#narayana murthy

[riverroan]

Dhruva: I think I’m in love with Daya. Any thoughts?

Murthy: And prayers. You’re going to need them.

[eaglesnick]

“When the rich rob the poor it is called business” Mark Twain

As if we didn’t know already, the very wealthy expect the rest of us to literally work ourselves into an early grave so they can become richer still.  Millionaire Rishi Sunak’s father-in-law, billionaire NR Narayana Murthy is a case in point:

“We need to be disciplined and improve our work productivity. I think unless we do that, what can poor government do? And every government is as good as the culture of the people. And our culture has to change to that of highly determined, extremely disciplined and extremely hard-working people.”

Poor government indeed!  Crumbling national infrastructure and collapsing public survives are the fault of lazy working families. If only we would get up off our backsides and put in the 70 hour week Mr Murthy suggests then all would be well.

The arrogance of the super-rich knows no bounds.  Working people are already putting in more hours than ever before. People Management had this headline at the beginning of the year:

“More than four million UK workers considering a second job to combat cost of living, survey finds."  (09/01/23)

Even during the pandemic, when you would have expected people to be working less hours, that wasn’t necessarily the case. Forbes, the American financial and business magazine had this to say:

“We Worked Longer Hours During The Pandemic—Research Says We Need To Work Smarter, Not Harder… The extra hours worked during the pandemic would be less of a concern if they were just a temporary phenomenon, a blip on the screen. However, overwork is a longstanding problem."  (Forbes:18/08/21)

The move to working from home since the pandemic has also led to an increase in hours and workload.

“Employees who work from home are spending longer at their desks and facing a bigger workload than before the Covid pandemic hit." (Guardian: 04.02/21)

And we have this from the BBC:

“Overwork culture is thriving; we think of long hours and constant exhaustion as a marker of success….New studies show that workers around the world are putting in  an average of 9.2 hours of unpaid overtime per week – up from 7.3 hours just a year ago.” (BBC:Worklife: 10/04/21)

More recently we had this headline:

“In the current economic climate, Gen Zers are pulling especially long hours – and pushing themselves to the brink of burnout…18-24 (year olds) tend to put in an extra eight hours and 30 minutes of ‘free’ work per week by starting early, staying late or working during breaks and lunchtimes.” (BBC: Worklife: 29/05/23)

So Mr Murthy, people are not sitting on their backsides. They are working harder than ever, often for “free”. What’s more, many have two jobs because you and your rich friends refuse to give them a living wage, because you are more interested in accruing even more billions than you are in seeing working families being paid a living wage.

Rather than lazy workers, it is the greed of the rich and super-rich that has led to the collapse of public services and infrastructure. The system is rigged in their favour, designed for them to escape paying their fair share of taxes. As I quoted in my last blog,  “Tax evasion, and, more broadly, tax avoidance, is not inevitable; it is the result of policy choices” and while we have people like Mr Murthy’s son-in-law in charge of government, nothing will ever change.

[entrepreneurkiawaz]

Infosys Co-founder on His 14-Hour Daily Work Schedule

In a recent interview, N.R. Narayana Murthy, the 78-year-old co-founder of Infosys, revealed that he worked 14 hours a day, six-and-a-half days a week for 30 years. His rigorous work schedule lasted until his retirement in 2011 at the age of 65. He would arrive at the office at 6:20 a.m. and leave at 8:30 p.m., a routine that he expressed being "very proud" of.

Founded in 1981 with six co-founders and just $250 in capital, Infosys has transformed into a global IT giant with a presence in 56 countries, including the United States. Today, the company employs over 317,000 people, making it one of the largest and most successful IT firms worldwide.

Infosys made history in 1999 when it became the first Indian company to be listed on NASDAQ. The company now boasts a market capitalization of more than $92 billion, with fiscal year 2024 revenue exceeding $18 billion, cementing its position as a leader in the global tech industry. Read More

[nandinishenoy]

Narayana Murthy Advocates Passion Over Money for Career Success

Mumbai: Renowned Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recently shared his career wisdom on The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show, addressing a dilemma that many young professionals face: Should one pursue passion or money? Appearing alongside his wife and celebrated philanthropist Sudha Murthy, as well as Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal and his wife Gia Goyal, the episode was a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and career-defining advice.

