Narayan Murthy is a name that stands tall in the world of technology and business. He co-founded Infosys, one of the leading IT companies in the world, and is known for his strong values, leadership, and vision. His journey is an inspiring example of how clear thinking and hard work can lead to great success.
Early Life and Education
Narayan Murthy was born on August 20, 1946, in Karnataka, India. He grew up in a middle-class family and always excelled in school. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore. Later, he went to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, where he completed his master’s degree in the same field.
Key Point: Murthy’s strong academic foundation prepared him to excel in the field of technology.
Founding Infosys
In 1981, with a small capital of just ₹10,000, Narayan Murthy and six of his colleagues started Infosys. Their goal was to create an Indian company that could provide global IT services. Murthy led the company for over two decades, steering it to new heights. He focused on using innovation and building strong relationships with customers, which helped Infosys grow rapidly.
Infosys was among the first Indian companies to offer outsourcing services, changing how businesses handled their IT needs. Murthy set high standards for ethical practices, which helped build trust with clients and employees alike.
Key Point: Murthy’s leadership and commitment to innovation allowed Infosys to become a global IT leader.
Ethical Leadership
Narayan Murthy is known for his ethical leadership. He believed in treating employees well and always emphasized transparency. He created a work culture at Infosys where people were encouraged to think creatively, take responsibility, and maintain the highest standards of integrity.
His approach made Infosys a great place to work and allowed the company to deliver high-quality services to customers worldwide.
Infosys Goes Global
One of Murthy’s biggest achievements was taking Infosys to the international stage. In 1999, Infosys became the first Indian company to be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. This opened doors for many other Indian companies and put India on the global IT map.
Murthy’s focus on staying ahead of technological advancements also ensured that Infosys kept growing by offering new and innovative services.
Key Point: Murthy’s decision to take Infosys global helped the company expand and establish India as an IT powerhouse.
Retirement and Impact
Narayan Murthy retired from Infosys in 2011, but his impact on the business world continues to be felt. He briefly returned to help the company during tough times in 2013, showing his dedication to its success. Even after retirement, he remains a respected figure, sharing his insights with young entrepreneurs and leaders.
Murthy and his family are also involved in philanthropy. Through the Infosys Foundation, they support education, healthcare, and other social causes in India.
Personal Life
Murthy is married to Sudha Murthy, who is also known for her philanthropic work and writing. Together, they have two children, Rohan Murthy and Akshata Murthy. The couple’s shared commitment to social welfare has made them one of the most respected families in India.
Recognition and Awards
Narayan Murthy has received numerous honors throughout his life. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his contributions to the industry. He has also been recognized globally for his work in promoting ethics and innovation in business.
