Narayana Murthy Biography
Narayana Murthy, a name synonymous with the Indian IT revolution, stands as an icon of innovation and leadership. His journey from a modest upbringing to becoming one of India’s most celebrated entrepreneurs is an inspiring saga of perseverance and vision.
Early Life and Education
Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy was born on August 20, 1946, in Sidlaghatta, Karnataka, into a middle-class Kannada Hindu family. He completed his schooling with a strong foundation in values and education, imbibed from his teachers and parents. Murthy pursued electrical engineering at the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore, graduating in 1967. He further honed his skills with a master’s degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, in 1969.
| Education Level | Degree | Institution | Year of Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electrical Engineering | University of Mysore | 1967 |
| Postgraduate | Master of Technology (M.Tech) | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur | 1969 |
Murthy’s educational journey reflects his deep engagement with engineering and technology, setting the stage for his later achievements in the IT industry. His time at these renowned institutions undoubtedly contributed to his innovative approach and business acumen that led to the founding of Infosys.
Narayana Murthy Net Worth
As of October 2023, the net worth of N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, has been estimated differently by various sources. According to Forbes, his net worth is around $4.4 billion, positioning him as the 647th richest individual globally and the 41st wealthiest person in India. Another source, Market Realist, reports his net worth as $4.3 billion. Tech.hindustantimes.com lists his net worth at $4.5 billion, identifying him as India’s 48th richest person and 4th richest tech billionaire. Celebrity Net Worth provides a slightly higher figure of $4.6 billion.
Given these varied estimates, it’s clear that Narayana Murthy’s net worth is in the range of $4.3 billion to $4.6 billion, reflecting his significant impact and success in the global IT industry.
| Source | Estimated Net Worth | Date of Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Forbes | $4.4 billion | October 2023 |
| Market Realist | $4.3 billion | October 2023 |
| Tech.hindustantimes.com | $4.5 billion | 2023 |
| Celebrity Net Worth | $4.6 billion | 2023 |
Narayana Murthy Family Background
N.R. Narayana Murthy hails from a ‘Kannada Madhwa Brahmin’ family in Mysore. Born into a middle-class family, he was one of nine siblings, with eight brothers and a sister. Murthy’s father, N. Rama Rao, worked as a school teacher, and his mother’s name is Padavathamma Murthy. The financial conditions of his family were modest, as indicated by his father’s profession.
Narayana Murthy married Sudha Murthy, an engineer, social worker, and accomplished author. Together, they have two children: a son, Rohan Murthy, and a daughter, Akshata Murthy. Rohan is engaged to Lakshmi Venu, the daughter of Venu Srinivasan of TVS Motors, while Akshata is married to Rishi Sunak.
| Family Member | Relation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| N. Rama Rao | Father | High school teacher |
| Padavathamma Murthy | Mother | – |
| Sudha Murthy | Wife | Engineer, social worker, author |
| Rohan Murthy | Son | Engaged to Lakshmi Venu |
| Akshata Murthy | Daughter | Married to Rishi Sunak |
Professional Beginnings
Murthy’s early career involved a stint as a research associate and chief systems programmer at IIM Ahmedabad, where he worked on India’s first time-sharing computer system and designed a BASIC interpreter for Electronics Corporation of India Limited. This period marked a turning point, with Murthy briefly establishing a company named Softronics, which, however, failed. He then joined Patni Computer Systems in Pune.
Infosys: The Dream and Reality
In 1981, with an initial investment of just Rs 10,000, borrowed from his supportive wife Sudha Murthy, Narayana Murthy co-founded Infosys. The company, under his leadership, became a pioneering force in the IT sector. He served as the CEO from 1981 to 2002 and continued as the chairman until 2011. Murthy was instrumental in developing the Global Delivery Model, a cornerstone of India’s IT outsourcing success.
Achievements and Recognition
Murthy’s work has been globally recognized. Some of his notable accolades include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, and the prestigious Legion of Honour from France. He was also named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year, reflecting his impact on the global business landscape.
Personal Life and Legacy
Murthy’s personal life is equally remarkable. He is married to Sudha Murthy, an accomplished author and philanthropist. They have two children, Akshata and Rohan. Despite his success, Murthy is known for his humility and for maintaining a simple lifestyle, deeply rooted in his Indian heritage.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1946 | Born in Sidlaghatta, Karnataka |
| 1967 | Graduated in Electrical Engineering from National Institute of Engineering, Mysore |
| 1969 | Received Master’s degree from IIT Kanpur |
| 1981 | Co-founded Infosys |
| 1981-2002 | Served as CEO of Infosys |
| 2002-2011 | Chairman of Infosys |
| Various Years | Awarded Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, Legion of Honour, Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year, and other honors |
| 2011 | Became Chairman Emeritus of Infosys |
| 2013 | Rejoined Infosys as Executive Chairman |
| 2014 | Left Infosys |
Narayana Murthy’s life is a testament to the power of dreaming big and the relentless pursuit of those dreams. His journey from a small town in Karnataka to the pinnacle of the global IT industry is not just a story of personal success, but a narrative that inspires millions to aspire and achieve.
Murthy’s journey shows that with vision, hard work, and a commitment to values, success is not just a dream but an achievable reality. His legacy continues to inspire future generations, making him a true icon in the world of business and technology.