Early Life and Education
Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy was born on August 20, 1946, in Sidlaghatta, Karnataka, India. He came from a middle-class family where education was highly valued. He showed a keen interest in mathematics and science from an early age. Murthy pursued his higher education at the National Institute of Engineering, earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1967. He furthered his studies at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, where he obtained a master's degree in 1969.
Rise to Success
Murthy's professional journey began with a research associate role at IIM Ahmedabad, later becoming the chief systems programmer. He then worked at Patni Computer Systems before co-founding Infosys in 1981. The initial investment was ₹10,000, provided by his wife, Sudha Murty. Under his leadership as CEO from 1981 to 2002, Infosys grew into a global IT giant. Murthy served as Chairman from 2002 to 2011, and then as Chairman Emeritus.
Key Business Strategies
Murthy is renowned for his emphasis on ethical business practices, transparency, and corporate governance. He implemented the Global Delivery Model, revolutionizing software service outsourcing. Infosys was the first Indian company to be listed on NASDAQ, a testament to Murthy’s vision. His leadership style focused on meritocracy and long-term vision. He also introduced stock options, fostering wealth creation for thousands of employees, making Infosys one of the best workplaces in India and globally.
Philanthropy
Through the Infosys Foundation, Murthy supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development. His contributions to society include creating jobs, promoting ethical business practices, and supporting various social causes. He serves on the boards of the Ford Foundation, the UN Foundation, and the Indo-British Partnership.