The Power of Passion in a Career

When asked by host Kapil Sharma what young people should prioritize, Murthy stressed the importance of passion as the foundation of meaningful success. “Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without passion,” he remarked. “It sustains you when you’re stuck, uncertain, or facing sacrifices. Whether it’s being away from family or weathering challenges, passion is the anchor that keeps you going.”

Murthy’s words resonated deeply, highlighting that passion fosters resilience and dedication, especially during tough times. He reflected on the early days of Infosys, emphasizing how it was passion, not the lure of financial success, that motivated him and his team to persevere through challenges.

Supporting Insights from Deepinder Goyal

Deepinder Goyal, the founder of Zomato, echoed Murthy’s sentiments. Sharing his observations from the startup world, Goyal stated, “Startups driven by passion tend to perform better. Ventures motivated solely by money often struggle to endure in the competitive market.” Goyal’s insights reinforced Murthy’s perspective, providing a modern-day validation of the timeless principle.

Entrepreneurship Beyond Tech

Kapil Sharma, known for his humor and sharp wit, received a unique compliment from Murthy, who praised his career as an entrepreneur. “Entrepreneurship is about offering something distinct, and you’ve achieved that with your humor. You’re as much an entrepreneur as anyone in the corporate world,” said Murthy, leaving Kapil visibly moved.

Sudha Murthy also chimed in, adding, “In your form of entrepreneurship, humor is your capital, and it has taken you far.” Her comment highlighted the diverse ways passion can manifest, from technological innovations to comedic brilliance.

A Takeaway for the Youth

Murthy’s advice serves as a timeless reminder for today’s generation to focus on what truly drives them. While financial rewards are important, he underlined that they often follow when one commits wholeheartedly to their passion.

The episode, a perfect blend of inspiration and entertainment, offered invaluable lessons not just for budding entrepreneurs but for anyone aiming to leave a meaningful mark in their field.

[marketingpicnic]

Narayana Murthy Was "Disappointed" When India Shifted To 5-Day Workweek

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has defended his controversial 70-hour workweek comments and added that hard work is crucial to India's progress. “I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave,” Mr Murthy said at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit.

The veteran entrepreneur said he was “disappointed” with India's shift from a six-day workweek to a five-day workweek in 1986. Mr Murthy also said that India's development requires sacrifice, not relaxation.

Drawing attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 100-hour workweeks, he said, “When PM Modi is working that hard, the only way to show our appreciation for what's happening around us is by working just as hard.”

He pointed to the example of post-WWII Germany and Japan, suggesting India follow a similar path of hard work and national rebuilding. “This is what they did to rebuild their countries,” Mr Murthy noted.

Mr Murthy also shared personal insights into his work ethic, revealing that throughout much of his career, he maintained an intense schedule of 14-hour days, six and a half days a week. He would arrive at the office by 6:30 am and leave at around 8:40 pm. “I'm proud of it,” he said.

The 78-year-old entrepreneur firmly believes hard work is the only path to success. “We need to work hard in this country. There is no substitute for hard work. Even if you are the most intelligent guy you have to work hard.”

To improve the delivery of public services, Mr Murthy had a suggestion for PM Modi. He proposed that the government consider hiring more managers with formal training over administrators selected through the current civil services examination system.

Once a candidate is selected, he or she will be taken to Mussoorie (where the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy Of Administration is located) for training, where he or she will be trained in specialised sector agriculture, defence or manufacturing, which is a departure from the current practice of creating general administrators, he said.

The successful candidates will become subject matter experts once the training is over and serve the country in their respective fields for 30-40 years, Mr Murthy said.

[tfgadgets]

On The Great Indian Kapil Show, Sudha Murthy shares she is a terrible cook: ‘That’s the reason behind Narayana’s weight' | Web Series

On Saturday’s episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his author wife Sudha Murthy shared delightful anecdotes from their personal life. In a candid revelation, Sudha confessed that she is a terrible cook but expressed gratitude that Narayana still appreciates her culinary efforts. Also read: The Great Indian Kapil Show: Sudha Murthy reveals Narayana Murthy failed to…

[newspatron]

Sudha Murthy's Vision for Women & Tourism

Share your thoughts on Sudha Murthy's vision for India. What resonated with you the most? Let's continue the conversation.

