Name: Chidanand Malli

Class: MBA- II
Roll No.: 26
Subject: Entrepreneurship Development
 Profile Of Narayan Murthy

Narayan Murthy is one of India's most respected and influential entrepreneurs, widely regarded
as the father of the Indian IT (Information Technology) industry. He is the co-founder of Infosys,
one of the largest and most successful IT services companies in the world. His journey from humble
beginnings to building a global tech giant is an inspiring story of hard work, perseverance, and
vision.

• Early Life and Education:

1. Full Name: Narayana Krishnan Murthy

2. Date of Birth: August 20, 1946

3. Place of Birth: Sidlaghatta, Karnataka, India

Narayan Murthy was born in a middle-class family. His father, a school teacher, and mother, a
homemaker, instilled in him the values of hard work, discipline, and the importance of education
from an early age.

4. Education:

I) He attended National Institute of Engineering (NIE) in Mysore, where he earned a degree in

Electrical Engineering.

II) He later went on to pursue a Master's in Technology from Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT) Kanpur in 1969, which laid the foundation for his future career in technology and
entrepreneurship.

• Early Career:

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Murthy worked at several reputed companies, where he gained
invaluable experience. Some of his early career milestones include:

1. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad: Murthy worked for a brief period in the
development sector before moving into the IT space.

2. Sesa Goa: He joined Sesa Goa, an iron ore company, where he worked as a systems
programmer.

3. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): Murthy worked at TCS (India’s largest IT services
company) in the early 1970s. It was here that he gained exposure to the burgeoning IT industry,
which would later shape his entrepreneurial vision.
• Founding Infosys:
In 1981, Narayan Murthy took the bold step of founding Infosys Technologies with six other
cofounders, including Nandan Nilekani, S. Gopalakrishnan, Shibulal, K. Dinesh, N. S.
Raghavan, and R. Seshasayee. The initial capital for Infosys was only ₹10,000, a small amount
by today’s standards, but it was a significant leap for Murthy and his co-founders.

• Vision and Strategy:

Murthy’s vision for Infosys was clear: to create a globally respected IT services company that
provided top-notch, cost-effective software solutions. The company's initial focus was on
delivering software services to multinational corporations, and it targeted foreign markets,
particularly the United States, where the demand for IT outsourcing was growing rapidly.

Murthy made several key decisions that laid the foundation for Infosys' success:

1. Integrity and Transparency: Murthy was committed to maintaining transparency in business

dealings and ethical practices. Infosys was among the first companies in India to adopt
international corporate governance standards, which earned it respect and trust globally.

2. Globalization: Murthy was among the first to take an Indian IT company global. Under his
leadership, Infosys expanded its presence in the United States, Europe, and other international
markets, long before other Indian companies took similar steps.

3. Quality and Innovation: Murthy believed in quality, innovation, and delivering value to clients.
Infosys’ emphasis on excellence and customer satisfaction made it a preferred vendor for large
global corporations.

• Growth and Success of Infosys:

Under Murthy’s leadership, Infosys grew from a small startup into one of the world’s leading IT
companies. Here are some milestones:

1. 1993 – Infosys Goes Public: Infosys went public in 1993 with an IPO (Initial Public Offering)
of ₹10 crore, marking a key step in its growth trajectory.

2. Global Presence: Infosys rapidly expanded into international markets and opened delivery
centers in the U.S. and Europe.

3. Revenue Growth: Infosys quickly became known for its steady growth and scalability. By the
early 2000s, the company had grown into a multi-billion-dollar organization.

4. Pioneering the Indian IT Industry: Infosys was one of the first Indian companies to gain
global recognition and was integral in bringing global attention to India’s potential as an IT
outsourcing destination.
• Leadership Style:

Murthy’s leadership style was characterized by a focus on values and people. He was known for
his:

1. Focus on Integrity: Murthy built Infosys with a strong foundation of ethical business practices.
He was a staunch advocate for transparency and fairness in all business dealings.

2. Employee-Centric Approach: Murthy believed in creating a culture of innovation and

inclusivity. Infosys became known for its emphasis on nurturing talent, which helped the company
retain some of the brightest minds in the industry.

3. Hands-On Leadership: Murthy was deeply involved in all aspects of the business, from
product development to client relations, ensuring that Infosys adhered to its values of quality and
innovation.

• Going Global and the Rise of Infosys:

Under Narayan Murthy’s guidance, Infosys expanded its operations to more than 50 countries, and
the company became a major player in the IT services industry globally.

1. Infosys was listed on the NASDAQ in 1999, marking the company’s debut in the global
financial markets.

2. The company’s rise symbolized the strength of India’s IT sector, which grew rapidly in the 1990s
and early 2000s.

• Retirement and Legacy:

Narayan Murthy stepped down as the CEO of Infosys in 2002, but remained active in the company
as its Chairman. He retired from his role as Chairman in 2011, after which he became a guiding
force and an influential figure in India’s technology ecosystem.

1. Philanthropy: Murthy and his family have been heavily involved in philanthropy, contributing
to education, healthcare, and rural development. He is a trustee of several charitable organizations
and has donated substantial sums to causes such as education and healthcare.

2. Mentorship: Even after retirement, Murthy continues to mentor and inspire the next generation
of entrepreneurs. He has written extensively about his entrepreneurial journey and leadership
principles, which have been used as guiding principles by aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Awards and Recognitions:

Narayan Murthy’s contributions to the field of technology and business have earned him several
accolades, including:

1. Padma Shri: In 2000, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, one of India’s
highest civilian awards, for his contribution to trade and industry.

2. Padma Bhushan: In 2008, Murthy was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of
India, recognizing his role in the growth of India’s IT sector.

3. Legion of Honour: In 2008, he received the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian award,
for his contribution to the Indian IT industry and his role in strengthening Indo-French relations.

• Key Principles and Philosophy:

Narayan Murthy has always advocated for a set of values that have guided his personal and
professional life. Some of his key principles include:

1. Integrity and Ethics: Murthy has consistently emphasized the importance of ethical business
practices, transparency, and integrity. He believes in always doing the right thing, even if it’s not
the easiest path.

2. Innovation and Excellence: Murthy has always been a strong advocate for innovation. Under
his leadership, Infosys focused heavily on research and development, driving continuous
innovation.

3. Employee Welfare: Murthy believes in treating employees as the company’s greatest assets.
He ensured that Infosys created an environment where employees felt valued, respected, and
motivated to perform at their best.

• Conclusion:
Narayan Murthy’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of vision, integrity, and hard
work. From a humble beginning to building Infosys into one of the world’s leading IT companies,
his life story is an inspiration for entrepreneurs around the world. His contributions to the IT
industry, business ethics, and philanthropy continue to influence the next generation of business
leaders. Murthy’s vision has not only shaped the future of Infosys but also the global IT services
industry.