N R Narayana Murthy Birthday: 7 things you probably did not know about the co-founder of Infosys

Narayana Murthy was jailed on his trip to Bulgaria

There are a few people whose life story in itself is a inspiration to millions. They are role models for many and contribute to change in a positive way. One such gem in India is Infosys’ co-founder, Narayana Murthy. He is one of the few hardworking professionals whose value system and ethics form the foundation of the company. He is a vital contributor to Infosys’ success both in India and abroad. As the brilliant mind turns 68, here are seven things you probably did not know about this inspiration.

1. The funding of Infosys

Infosys was a baby project of Narayana Murthy and six of his friends. While they took a bold step of leaving their jobs and fully dedicate their time to their idea, they had no funding. Narayana Murthy’s wife played a key role in keeping their dreams fueled by funding Rs. 10,000 for the project. She was working at TCS at the time. (READ: More focussed on private sector for India business: Infosys)

2. His encounter with prison

Narayana Murthy is a bold socialist. In the mid 70s, Murthy was jailed on his trip to Bulgaria. He was stranded in the international land without his passport and had to spend three days in prison.

3. The failed first attempt

Infosys was not Murthy’s first venture into entrepreneurship. He began an IT consulting firm named Softonicsin 1976. This firm was based off Pune and failed to make a mark.

4. His though process

In an annual generalmeeting, one share holder kept asking questions and raising queries about the issues faced by the company. Instead of showing bitterness or anger Murthy went on to hire this questionnaire, none other than, Mohandas Pai. Pai went on to play a major role in listing of Infosys in Nasdaq.

5. The value system

In the early 2000 only one person was told to be capable of taking over from Narayana Murthy, Phaneesh Murthy. When he was accused of sexual assault in 2003 by his executive secretary, RekaMaximowitch. When Murthy heard of these claims being true, he immediately sacked Phaneesh and provided a compensation of USD 3 million. Murthy went on to increase the stringency in its hiring process.

6. The milestones

While Infosys forms a rosy picture currently, their struggles were spread over a long period of time. In 1990, Infosys was on the verge of shutting down. However Murthy held it down and said to the co founders that he would not let the company shut down. All the founders also stood by.

7. The down to earth lifestyle

Even tough Murthy is one of the richest people in India he still lives in a middle class home and travels in economy class. The only area that he is known to splurge is towards his book collections.

With a perfect combination of humility and authority, Murthy forms the perfect idol for many professionals. His leadership skills are admired all over the world. Here’s wishing him a very happy birthday!