A Grave Concern: Cervical Cancer in IndiaSudha Murthy YouTube VideoEmpowering Women Through Health InitiativesUnveiling India’s Hidden Treasures: A Vision for TourismRemarkable Women of the Maratha EraA Life Dedicated to Service: Sudha Murthy’s LegacyA Vision for a Better India Image Courtesty – Sansad TV. Sudha Murthy ‘s Maiden Speech: A Vision for Women’s Health and Untapped Tourism Potential…

[thenewsfactsnow]

Why Azim Premji Snubbed Narayana Murthy, and What Followed

Narayan Murthy, Infosys Founder in a candid interview on Saturday, shared a surprising revelation about his early career. Despite once applying for a job at Wipro, he was turned down, ultimately leading to the creation of Infosys—a company that would become one of Wipro’s major rivals in the IT industry. According to Murthy, former Wipro chairman Azim Premji later admitted to him that not hiring…

[fastlane-freedom]

Achieving Success: Embracing Risks and Confronting Failure

Success is a journey marked by challenges, uncertainties, and the courage to step into the unknown. At the heart of this journey lies the willingness to embrace risks and confront failure head-on. In this blog, we will explore the essential role of risk-taking in achieving success, examining real-world examples that illustrate the transformative power of facing adversity. “In order to succeed,…

[newzquest]

Is there a middle ground for Gen Z between a 21-year-old graduate going viral for crying over a 9-5 job and Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week?

Not to mention that there are countries with 8.5 hour necessary work hours, such as Mexico (41 hours) and Costa Rica (46 hours), while others, such as Japan, Spain, Iceland, and Belgium, continue to struggle with a four-day work week regulation. So, where is the ‘golden middle way’ for Gen Z, particularly in a post-Covid workplace? The work-life balance of Generation Z has been the subject of…

[gondolin-but-not-forgottenlin]

bro. cmon. are you fucking kidding me

NARAYANA MURTHY WHAT

[riverroan]

Murthy: Don’t worry. He likes your butt and fancy hair. I overheard him tell Shanvi.

Daya: He thinks it’s fancy?

[randomquotesfromamazingfolks]

Growth is painful. Change is painful. But, nothing is as painful as staying stuck where you do not belong.

-N. R. Narayana Murthy

[atithsinaiamonkar]

The Paradox of Pursuits

The relentless pursuit of fulfilment prompts us to question its true meaning. Why, after securing necessities, do we continue to strive for more? Why do we trade modest dwellings for opulent mansions, reliable transportation for extravagant vehicles, and simple attire for designer labels? Society shamelessly preaches that these material possessions may offer temporary gratification, but ultimately fail to provide lasting happiness. Amidst this pursuit of material wealth, we are frequently reminded of the importance of contentment and the need to give back to society. Yet, these warnings often raise more questions than answers. What constitutes true satisfaction? Where does the line between need and greed lie? And who has the authority to define these boundaries?

The lines between necessity, comfort, and luxury are often blurred, shifting and reforming with the ebb and flow of individual circumstances and societal norms. Another person may view what one person deems essential for survival as a mere indulgence. For instance, an air conditioner, once a luxury item, has become a necessity for many in regions with extreme heat, others may view it as a mere comfort or even an unwarranted expenditure. Similarly, a smartphone, while still considered a luxury by some, has become an indispensable tool for many, facilitating communication, work and entertainment. A complex and very perplexing interplay of personal values, cultural influences and socioeconomic realities shapes this subjective and highly personalised interpretation.

However, in contemporary times, it seems that others are attempting to dictate our choices and impose their values upon us. They often define our needs, comforts, and luxuries, particularly for those who have risen from humble beginnings to great heights. It is unclear whether this behaviour is driven by genuine spiritual concern or by underlying resentment and frustration. These individuals, who often offer unsolicited advice, are notably absent when support and encouragement are truly needed from them. This raises questions about their sincerity. It is crucial to recognise that each individual's journey is unique, and we cannot measure ourselves against one another. Just as each one of us faces our unique challenges and opportunities, so too do we have our unique paths to fulfilment.

Our understanding of "enough" and "satisfaction" is deeply personal and influenced by our upbringing, experiences, and aspirations. For some, a modest existence, devoid of material excess, may be the epitome of a fulfilling life. They find contentment in simple pleasures, valuing abstract contentment over material possessions. A cosy home, good food and meaningful connections may be all they need to feel truly satisfied. Others, driven by ambition and societal pressures, may strive for wealth and status, equating success with the accumulation of possessions. Their definition of "enough" is constantly evolving, as they seek to attain ever-higher standards of living. A larger house, a more luxurious car or jewellery may become their necessities, as they climb the social ladder.

