Narayana Murthy: The Man Who Put India on the Tech Map

Early Life and Education

Born in 1946 in Karnataka, N.R. Narayana Murthy came from a humble, middle-class family. A bright student, he earned a degree in electrical engineering and later studied computer science in France.

Even as a young man, Murthy believed in using technology for social change.

The Start of His Entrepreneurial Journey

In 1981, Murthy and six friends founded Infosys with just ₹10,000 borrowed from his wife. Their vision? To build a global IT services company from India.

At the time, India was closed to the global market, and software exports seemed like a distant dream. But Murthy believed in building for the future.

Struggles and Setbacks

In its early years, Infosys struggled to find clients and retain talent. Murthy worked long hours, often without pay. But his leadership was values-driven—based on transparency, hard work, and integrity.When India opened up in the 1990s, Infosys was ready. They capitalized on the outsourcing boom.

Rise to Global Recognition

By the early 2000s, Infosys became a symbol of India’s IT revolution. Murthy was hailed as the father of the Indian IT industry.His emphasis on corporate governance, employee stock ownership, and social responsibility inspired a generation of Indian entrepreneurs.

Current Impact and Global Influence

Even after stepping down as chairman, Murthy remains an inspiration for business leaders worldwide. He supports education, research, and rural development through the Infosys Foundation and other initiatives.

Conclusion

Narayana Murthy showed that ethical business can also be profitable. He helped make India a global IT powerhouse—and in doing so, became a national icon of simplicity, values, and vision.