Narayana Murthy is one of the most respected business leaders in India and the co-founder of Infosys, a global IT company that revolutionised India’s software industry. Known for his ethics, simplicity, and visionary leadership, Murthy is often called the “Father of the Indian IT Industry.”
Who Is Narayana Murthy?
N.R. Narayana Murthy is an Indian entrepreneur, software engineer, and the co-founder of Infosys.
He is globally admired for building a billion-dollar tech company rooted in honesty, transparency, and long-term vision.
Narayana Murthy – Early Life & Background
Narayana Murthy was born on 20 August 1946 in Sidlaghatta, Karnataka.
He came from a lower-middle-class family where money was limited, but values were strong.
His father was a high-school teacher, and Murthy grew up with discipline, learning, and hard work at the center of life.
Education – A Journey of Excellence
Murthy studied at:
National High School, Basavanagudi
B.E. in Electrical Engineering from National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru
M.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Kanpur
At IIT Kanpur, he gained access to advanced computers, which shaped his passion for software.
Early Career – Before Infosys
Murthy worked in:
Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad as a chief systems programmer
Designed India’s first time-sharing computer system
Worked abroad in the 1970s, gaining global exposure
During this time, he also faced financial struggles, which shaped his future leadership principles.
Founding Infosys – A Turning Point
In 1981, Narayana Murthy co-founded Infosys with six engineers and just ₹10,000, which his wife Sudha Murty gave him.
Infosys began with:
Limited money
No foreign contacts
No corporate backing
But Murthy had a dream:
To build a world-class software company from India.
Growth of Infosys Under Murthy
Narayana Murthy focused on:
Clean governance
Professional management
Customer trust
Technological innovation
Employee-first culture
Infosys became:
One of the first Indian companies to list on NASDAQ
A global IT powerhouse
A pioneer in outsourcing
A preferred company for top tech talent
Murthy’s leadership reputation grew globally.
Why Infosys Became Successful?
Transparency
Zero corruption
World-class quality
People-first policies
Long-term thinking
Customer commitment
These values made Infosys a benchmark for Indian IT companies.
Narayana Murthy Net Worth
Narayana Murthy’s estimated net worth is ₹4,000–5,000 Crore.
His wealth comes from:
Infosys shares
Investments
Advisory roles
Despite wealth, Murthy lives very simply.
Narayana Murthy Family
Wife: Sudha Murty (writer, philanthropist)
Son: Rohan Murty
Daughter: Akshata Murty (married to Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the UK)
His family is known for humility and generosity.
Leadership Style & Principles
Murthy believes in:
Honesty and ethics
Transparency
Discipline
Hard work
Customer obsession
Learning continuously
He is known for his calm, thoughtful, and principle-driven leadership.
Awards & Achievements
Padma Vibhushan
Padma Shri
Business Hall of Fame
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
One of Fortune’s Greatest Entrepreneurs
Ranked among global top business leaders
His contributions put India on the global IT map.
Murthy’s Vision of Simple Living
Despite creating a billion-dollar company, Murthy lives a very simple life.
He believes:
“Performance leads to recognition, recognition leads to respect, respect leads to power.”
Why Narayana Murthy Inspires Millions?
Built a global company from almost nothing
Stood firmly for ethics in business
Proved that honesty and success can co-exist
Inspired thousands of entrepreneurs and engineers
Created lakhs of jobs in India’s IT sector
His life is a perfect blend of values + vision + leadership.
Conclusion
Narayana Murthy’s biography is a powerful story of vision, integrity, and innovation. From a small town in Karnataka to building Infosys into a global IT leader, his journey has transformed India’s technology landscape. He remains one of the greatest role models for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals.
