Narayana Murthy, the visionary co-founder of Infosys, recently ignited a national discourse by advocating for a rigorous 70-hour workweek for the younger generation to boost India’s productivity. In a candid conversation with The Economic Times, Murthy drew upon his own experiences, highlighting his early morning arrivals and late departures, working six days a week. His assertion that prosperity arises from hard work spurred debates nationwide.
Amidst discussions on his work ethic, let’s delve into Narayana Murthy’s substantial net worth, educational background, and the pivotal role played by his wife, Sudha Murty, in the growth of Infosys into a company with an annual turnover of $18.21 billion (approximately Rs 1,51,762 crore).
Narayana Murthy: A Comprehensive Insight into the Infosys Co-Founder’s Life
Educational Journey:
Born and raised in Karnataka, Murthy earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the National Institute of Engineering. He later pursued a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
Professional Trajectory:
Before founding Infosys, Murthy worked as a research associate at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, eventually becoming the Chief Systems Programmer. After an unsuccessful venture with his own company, Softronics, he worked at Patni Computer Systems in Pune.
Rejecting Lucrative Offers:
Murthy’s dedication to his chosen path is evident in his decision to decline lucrative job offers from prominent companies like TELCO, TISCO, and Air India. Despite these companies offering double the salary, he chose to join IIM Ahmedabad as Chief Systems Programmer.
The Genesis of Infosys:
In 1981, Narayana Murthy founded Infosys, serving as the CEO until 2002 and later as the chairman until 2011. The company began with six software professionals and an initial investment of Rs 10,000 from his wife, Sudha Murthy, who currently chairs the Infosys Foundation.
Sudha Murthy’s Role:
Sudha Murthy, a philanthropist, author, and educator, holds a significant position as the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. In an interview with News18, she expressed support for her husband’s work ethic, emphasizing his commitment to 80-90 hours of work each week.
Infosys’ Remarkable Success:
As of 2023, Infosys boasts a global revenue of $18.2 billion, showcasing a substantial increase from the previous year’s $16.3 billion.
Combined Net Worth:
Forbes estimates Narayana Murthy’s net worth at $4.4 billion (approximately Rs 36,690 crore). Together, Sudha and Narayana Murthy share a combined net worth of Rs 37,465 crore, reflecting their success and contributions to the world of technology and philanthropy.