Senapathy “Kris” Gopalakrishnan, cofounder of Infosys Limited, has been named the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Award. The award was created to honor the legacy of Archbishop Gregorios, the first principal of Mar Ivanios College, a prominent educational institution in Thiruvananthapuram. The announcement was made on October 9 by Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, the head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, which manages the college that celebrated its 75th anniversary.
The award has been established by Amicos, the Association of Mar Ivanios College Old Students, and aims to recognize significant contributions to society, particularly in areas of education and employment. The decision to bestow the first Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Award upon Gopalakrishnan highlights his vital role in job creation, a major achievement credited to his leadership at Infosys and his contribution to the Indian economy. A jury comprising esteemed members, including K Jayakumar, former chief secretary of Kerala, T P Srinivasan, a former Indian ambassador, and John Matthai, another former chief secretary of Kerala, selected Gopalakrishnan for this honor.
The award includes a cash prize of 100,000 rupees, accompanied by a citation recognizing his contributions to the nation. “We are delighted to present this award to Kris Gopalakrishnan for his remarkable role in job creation in India,” Cardinal Cleemis stated during the announcement event in Thiruvananthapuram. “His efforts have been instrumental in providing opportunities for young Indians, especially in a time when many seek employment abroad.”
Gopalakrishnan’s illustrious career has been marked by many accolades. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, Gopalakrishnan served as the vice chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Infosys, a leading Indian multinational technology company. His leadership at Infosys was pivotal in transforming the Indian IT sector and creating numerous job opportunities both within the country and globally.
Born on April 5, 1955, in Thiruvananthapuram, Gopalakrishnan attended the Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School before pursuing higher education at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. He earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Physics in 1977 and followed that with a Master of Technology (M.Tech) degree in Computer Science in 1979. His academic foundation in the sciences led him to begin his career as a software engineer at Patni Computer Systems, Mumbai, in 1979. From these beginnings, he went on to cofound Infosys in 1981, which grew to become one of the world’s largest technology services firms.
In addition to his contributions to the technology sector, Gopalakrishnan has played a pivotal role in promoting scientific and technological innovation in India. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineers and holds the title of Honorary Fellow from the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers of India. His commitment to advancing the field of science and technology has earned him respect both nationally and internationally.
Gopalakrishnan’s personal life is also a testament to his connection with his roots. He is married to Sudha Gopalakrishnan, and they have a child. Despite his global success, Gopalakrishnan has remained closely tied to his native state of Kerala and continues to contribute to its development through various philanthropic and educational initiatives.
The Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Award, named after one of the most respected leaders of the Syro-Malankara Church, adds another layer of distinction to Gopalakrishnan’s already impressive list of honors. Archbishop Gregorios, a highly regarded spiritual leader and educator, left a lasting legacy in both the ecclesiastical and educational fields. Born Varghese Thangalathil in 1916 in Kalloopara, in the present-day Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Gregorios rose to prominence within the Church as a dynamic and visionary leader.
As a young man, Gregorios was deeply influenced by the ideals of the Bethany Ashram and was drawn to its leader, Mar Ivanios, the founder of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. After joining the Bethany Ashram, Gregorios adopted the name Benedict. He pursued higher education in philosophy and theology at the Papal Seminary in Kandy, Sri Lanka, before being ordained a priest of the Bethany Ashram in 1944 by Bishop Bernad Reinjo of Kandy.
Gregory’s dedication to education led him to a teaching role at St. Aloysius Seminary in Trivandrum, where he taught Syriac before continuing his academic journey in economics at St. Joseph’s College in Trichy. Upon his return, he became the first principal of Mar Ivanios College, a position that allowed him to influence and shape the future of education in Kerala.
On January 29, 1953, Archbishop Gregorios was consecrated as a bishop by his mentor, Archbishop Mar Ivanios, and took on the name Benedict Mar Gregorios. When Ivanios passed away, Gregorios succeeded him as the second head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, becoming a central figure in the Church’s growth and development. The Syro-Malankara Church itself was formed in 1930, making it one of the youngest ritual churches within the broader Catholic Church.
Under Gregorios’ leadership, the Church flourished, and Mar Ivanios College became a respected institution of higher learning in Kerala. His contributions to the Church and to education remain widely recognized, and the establishment of this award is a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.
The selection of Gopalakrishnan as the first recipient of this prestigious award reflects his alignment with the values that Archbishop Gregorios championed—most notably, the empowerment of individuals through education and employment opportunities. His impact on job creation in India, particularly in the technology sector, mirrors Gregorios’ dedication to improving lives through education and leadership.
Cardinal Cleemis praised Gopalakrishnan’s efforts, noting that his work in creating employment opportunities aligns with the Church’s mission of serving society. “At a time when many young Indians seek jobs overseas, Gopalakrishnan’s contributions to domestic job creation are particularly commendable,” Cleemis said.
As the first recipient of the Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Award, Gopalakrishnan’s achievements in the fields of technology and employment are likely to inspire future generations of leaders to pursue innovation and contribute to India’s economic development. The award serves as a reminder of the importance of both individual accomplishment and the broader societal impact that can be achieved through leadership, innovation, and dedication to one’s community.