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Narayana Murthy Biography
Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy, commonly known as N. R. Narayana Murthy, stands as a beacon of inspiration in the annals of India’s entrepreneurial landscape. Born on August 20, 1946, in Sidlaghatta, Karnataka, Murthy’s journey from humble beginnings to the zenith of the global IT industry is a testament to his vision, perseverance, and dedication. He is widely revered as the co-founder of Infosys, a company that revolutionized the Indian Information Technology (IT) sector and placed the nation on the world map as a technology powerhouse.
Narayana Murthy Biography Overview
Narayana Murthy Biography Overview |
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Full Name | Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy |
Date of Birth | August 20, 1946 |
Place of Birth | Sidlaghatta, Kingdom of Mysore, British India (now Karnataka, India) |
Education | National Institute of Engineering, Mysore (BE) |
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (MTech) | |
Known For | Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Infosys |
Spouse | Sudha Murthy |
Children | Akshata Murthy (daughter) |
Rohan Murthy (son) | |
Net Worth (as of April 2023) | $4.1 billion |
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Early Life and Education
Murthy’s academic journey commenced at the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, graduating in 1967. Furthering his quest for knowledge, he obtained a Master’s degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in 1969. These formative years laid the groundwork for his illustrious career, imbuing him with the technical acumen and intellectual curiosity that would shape his future endeavors.
Narayana Murthy Career
- Worked as a research associate and chief systems programmer at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
- Joined Patni Computer Systems in Pune, Maharashtra, gaining industry experience.
- Founded Infosys in 1981 along with six other software professionals.
- Served as the CEO of Infosys from 1981 to 2002, overseeing its growth into a global IT powerhouse.
- Articulated, designed, and implemented a global delivery model for IT services outsourcing from India.
- Stepped down as CEO in 2002, assuming the role of Chairman until 2011.
- Played a pivotal role in steering Infosys through various challenges and opportunities, contributing to its stature as a leader in the IT industry.
- Returned to Infosys as Executive Chairman in June 2013, leading the company for a brief period.
- Retired from Infosys in 2014, taking the title Chairman Emeritus, but remained active in advisory roles and philanthropic endeavors.
- Served as an independent director on the boards of various organizations including HSBC, Unilever, and NDTV.
- Continued to contribute to academia and industry through advisory roles, mentorship, and thought leadership.
- Advocated for corporate governance and ethical practices within the IT sector, raising concerns over lapses in governance at Infosys in 2017.
Infosys Narayana Murthy
Infosys, under the leadership of Narayana Murthy, emerged as a trailblazer in the Indian IT industry. Murthy co-founded Infosys in 1981, spearheading its growth into a global powerhouse. His visionary strategies, including the global delivery model, transformed the company into a leader in IT services outsourcing. Murthy’s emphasis on integrity, innovation, and social responsibility laid the foundation for Infosys’ success, cementing its reputation as an industry leader and a symbol of India’s technological prowess.
Narayana Murthy Philanthropy
R. Narayana Murthy’s philanthropic endeavors have been significant, reflecting his commitment to social welfare and nation-building. Here are the highlights of his philanthropic activities:
Philanthropic Initiatives | Details |
Co-founder of Infosys Foundation | Established with his wife, Sudha Murthy, the Infosys Foundation, a charitable trust dedicated to supporting various social causes. |
Focus Areas | Emphasizes education, healthcare, rural development, arts, and culture. |
Educational Initiatives | Supports education through scholarships, school infrastructure development, and vocational training programs for underprivileged children. |
Healthcare Initiatives | Provides funding for healthcare facilities, medical equipment, and initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and quality in underserved communities. |
Rural Development | Implements projects to enhance livelihood opportunities, agricultural practices, and infrastructure development in rural areas. |
Arts and Culture | Promotes artistic and cultural endeavors by supporting museums, galleries, theaters, and initiatives that preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage. |
Financial Support | Donates a significant portion of personal wealth to philanthropic causes through the Infosys Foundation and other charitable organizations. |
Impact | Has positively impacted the lives of millions of individuals and communities across India through various initiatives. |
Personal Involvement | Actively participates in philanthropic activities, interacting with beneficiaries, and overseeing the implementation of projects. |
Recognition | Received numerous awards and honors for his philanthropic contributions, including the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship and recognition as Philanthropist of the Year at The Asian Awards. |
Continued Commitment | Continues to advocate for social responsibility and encourages fellow entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to contribute to philanthropic endeavors. |
Awards and Honors
Award/Honor | Awarding Organization | Year |
Padma Shri | Government of India | 2000 |
Padma Vibhushan | Government of India | 2008 |
Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) | Government of United Kingdom | 2007 |
Legion of Honour | Government of France | 2008 |
IET Honorary Fellow | Institution of Engineering and Technology | 2002 |
IEEE Ernst Weber Engineering Leadership Recognition | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers | 2007 |
Honorary Degree | Lancaster University | 2007 |
Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship | Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars | 2009 |
Doctorate of Science (Honoris Causa) | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University | 2009 |
IEEE Honorary Membership | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers | 2010 |
NDTV Indian of the Year’s Icon of India | NDTV | 2011 |
Hoover Medal | American Society of Mechanical Engineers | 2012 |
Philanthropist of the Year | The Asian Awards | 2013 |
Sayaji Ratna Award | Baroda Management Association, Vadodara | 2013 |
25 Greatest Global Indian Living Legends | NDTV | 2013 |
CIF Global Indian Award | Canada India Foundation | 2014 |
Kempegowda Award | Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) | 2022 |
Narayana Murthy Legacy
Narayana Murthy’s legacy is marked by pioneering the Indian IT industry through Infosys, fostering innovation, and ethical leadership. His global delivery model revolutionized IT outsourcing, propelling India onto the global stage. Murthy’s philanthropic efforts, notably through the Infosys Foundation, have uplifted millions. As a thought leader, his principles of integrity, customer-centricity, and social responsibility continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs, shaping the trajectory of India’s tech landscape and societal development.