'It's a blank canvas now...will make up my mind'

It has been a day of mixed feelings for RAJESH GOPINATHAN, chief executive officer and managing director, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), who resigns from the company after 27 years. In a chat with Shivani Shinde he says he has never felt this relaxed and speaks about what lies ahead. Edited excerpts:

- Shivani Shinde

Will it be safe to assume you will continue to be with Tata Group?

I never did anything outside the group. But quite frankly, as I said in the morning call, I have not really thought about what I want to do. Even though these things were at the back of my mind, I never thought about them and I don't believe that was the right thing to do either. I have time now. I will meet people, talk to them, understand what is there, try to gather my thoughts and then make up my mind.

I joined TCS straight from the campus. Obviously, I will see what is there in the group; that's the first place. Besides, so much is happening within the group, but to assume that is why I have stepped down will be incorrect. It is a blank canvas now.