On Friday 19 July, Narayana Murthy was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science, (Honoris Causa), by Royal Holloway for his outstanding contribution to the field of Computer Science and the role model he represents in India and on the global stage.

Narayana Murthy

The ceremony was held at the university’s campus in Egham, Surrey, where Narayana was joined by students from the Department of Computer Science who received their relevant undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates in the field of Computer Science.

Narayana co-founded Infosys, which today is a global leader in technology services and consulting and employs 70,000 people globally. It has $3billion in revenues. 

When Narayana founded Infosys in 1981, its focus was on designing and implementing a Global Delivery Model for IT services which relied on outsourced staff based in India. Between 1981 and his retirement in 2006,  he expanded the company’s services and client base to include consulting, systems integration, software development and product engineering services all delivered on a global scale. When Infosys joined the NASDAQ in 1999 it was the first Indian company to be listed on the America stock exchange.

Narayana’s achievements have been recognised around the world. In 2007, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and in 2008 he was awarded the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit.  Also in 2008, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award.

Currently Narayana serves on the Ford Foundation Board of Trustees. His other affiliations include the United Nations Foundation, the Institute of Advanced Study, and the National Institute of Engineering. He is also chair of the Boards of Governors of the Public Health Foundation of India, a presidential councillor of Cornell University and a beneficiary of the Hober Marlow Trust.

Speaking of his award, Narayana said: “It is a great privilege to receive this award and I am grateful to Royal Holloway for recognising me in this way.

“I am honoured to be joining this new generation as they graduate. They are each about to take their next steps in what I hope will be productive and positive careers. 

“Their potential, combined with the knowledge and skills they have gained through their studies, fills me with hope and excitement for our future, and the positive difference they can make in our world.”

Royal Holloway summer graduation ceremonies took place between 15 and 19 July 2019.