Nandan Nilekani recalls first meeting with Ratan Tata at Infosys Bengaluru: 'Struck by his humility'

Billionaire Nandan Nilekani on Monday recalled his first meeting with Ratan Tata in 2001 during the late industrialist's visit to the Infosys headquarters in Bengaluru. The co-founder of the tech giant paid tribute to Tata -- who died on October 9 -- and said that it was a privilege to be associated with him.

"I first met Ratan Tata on his visit to Infosys in 2001. I was struck by his humility, grace, and generosity," Nilekani wrote on X. "Many years later he invited me to co-found Avanti Finance -- a financial inclusion platform for the next 100 million unserved and underserved households. It was a pleasure and privilege to associate with him! Farewell, Ratan."

He also shared a video created by Infosys to honour the legendary industrialist. In several of the pictures featured in the video, Ratan Tata shared the frame with Infosys co-founders Narayana Murthy, Mohandas Pai, and Nilekani.

The video also featured a photo of the visitors book at Infosys signed by Tata. "A wonderful and invigorating experience," he wrote describing his visit. "A sight of 'the new India'."

In its tribute, the software giant wrote that during his visit to Bengaluru 23 years ago, Ratan Tata had planted a Tabebuia Rosea in the campus. "The plant has grown into a tree today, and so has our shared purpose and vision. His legacy continues to inspire us to pursue growth and innovation, moving the world forward together," it stated.