Narayana Murthy Turns 78 Today

Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys and a well-respected figure in the Indian business world, celebrates his 78th birthday today. Known as the ‘Father of the Indian IT sector’, his impact on the technology industry is significant.

Born on August 20, 1946, in Sidlaghatta, Karnataka, Narayana Murthy comes from a middle-class Hindu family. He earned his degree in electrical engineering from the National Institute of Engineering and further achieved a Master’s degree from IIT Kanpur. Additionally, he received an honorary degree from Lancaster University.

Murthy’s career began with various tech roles, including a meaningful stint in Paris that deepened his understanding of global technology trends. Starting Infosys with just ₹10,000 in Pune, he grew it into India’s second-largest IT company, showcasing remarkable progress in revenues from a mere $40,000 in 1982 to a staggering $6.99 billion in 2012, along with a workforce of 150,000.

Narayana is married to Sudha Murthy, a prominent author and philanthropist, and together, they have two children, Rohan and Akshata. They have actively participated in numerous philanthropic efforts through the Infosys Foundation, contributing significantly to healthcare, education, and rural development across India.

Throughout his career, Murthy has received various prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 2000, the Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2007, the Legion of Honour in 2008, and the Padma Vibhushan in the same year.

Recently, Murthy made headlines during an interview with TV Mohandas Pai, where he emphasized the need for Indian youth to take ownership of their country’s progress. He stated that to boost productivity, it’s essential for young people to work hard, even suggesting longer work weeks, echoing the practices seen in countries like Japan and Germany.

His remarks sparked a mix of reactions; some criticized him while others praised his call for a stronger work ethic. Supporters pointed to his personal success as a testament to the values of hard work and dedication.