Few people have shaped modern India’s tech landscape like Narayana Murthy, the man who turned a small software startup into one of the most respected IT companies in the world — Infosys. His journey is a powerful example of how honesty, hard work, and vision can create not only a business empire but also a new way of thinking about success.
This is the inspiring story of how a small-town boy from Karnataka went on to redefine corporate India.
Early Life and Education
Narayana Murthy was born on 20th August, 1946, in Sidlaghatta which is a small town in Karnataka. His father was a high school teacher who believed deeply in the value of education. Murthy grew up in a modest household where money was limited, but dreams were big.
He showed early interest in mathematics and science, which led him to pursue Electrical Engineering at the National Institute of Engineering (NIE) in Mysore. Later, he completed his Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur — one of the country’s top engineering institutes.
During his time at IIT, Murthy developed an interest in computers and technology — a rare passion in the 1960s when computers were still new to India. This curiosity would later become the foundation of his life’s work.
Starting His Career
After completing his studies, Narayana Murthy started working at Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad as a chief systems programmer. It was here that he worked on one of India’s first time-sharing computer systems — a cutting-edge concept at the time.
He then worked overseas in Paris, where he was exposed to advanced technology and the global business environment. However, it was an incident during this period that deeply changed his life and perspective.
While traveling on a train in Bulgaria, Murthy was falsely accused of being a spy and was detained for several days without food or communication. That experience made him realize the value of economic independence and freedom through entrepreneurship. He decided that India needed to become self-reliant in technology — and he wanted to play a role in that change.
The Birth of Infosys
In 1981, Narayana Murthy co-founded Infosys along with six other engineers — Nandan Nilekani, S. Gopalakrishnan, S. D. Shibulal, K. Dinesh, Ashok Arora, and N. S. Raghavan.
He started the company with just ₹10,000, which was borrowed from his wife, Sudha Murthy. The company began as a small software development firm in Pune with a big dream — to bring world-class technology services from India to the global market.
In the early days, things weren’t easy. The team faced visa issues, limited resources, and an underdeveloped Indian business environment. But Murthy’s patience and leadership kept them going. He believed in building a company based on transparency, fairness, and respect for people.
Struggles and Early Challenges
The first few years of Infosys were filled with challenges. There were no proper facilities, no computers of their own, and very limited international connections. But what they did have was belief and determination.
In 1989, one of the co-founders, Ashok Arora, left the company, causing a major internal crisis. Many thought Infosys would shut down. But Narayana Murthy stood firm. He reportedly told his team, “If we are determined, we can make Infosys a success.” That faith kept everyone together.
Infosys started taking small international projects, mostly from U.S. companies, and slowly built a reputation for quality and reliability. By focusing on long-term client relationships and delivering excellent work, they began to grow.
Infosys Goes Global
The real breakthrough came in the 1990s, when India’s economy opened up and technology demand grew worldwide. Infosys became one of the first Indian companies to be listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange in the United States, marking a historic milestone for Indian IT.
Under Murthy’s leadership, Infosys grew from a small startup into a global IT powerhouse, serving Fortune 500 companies across the world. By the early 2000s, Infosys had become a symbol of India’s rise in technology and innovation.
Murthy’s leadership style was simple but powerful — lead by example, stay honest, and treat people fairly. He also emphasized corporate governance, transparency, and ethical business practices — qualities that set Infosys apart from its competitors.
Narayana Murthy’s Leadership Philosophy
Murthy always believed that a company’s real strength lies in its values. He built Infosys on five core principles:
- Customer Satisfaction
- Transparency
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Fairness
He treated his employees as family and encouraged open communication. He introduced the Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) — a move that made many Infosys employees millionaires. His goal was not just to create wealth but to share it with those who helped build the company.
Murthy also believed that leadership means serving others, not commanding them. He often said, “Respect, love, and fairness are more powerful than fear.”
Life Beyond Infosys
In 2002, Narayana Murthy stepped down as the CEO of Infosys but continued as the Chairman and Chief Mentor until 2011. Even after retirement, he remained an influential voice in business and public life.
In 2013, he briefly returned to Infosys to help the company regain its growth momentum. After his final retirement, he continued to mentor entrepreneurs and speak about ethics, leadership, and technology.
Murthy also founded the Infosys Foundation, led by his wife Sudha Murthy, which works toward education, healthcare, rural development, and social causes across India.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Narayana Murthy has received numerous awards and honors for his contribution to business and society, including:
| Award/Recognition | Year | Presented By |
|---|---|---|
| Padma Shri | 2000 | Government of India |
| Padma Vibhushan | 2008 | Government of India |
| Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year | 2003 | Ernst & Young |
| Legion of Honour | 2008 | Government of France |
| Hoover Medal | 2012 | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
| NDTV Indian of the Year – Business | 2006 | NDTV |
| Global Indian Award | 2014 | Canada India Foundation |
These honors reflect not just his business success but his integrity, vision, and service to society.
Narayana Murthy’s Personal Life
Behind the success story is also a strong personal foundation. Murthy’s wife, Sudha Murthy, is a celebrated author, philanthropist, and chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. The couple is known for their simplicity and humility despite their wealth.
They have two children — Rohan Murthy and Akshata Murthy. Akshata is married to Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Despite this global connection, Narayana Murthy continues to live a grounded life, maintaining his simple habits and work discipline.
Philosophy on Life and Success
Murthy often says that success is not just about money or fame — it’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. He believes that ethics and integrity are the foundation of lasting success.
Here are a few of his most inspiring quotes:
- “Progress is often equal to the difference between mind and mindset.”
- “Love your job, but never fall in love with your company.”
- “Respect, recognition, and reward flow out of performance.”
- “Our assets walk out of the door every evening. We have to make sure they come back the next morning.”
These words perfectly capture his belief in people, discipline, and purpose.
Legacy of Narayana Murthy
Narayana Murthy is often called the “Father of the Indian IT Industry.” His vision helped make India a major technology hub and gave rise to an entire generation of entrepreneurs.
Under his guidance, Infosys didn’t just create jobs — it created a culture of innovation, integrity, and global excellence. His leadership inspired countless young Indians to dream big, work hard, and stay honest.
Today, Infosys continues to thrive as a global company, but Murthy’s real legacy lies in the values and confidence he instilled in India’s youth.
FAQ: Narayana Murthy Success Story
1. What is Narayana Murthy’s net worth?
As of 2025, Narayana Murthy’s net worth is estimated at around $4.4 billion (₹36,000 crore), mostly from his Infosys shares.
2. Who are the co-founders of Infosys?
Infosys was co-founded by Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, S. Gopalakrishnan, S. D. Shibulal, K. Dinesh, Ashok Arora, and N. S. Raghavan in 1981.
3. What was the initial investment to start Infosys?
Infosys was started with just ₹10,000, borrowed from Sudha Murthy.
4. Why is Narayana Murthy considered a visionary?
Because he built Infosys based on ethics, transparency, and long-term vision — setting new standards for Indian businesses.
5. What values does Narayana Murthy believe in?
He strongly believes in honesty, fairness, discipline, and respect for employees and customers alike.
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Conclusion:
Narayana Murthy’s journey from a middle-class boy in Karnataka to a billionaire entrepreneur is one of India’s most powerful success stories. But what makes him truly great is not just his wealth — it’s his values, integrity, and vision.
He showed the world that you can build a global company without compromising ethics, and that true success is about making a positive difference in people’s lives.
His story reminds every entrepreneur that success is not just about having an idea — it’s about having the courage, patience, and honesty to make that idea real.
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