🧒 Early Life and Education
Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy, fondly known as Narayana Murthy, was born on August 20, 1946, in Shidlaghatta, a small town in the Kolar district of Karnataka, India. Coming from a middle-class, academically inclined family, Murthy was raised with strong values of discipline, education, and service. His father was a school teacher, and young Murthy showed an early interest in mathematics and science.
After completing his schooling in Mysore, Murthy secured admission to the National Institute of Engineering (NIE) in Mysore, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1967. He then pursued a master’s degree at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, graduating in 1969.
It was at IIT that Murthy was introduced to the world of computing. He became deeply fascinated by the potential of software and computer science, even though computer access at the time was limited. This exposure would prove pivotal in shaping his future path.
💼 Early Career and Life-Changing Experiences
Narayana Murthy began his career at Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, where he worked as chief systems programmer. There, he designed and implemented a time-sharing system for the institute—one of the first of its kind in India.
He later worked in Paris with SESA, where he was involved in building software for managing air cargo for Charles de Gaulle airport. During his time in Europe, Murthy underwent a transformation in his thinking. Influenced by socialist ideals early in life, a train journey through Eastern Europe exposed him to the inefficiencies and struggles under communism. This experience turned him toward compassionate capitalism—the belief that entrepreneurship and ethical business could be a force for good.
In 1977, Murthy returned to India and briefly started a venture called Softronics, but the company failed within a year. It was a tough phase, but it strengthened his resolve to build something meaningful.
🚀 Founding Infosys – A New Chapter
In 1981, with a borrowed capital of ₹10,000 from his wife Sudha Murthy, Narayana Murthy co-founded Infosys along with six other software professionals: Nandan Nilekani, Kris Gopalakrishnan, S. D. Shibulal, K. Dinesh, Ashok Arora, and N. S. Raghavan. The company started in Pune and later shifted its base to Bengaluru.
At a time when India’s software industry was practically non-existent, Murthy envisioned building a globally respected IT services company from India. Infosys began as a small operation focused on software development and consulting for global clients.
Murthy served as CEO of Infosys from 1981 to 2002, and later as Chairman until 2011. Under his leadership, Infosys grew from a seven-person startup into a multi-billion-dollar company, employing tens of thousands of people and serving Fortune 500 clients across the globe.
🧠 Leadership Philosophy and Work Culture
Narayana Murthy is known for his visionary leadership, integrity, and commitment to corporate governance. At Infosys, he implemented principles of transparency, meritocracy, and accountability long before they became corporate buzzwords.
He introduced the concept of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) in India, making employees true stakeholders in the company’s growth. His belief in “powered by intellect and driven by values” became a defining mantra at Infosys.
Murthy also emphasized the importance of ethics in business, even when working with global clients. He was a strong advocate for fair play, professional management, and respect for the rule of law, distinguishing Infosys from many of its peers.
🌍 Global Impact and Recognition
Infosys was the first Indian company to be listed on NASDAQ in 1999, marking India’s entry into the global software services market. Under Murthy’s guidance, Infosys became synonymous with India’s rise as an IT powerhouse, and he became a respected figure on the world stage.
Murthy has been featured in:
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Time magazine’s list of 20 most influential global executives
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Fortune’s list of top 25 business leaders
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Forbes’ list of India’s richest and most powerful entrepreneurs
He has received numerous national and international honors, including:
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Padma Shri (2000)
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Padma Vibhushan (2008)
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Legion of Honour (France)
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Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
He has also served on advisory boards and councils of top institutions, including:
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Cornell University
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Wharton School
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INSEAD
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UN Foundation
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Ford Foundation
👨👩👧 Personal Life and Values
Narayana Murthy is married to Sudha Murthy, a noted philanthropist, writer, and chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. Their partnership is built on mutual respect and shared values. Sudha Murthy’s financial support and emotional backing were instrumental in the founding of Infosys.
The couple has two children, including Rohan Murty, a Harvard-educated computer scientist, and Akshata Murty, who is married to Rishi Sunak, the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Murthy is known for his frugal lifestyle, intellectual curiosity, and deep commitment to ethics and education. He is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build businesses that are not just profitable, but principled.
📚 Retirement and Return to Infosys
Murthy voluntarily stepped down from active leadership at Infosys in 2011, believing in planned succession and new leadership. However, in 2013, amid a leadership and performance crisis, he returned briefly as Executive Chairman to stabilize the company.
His return helped restore investor confidence, although he officially stepped down again in 2014, ensuring a smoother transition to new leadership.
🧭 Vision for India
Beyond Infosys, Narayana Murthy has been an advocate for education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive growth in India. He believes that India’s youth must focus on discipline, hard work, and ethics to drive national progress.
He has emphasized:
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Investments in STEM education
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Strengthening research and innovation ecosystems
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Creating a level playing field for startups and SMEs
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Promoting clean governance and digital transparency
Murthy remains vocal about national issues, especially around bureaucratic inefficiency, governance reform, and the need for merit-based systems in public services.
🏆 Legacy and Influence
Narayana Murthy is often referred to as the “Father of the Indian IT Industry”. His legacy is not just in creating one of India’s most successful companies, but in shaping an entire generation of ethical business leaders and technology professionals.
He demonstrated that it is possible to build a world-class global enterprise from India—with integrity, humility, and innovation at its core. Infosys’ story continues to inspire startups, educational institutions, and professionals across the country.
Murthy’s emphasis on values-driven leadership, financial discipline, and employee empowerment has left a lasting mark on Indian corporate culture.
✨ Conclusion
Narayana Murthy’s journey is a testament to what determination, clarity of purpose, and ethical leadership can achieve. From a small town in Karnataka to building one of the world’s most respected IT companies, Murthy’s life story reflects the power of vision, values, and quiet resilience.
In a world often driven by short-term success and flash, Narayana Murthy stands out as a symbol of long-term value creation, humility, and nation-building through enterprise.
