- Full Name: Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy
- Born: August 20, 1946, Karnataka, India
- Founder, Infosys (1981): Pioneered India’s global IT revolution; served as CEO (1981–2002), then Chairman till 2011, and later Chairman Emeritus
- Accolades: Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan, CBE (UK), Legion of Honour (France), E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year, among many others
🔍 Latest Highlights
1. On AI and Productivity
Murthy recently revealed he uses ChatGPT to draft speeches—cutting prep time from ~30 to 5 hours, a fivefold boost—while urging ethical usage of AI indiatimes.com. He also calls out overhyped AI, stating much of what’s labeled “AI” is just old programming .
2. 70‑Hour Workweek Controversy
He stirred debate by advocating a 70-hour workweek last year, reflecting his belief in hard work to drive India’s progress . However, Infosys has since emphasized employee well-being, instituting no-overtime policies and alerts for those exceeding 9.15 hours/day .
3. Global Recognition & Influence
- Visited GIFT City recently, praising its ambition to be a global fintech hub
- Younger generation connection: UK PM Rishi Sunak (his son-in-law) says their shared interest in numbers strengthened their bond economictimes.indiatimes.com.
Why He Matters Today
- Ethical work culture: Balances hard work ethos with modern well-being focus.
- Tech-forward but grounded: Embraces AI for productivity—yet warns against hype.
- Legacy of integrity: Known as the “father of Indian IT,” his leadership continues to inspire entrepreneurs globally.
| Role / Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Infosys Founder | Built a global IT pioneer from ₹10,000 investment (en.wikipedia.org) |
| AI Advocate & Skeptic | Uses ChatGPT; rejects AI exaggeration |
| Work Culture Debater | Promotes diligence; aware of burnout risks in corporate settings |
| Global Business Icon | Recipient of major awards; mentor to global and Indian leaders |
❓ FAQs
Q: Does Murthy support AI?
A: Yes—he uses ChatGPT for faster prep and sees AI as a productivity enhancer, not a job killer .
Q: What about work‑life balance?
A: He suggested longer workweeks, but Infosys now advocates balanced hours, tracking and limiting overtime .
Q: Why was his 70‑hour comment controversial?
A: Some saw it as outdated and overbearing, especially against today’s mental‑health norms .
Q: How does he influence India globally?
A: He’s a mentor, global board member (UN Foundation, Ford Foundation), and inspiration to many in tech and leadership .
