as a teenager

In a candid conversation with LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani shared a pivotal moment from his early life — choosing IIT Bombay over IIT Madras despite his father’s wishes. Nilekani described this decision as a "small act of rebellion" during his formative years, shedding light on his journey towards becoming a leader in India’s tech and digital revolution.

A Family Debate Over Education

Born in Bengaluru in the 1950s, Nilekani grew up in a time when career options in India were largely confined to engineering or medicine. “Since I didn’t want to be a doctor, I opted for engineering,” he said. His father, who held an “insecure” job, was keen for him to pursue a stable career and recommended IIT Madras, specifying chemical engineering. Nilekani, however, had other plans.

“At 18, you are a rebel,” he shared. He recounted receiving a telegram from his father that read: “Join IIT Madras, chemical engineering.” Ignoring the directive, Nilekani chose electrical engineering at IIT Bombay, stating, “If I wanted to do engineering, it had to be a good school, and IIT Bombay was the best school.”

Early Career and Infosys Beginnings

Nilekani earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from IIT Bombay, which set the stage for his illustrious career. His professional journey began at Patni Computer Systems in Mumbai, where he met Narayana Murthy, who would later co-found Infosys with him and five other engineers. This collaboration gave rise to one of India’s most successful tech companies, transforming the country’s global standing in IT services.

A Legacy of Innovation

Reflecting on his decision to stand firm on his choice, Nilekani’s story underscores the value of self-determination and the importance of pursuing one’s aspirations. Today, Nilekani is celebrated not only for his role in establishing Infosys but also for his contributions to India’s digital infrastructure, including the Aadhaar initiative.

His story serves as an inspiration for young professionals navigating career decisions and balancing familial expectations with personal goals.