Introduction
Narayana Murthy is a well-known name in the world of business and technology. He is the founder of Infosys, one of India’s largest IT companies. Born in 1946, Murthy’s life story inspires millions around the world. He is often called the “Father of the Indian IT sector” for his vision and leadership. Today, he is not only admired as a billionaire businessman but also as a humble leader with strong values.
In this blog, we will explore his life, career, and achievements. The keyword Narayana Murthy will appear in key places to help readers and search engines understand the topic.
Early Life and Education
Narayana Murthy was born on 20 August 1946 in Shidlaghatta, Karnataka, India. He came from a middle-class Kannada-speaking family. His father was a school teacher, and education was always valued in his home.
Murthy was a bright student from the start. He studied Electrical Engineering at the National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, and graduated in 1967. Later, he completed his Master’s degree in Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in 1969.
His education laid the foundation for his future career in software and entrepreneurship.
Early Career
After his studies, Narayana Murthy joined the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) as a chief systems programmer. At IIM-A, he worked on India’s first time-sharing computer system. He also developed a BASIC interpreter for the Electronics Corporation of India.
Later, Murthy started his own small company called Softronics. Unfortunately, the company failed within two years. After this setback, he joined Patni Computer Systems in Pune.
These early struggles taught him valuable lessons in leadership and risk-taking.
Founding of Infosys
In 1981, Narayana Murthy and six other engineers founded Infosys. They started the company with just ₹10,000, which came from his wife Sudha Murty’s savings.
Infosys began as a small software company, but Murthy had a big dream. He wanted to build a world-class IT services company from India.
Murthy served as the CEO of Infosys from 1981 to 2002. Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly. He introduced the Global Delivery Model, which allowed Indian engineers to provide IT services to clients worldwide. This model changed the face of outsourcing.
Growth of Infosys
Infosys became a symbol of India’s rise in the global technology market. By the 1990s, the company was listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange in the United States.
Murthy focused on:
- Transparency in business.
- Strong corporate governance.
- High ethical standards.
Because of these values, Infosys earned the trust of global clients. Today, Infosys is worth billions and employs thousands of people worldwide.
Leadership Roles
Narayana Murthy stepped down as CEO in 2002 but continued as the Chairman of Infosys until 2011. After retiring, he became Chairman Emeritus.
In 2013, he returned as Executive Chairman for a short period to help the company during a transition.
Murthy has also served on the boards of top organizations, including HSBC, Unilever, DBS Bank, and ICICI. He has advised universities like Cornell, INSEAD, and Stanford.
Awards and Recognition
Murthy has received many honors for his contributions to technology and society. Some of the most important include:
- Padma Shri in 2000 (India’s fourth-highest civilian award).
- Padma Vibhushan in 2008 (India’s second-highest civilian award).
- Named among the 12 greatest entrepreneurs of our time by Fortune magazine.
- Called the “Father of the Indian IT sector” by Time magazine and CNBC.
- Co-chaired the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2005.
Personal Life
Narayana Murthy married Sudha Murty in 1978. She is a well-known author, philanthropist, and former chairperson of Infosys Foundation. Together, they have two children: Rohan and Akshata.
Rohan Murthy is a computer scientist and entrepreneur. Akshata Murty is married to Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2022–2024).
Despite being a billionaire, Murthy is known for living a simple life. He values humility, discipline, and honesty.
Philosophy and Beliefs
Murthy believes in “compassionate capitalism.” He once described how being arrested unfairly during a trip in 1974 changed his views. It made him value fairness and justice in business.
He has often said that wealth should not be enjoyed by only a few but should help society at large. Through the Infosys Foundation, Murthy and his wife have supported education, healthcare, and social development in India.
Recent Years and Controversies
In recent years, Murthy has continued to speak about leadership and productivity. In 2025, he suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to boost national productivity. This sparked debate, with many agreeing and others criticizing the idea.
Despite some controversies, Murthy remains respected as a thought leader in business and technology.
Legacy
Narayana Murthy transformed India’s image in the global business world. He proved that an Indian company could compete with the best in the world.
His legacy is not just Infosys but also the millions of jobs and opportunities created by the IT sector in India. Many young entrepreneurs continue to look up to him for inspiration.
FAQs about Narayana Murthy
Q1: Who is Narayana Murthy?
He is the founder of Infosys and one of India’s most respected businessmen.
Q2: When was Narayana Murthy born?
He was born on 20 August 1946 in Karnataka, India.
Q3: What is Narayana Murthy’s net worth?
As of January 2025, his net worth is estimated at $5 billion.
Q4: Who is Narayana Murthy’s wife?
His wife is Sudha Murty, an author and philanthropist.
Q5: What awards has Narayana Murthy received?
He has received the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan, among many other honors.
Q6: Why is Narayana Murthy called the Father of Indian IT?
Because he built Infosys into a global leader and shaped India’s IT outsourcing model.
Conclusion
Narayana Murthy’s journey from a small town in Karnataka to building Infosys is truly inspiring. He showed the world that success can be achieved with honesty, hard work, and vision.
Today, Narayana Murthy continues to be a role model for entrepreneurs, students, and professionals. His life proves that great leaders not only build companies but also shape societies.
If you want to learn about leadership, ethics, and success, the story of Narayana Murthy is the perfect guide.
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