Narayanamurthy bags E&Y award

Mumbai: N R Narayanamurthy, chairman and chief mentor, Infosys Technologies, has become the first Indian to win the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award. A high 11-member jury of global business leaders chose Narayanamurthy for the award at a ceremony held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

As many as 26 worldwide entrepreneurs vied for the title in 2003, the third year since global professional services firm Ernst & Young launched the World Entrepreneur of the Year Program.

Judges of the award praised Narayanamurthy "intellectually, philosophically, ethically and spiritually driven entrepreneurship" and his company''s "outstanding financial performance and global impact in a dynamic and volatile industry."

"I am extremely grateful to the jury of the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award for this recognition. It is an extraordinary act since it raises the hope, confidence and enthusiasm of millions of entrepreneurs in India and will spur them to create a large number of jobs, which the country needs badly," says Narayanamurthy.

Says Ernst & Young Global chairman James S Turley: "Narayanamurthy''s story is a truly inspirational one. He has demonstrated quality leadership and embodies both entrepreneurial spirit and business excellence. We are delighted he has been selected to receive this year''s award."