N.R. Narayana Murthy, a visionary and co-founder of Infosys, founded the iconic Indian IT company in 1981 with a bold vision – to conduct an experiment in entrepreneurship. He described Infosys as a company “of the professionals, for the professionals, and by the professionals.” Infosys was established in Pune but is currently headquartered in Bangalore, and it has consistently ranked as the second-largest Indian IT company by revenue, trailing only Tata Consultancy Services as of 2020.
In a recent interview with Mohandas Pai of 3one4 Capital on an episode of The Record, Narayana Murthy reminisced about the inception of Infosys. He explained his motivation, stating, “When I founded Infosys, it was to conduct an experiment in entrepreneurship.” His aspiration was to create a unique enterprise that catered to professionals and was run by professionals.
Infosys specializes in providing software development, maintenance, and independent validation services to companies across various sectors, including finance, insurance, and manufacturing. Its journey from a small experiment in entrepreneurship to a global IT giant is nothing short of remarkable.
In the conversation with Mohandas Pai, Narayana Murthy touched upon the role of technology and described it as a “great leveller.” He emphasized the significance of individual expertise and the creative role played by architects in the execution of a project. He explained that while committees may be unable to make critical decisions, an architect’s creative design is crucial for the successful execution of a project. This analogy underscores the importance of individual expertise and creativity in technology-driven enterprises.
Infosys began its journey with a modest initial capital of $250, primarily borrowed from the co-founders’ spouses. Over the years, it has grown to become India’s second-largest IT firm, a testament to Narayana Murthy’s pioneering vision and the unwavering dedication of the company’s founders and employees.
Beyond Infosys, Narayana Murthy has shared his thoughts on the importance of democracy. In a different context, he highlighted the significance of creating a democratic environment that upholds the values of pluralism. According to him, democracy thrives when citizens have the freedom to practice their beliefs and faith without imposing them on others, thus allowing for the progress of all. He referred to the four freedoms defined by former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt – freedom of expression, freedom of faith, freedom from fear, and freedom from want. Narayana Murthy’s vision extends beyond entrepreneurship, encompassing the broader principles of democracy and freedom.
As Narayana Murthy reflects on the founding principles of Infosys and the broader values of democracy, his impact on India’s IT industry and society as a whole remains enduring and inspirational. His experiment in entrepreneurship has not only shaped the IT landscape but also instilled a spirit of innovation and excellence in the generations that followed.