IT world leader and visionary recognised by Australia's Monash University

Mr N.R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman and Chief Mentor, Infosys Technologies Limited – India is to receive the Honorary Degree of the Doctor of Engineering honoris causa from Australia's Monash University.

Monash University Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel and Vice-Chancellor Professor EdByrne will confer the honorary degree at a ceremony at the University's Clayton campus in Melbourne this month. Mr Narayana Murthy will also present the inaugural Richard Larkins Oration.

Mr Murthy is the Founder-Chairman of Infosys Technologies Limited, a global software consulting company headquartered in Bangalore, India, established in 1981.He articulated, designed and implemented the Global Delivery Model which has become the foundation for the huge success in IT services outsourcing from India.

The Dean of Engineering at Monash University, Professor Tam Sridhar said, “Mr. Murthy has had a remarkable career, starting off from a humble garage in Bangalore to build a large, recognised and respected international brand. He is symbolic of a new and resurgent India that has delivered societal prosperity on the basis of significant intellectual capital. Monash University thanks Mr Murthy and honours him with this doctorate.

”The Economist ranked Narayana Murthy among the ten most admired global business leaders in 2005 and he topped the Economic Times list of India’s most powerful CEOs in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He is also the Chair of the Research Advisory Council of The IITB-Monash Research Academy, a joint venture between the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Monash University.

According to Professor Mohan Krishnamoorthy, CEO of IITB-Monash, " Mr Murthy is widely recognised as a man of enormous integrity, significant achievements and remarkable humility, and has brought these qualities to his leadership of the IITB Monash collaboration, as chair of the Advisory Board. This award is recognition for Mr Murthy’s tremendous contributions to India and to society at large, through his large vision, drive for innovation and passion to bring about transformation and change.

”Mr Peter Varghese, Australian High Commissioner to India supported Monash University’s recognition of Mr Murthy. He said “I congratulate Mr Narayana Murthyon this honour. As Chair of the IITB-Monash Research Advisory Council, Mr. Murthy has been a dedicated and long-time supporter of both Indian and Australian science.With the support of the Australia India Strategic Research Fund, IITB-Monash Research Academy has become a showcase for collaboration between Australian and Indian Institutions in the field of scientific research and development, and Mr Murthy is well deserving of the recognition conferred with this Honorary Degree.

”Mr Murthy said he was honoured to be receiving the Doctorate from MonashUniversity and was pleased to accept the opportunity to present the oration.

"I am also deeply honoured to be giving the inaugural Richard Larkins Oration in Melbourne. I have had a long and pleasant relationship with Australia and its wonderful people. I have been associated with the investments that Monash University is making in India in the R&D and innovation sector in partnership with IIT Bombay. Therefore, to receive this recognition from Monash University, one of Australia's top educational institutions is a privilege for me,” Mr Murthy said.

The Richard Larkins Oration is named after the former Vice-Chancellor of Monash University, Emeritus Professor Richard Larkins AO, who retired from the position in 2009. The oration is named in recognition of Professor Larkins’ achievements as an educator, researcher and community leader.

As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Larkins passionately advocated Monash University’s mission to improve the human condition by advancing knowledge and fostering creativity in communities around the world. In keeping with this, the Richard Larkins Oration provides an opportunity for a distinguished member of the international community to speak about the great challenges of our time and how we might address them.

Dr Alan Finkel AM, Chancellor and Professor Ed Byrne AO, Vice-Chancellor and President have extended an invitation to the University's staff and students to attend the doctorate ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Tuesday 10 May, 2011 at 11.30am (AEDST) Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University Clayton Campus.

For more information, contact Samantha Blair, Media & Communications,

Monash University +61 39903 4841.