N. R. Narayana Murthy, a name synonymous with India’s IT revolution, is a renowned figure whose life story is both inspiring and impactful. This comprehensive biography delves into his journey, from humble beginnings to co-founding one of India’s largest IT companies.
Wiki/Biography
N. R. Narayana Murthy was born on Tuesday, August 20, 1946 (age 77 as of 2023), in Shidlaghatta, Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka. His zodiac sign is Leo. He completed his schooling at Sharada Vilasa Boys High School, Mysore. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Mysore and a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’4″
- Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
- Eye Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Wife
Born into a Brahmin Hindu family, his father, N. Rama Rao, was a high school teacher, and his mother’s name was Padavathamma Murthy. He has seven siblings. His meeting with Sudha Murthy (née Kulkarni) was facilitated by a mutual friend. Their courtship was memorable, marked by honesty and eventual acceptance by Sudha’s initially hesitant father.
Their wedding on February 10, 1978, in Bangalore was a simple affair, reflecting their values. The couple has two children: Akshata Murty and Rohan Murty. A significant event in their family was the appointment of Rishi Sunak, Akshata’s husband, as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in October 2022.
Career
After his Master’s degree, Murthy worked as a research analyst and chief programmer at IIM Ahmedabad, contributing to India’s first time-sharing computer system. He later founded Softronics, which unfortunately didn’t succeed. A pivotal moment came when he joined Patni Computers in Mumbai, gaining valuable experience.
In 1981, with an initial capital of $250, he co-founded Infosys with six other engineers in Pune. The company relocated to Bangalore in 1983. He served as Infosys’ CEO from 1981 to 2002 and then as chairman until 2006. He held various roles within Infosys, ultimately becoming Chairman Emeritus. Beyond Infosys, he served on the boards of several prominent international companies.
Controversy
Infosys faced a $34 million fine for visa fraud in 2013. In 2017, disagreements with the Infosys board led to the resignation of CEO Vishal Sikka.
Awards & Honours
Murthy’s contributions have been recognized globally through numerous awards and honors, including:
| Year | Award | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Padma Shri | Government of India |
| 2003 | Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year | Ernst & Young |
| 2007 | IEEE Ernst Weber Engineering Leadership Recognition | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
| 2007 | Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) | Government of the United Kingdom |
| 2008 | Padma Vibhushan | Government of India |
This list is not exhaustive; he has received many other accolades.
Net Worth
His net worth is estimated at $2.47 billion.
Facts/Trivia
- Favorite school subjects were Maths and Physics.
- Cleared the IIT entrance exam but couldn’t attend due to financial constraints.
- Enjoys buying new gadgets.
- Hobbies include reading and listening to old Hindi and Kannada songs.
- Authored several books.
- Appeared in the talk show “Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai”.
- Listed in Time Magazine as one of the Asian heroes in 2006.
- In 2023, he sparked debate by suggesting young Indians work 70 hours a week.
- In an interview, he reflected on his journey at Infosys and mentioned regrets about past decisions.
- In March 2024, he gifted shares worth over Rs. 240 crores to his grandson.
