IIM-Ahmedabad announces Rs 12 crore ‘inflation-adjusted' scholarship funded by Narayana Murthy

Indian Express

27-05-2025

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has announced the launch of a inflation-adjusted scholarship — the Professor Jaswant G Krishnayya Merit Scholarship. The endowment will be funded by Infosys founder and former IIMA Chairperson Narayana Murthy. The scholarship will be awarded annually to the PGP student who secures the highest CGPA at the end of their first year.
Murthy has pledged to fund the scholarship for a duration of 20 years, with the total amount estimated at Rs 12 crore, and will be inflation adjusted. The initiative aims to promote academic excellence and recognise merit at one of India's most distinguished management institutes.
'This scholarship is a tribute to Professor Jaswant G Krishnayya's enduring legacy and significant contributions to IIMA,' said Narayana Murthy. 'Professor Krishnayya played a pivotal role in shaping my early life and career. Through this scholarship, I hope to inspire future generations of students to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on the world.'
Murthy's association with IIM-A dates back to 1969 when he served as Chief Systems Programmer. He later went on to chair the Institute from 2002 to 2007.
Pankaj R Patel, Chairperson of the IIMA Board of Governors and Chairman of Zydus Lifesciences, expressed his gratitude for the generous contribution. 'Murthy's commitment is a reflection of his longstanding bond with IIMA and his belief in the transformative power of education. This gesture honours a respected faculty member while supporting emerging leaders of tomorrow,' Patel said.
IIM-A Director Prof. Bharat Bhasker also commended the move, saying, 'This generous scholarship is a celebration of excellence, mentorship and impact. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Murthy for recognising Professor Krishnayya's contributions in such a meaningful way. It aligns perfectly with our vision of ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of academic potential.'
The IIM-A Endowment Fund (IIMAEF), which manages alumni, corporate, and CSR donations, played a central role in facilitating the partnership. The fund supports the Institute's mission of global thought leadership, research, and academic excellence by enabling access to quality education irrespective of financial constraints.
The Professor Jaswant G Krishnayya Merit Scholarship will officially be awarded from the current academic cycle, further strengthening IIMA's commitment to meritocracy and educational impact.