Summary

Narayana Murthy was born on August 20, 1946 in Sidlaghatta, Karnataka. Murthy played a pivotal role in shaping India’s IT industry. As the co-founder of Infosys, he transformed the company into a global powerhouse, helping India emerge as a leading player in IT services.

Murthy got his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from National Institute of Engineering and received his master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.

Personal Information

Key Achievements & Major Timelines

• 1981: Murthy, along with six fellow software professionals founded Infosys.
• 1999: Infosys became the first Indian company to be listed on NASDAQ, the US stock exchange.
• 2000- Murthy was awarded the Padma Shri.
• 2002: Murthy stepped down as the CEO of Infosys, after 21 years and was succeeded by co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
• 2007- He was awarded the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
• 2007- He received the Ernst Weber Medal from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineer (IEEE), US.
• 2008- He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
• 2008- He was made the Officer in the French Legion of Honour.
• 2012- Fortune named Murthy as one of the 12 greatest entrepreneurs of our time.
• 2012- he was the recipient of the Hoover medal.
• 2012- he was awarded the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award by the Tech Museum in San Jose, California.
• 2013: Murthy returned to Infosys as the executive chairman of the board to steer the company through difficult times.
• 2014: Murthy stepped down as Executive Chairman and became Chairman Emeritus of Infosys.
• 2015- He was ranked among the top 10 business pioneers in technology by the Financial Times.
• 2018- He received the Founders Medal awarded by IEEE.

Challenges & Controversies

Murthy’s return to Infosys in 2013 as executive chairman was met with mixed reactions. Few viewed it as a move to restore confidence and others saw it as a step back from the company’s leadership succession plans.

Recently, Murthy suggested that young people should work seventy hours a week to improve India’s work culture.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty are well-known philanthropists. Through the Infosys Foundation, they have contributed significantly to education, healthcare and rural development in India. Murthy is also a vocal proponent of honesty and integrity in both personal and professional spheres, emphasising the need for a culture free from favoritism.

In his personal life, Murthy enjoys reading and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, sharing his wealth of experience to inspire the next generation of business leaders.