N. R. Narayana Murthy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
N. R. Narayana Murthy
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Murthy in 2014
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Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy
20 August 1946 |
| Alma mater | National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru (BE) IIT Kanpur (MTech) |
| Known for | Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Infosys |
| Board member of | United Nations Foundation Ford Foundation |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Akshata Murty Rohan Murty |
| Relatives | Rishi Sunak (son-in-law) Shrinivas Kulkarni (brother-in-law) Gururaj Deshpande (brother-in-law) |
| Awards |
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Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy (born August 20, 1946) is a very successful Indian businessman. He is famous for starting Infosys, a big technology company. He was the leader of Infosys for many years. He served as its chairman, CEO, and chief mentor. After retiring, he became the chairman emeritus.
As of January 2025, his wealth was about US$5.0 billion. Forbes magazine reported this amount. Murthy is seen as a pioneer in India's technology industry. Time magazine and CNBC have called him the "father of the Indian IT sector." This is because of his big role in bringing computer services work to India. He has received high honors like the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri awards.
Murthy's daughter, Akshata Murty, is married to Rishi Sunak. Rishi Sunak was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2022 to 2024.
Early Life and Education
N. R. Narayana Murthy was born on August 20, 1946. He grew up in Sidlaghatta, a town in the Indian state of Karnataka. His family was middle-class.
After finishing school, he studied electrical engineering. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1967 from the National Institute of Engineering. Later, in 1969, he received his master's degree. This was from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. In 2007, he also received an honorary degree from Lancaster University.
Building a Career in Technology
Murthy started his career as a researcher at IIM Ahmedabad. He worked on India's first computer system that many people could use at once. He also helped create a computer language for Electronics Corporation of India Limited. He even started his own company called Softronics, but it didn't last long. After that, he joined Patni Computer Systems in Pune.
In 1981, Murthy and six other software experts started Infosys. They began with a small amount of money, about Rs 10,000. This money was given by his wife, Sudha Murty. Murthy was the CEO of Infosys for 21 years, from 1981 to 2002. He then became the chairman of the board. He helped create a way for Infosys to deliver IT services to customers all over the world from India. In 2011, he retired from his main roles. He was given the title of chairman emeritus.
In June 2013, Murthy returned to Infosys for a short time. He became the executive chairman. He stepped down again in 2014, becoming chairman emeritus once more.
Murthy has also been a director on the boards of other big companies. These include HSBC, DBS Bank, and Unilever. He also advises many schools and charities. He is a trustee of the Infosys Prize.
Personal Life
Narayana Murthy's wife is Sudha Murty. She is a well-known educator, author, and philanthropist. She used to be the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, which is a non-profit organization.
They have two children. Their son is named Rohan Murty. Their daughter is named Akshata Murty. Rohan worked with his father at Infosys for a year. He then started his own company called Soroco in 2014. Akshata Murty married Rishi Sunak in 2009. Rishi Sunak later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Awards and Honors
N. R. Narayana Murthy has received many important awards and honors. These awards recognize his contributions to business and technology.
- 2000: Padma Shri from the Government of India.
- 2003: Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year.
- 2007: Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) from the Government of United Kingdom.
- 2008: Officer of the Legion of Honour from the Government of France.
- 2008: Padma Vibhushan from the Government of India.
- 2009: Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship.
- 2012: Hoover Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
- 2013: Philanthropist of the Year at The Asian Awards.
- 2014: CIF Global Indian Award.
- 2022: Kempegowda Award from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
- 2024: India Lifetime Achievement Award.