One cannot help but ponder the contrast between the modest abode of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and the palatial residence of Shah Rukh Khan. This reflection raises intriguing questions about the nature of luxury and necessity. While Salman Khan finds contentment in his modest apartment, Shah Rukh Khan revels in the grandeur of Mannat. Similarly, the Ambanis find fulfilment in the opulence of Antilia and Mr. and Mrs. N. R. Narayana Murthy derive immense satisfaction residing in a modest bungalow. These diverse choices highlight the subjective nature of human desires and the impossibility of imposing universal standards. As individuals, we have the autonomy to define our boundaries of fulfilment, whether it be a life of simplicity or one of mere extravagance.

Cultural norms play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of needs and desires. In some cultures, thriftiness and self-sufficiency are highly valued, while in others, conspicuous consumption is seen as a sign of success. These cultural differences can lead to vastly different interpretations of what constitutes a "good life." For instance, the culture in North India is renowned for its lavish celebrations, characterised by extravagant parties, opulent attire, and sumptuous feasts. In contrast, South Indian cultures often prioritise simplicity and frugality, emphasising saving, education, and intellectual pursuits over material possessions. These cultural nuances highlight the diversity of human values and their irrefutable impact on the subjective nature of our respective needs and desires.

Societal expectations often shape our unrealistic perceptions of a fulfilling life. One such prevalent notion in India is that studying or working abroad is the pinnacle of accomplishment. Affluent individuals may comfortably send their children overseas, while those from modest backgrounds may go to extreme lengths, including incurring significant debt, to follow this trend. Such actions often compromise their own well-being and financial security. It is crucial to remember that these societal expectations are constantly shifting and may not align with individual needs and aspirations. As individuals, we must prioritise practicality and personal satisfaction over blindly following trends. To achieve true fulfilment we must consider redefining our paths and making informed choices.

While societal expectations often encourage affluent individuals to engage in charitable endeavours, it is essential to recognise that charity should be a personal choice, driven by genuine compassion and a desire to make a positive impact. While charitable acts are undoubtedly noble, they should not be imposed as a moral obligation. Whether one chooses to donate to charity or invest in personal pursuits is a matter of individual conscience. It is crucial to respect these choices and avoid subjecting individuals to undue pressure or judgment. Unlike corporate social responsibility mandates, there are no legal obligations for individuals to engage in philanthropic activities. Ultimately, the decision to give back to society should be a voluntary act of kindness, rather than a forced obligation.

India recently lost a true gem, far more precious than any physical treasure like the Kohinoor. The late Mr Ratan Tata, a paragon of selfless service, will be remembered for generations to come. He dedicated his life to the betterment of society, constantly seeking ways to alleviate suffering. Even in his final days, he pondered how to use his resources to aid those afflicted with Parkinson's disease. While Mr Tata's philanthropic endeavours were exemplary, it is important to recognise that charity is a personal choice. Not everyone is obligated to follow his example of exceptional charity. While some may choose to dedicate their wealth to charitable causes, others may prefer to invest in personal pursuits. Unjust and unreasonable societal expectations of those with wealth are counterproductive.

As humans, we possess the unique ability to dream and achieve. Our brains, a remarkable gift, allow us to set ambitious goals and strive for greatness. No one can dictate the limits of our aspirations. As long as our pursuits are ethical and legal, we have the freedom to define our success. Those who attempt to impose their values and expectations on others should reconsider their approach. It is essential to respect the hard work and dedication of individuals who have achieved success. Instead of criticizing their accomplishments, we should direct our attention towards those who exploit the system and engage in unethical practices. It is disheartening to see that while honest individuals are subjected to scrutiny, those who engage in fraudulent activities often evade justice.

The adage "where needs end, greed starts" holds a profound truth. While the pursuit of success is often driven by a healthy ambition, it can sometimes spiral into destructive greed. The constant striving for more, fuelled by insatiable desires, is a powerful force that drives progress. However, this relentless pursuit can lead to unhealthy competition and a disregard for the well-being of others. When individuals attempt to dictate the boundaries of others' aspirations, they not only undermine their autonomy but also betray the spirit of healthy competition. By preaching about contentment and moderation, they may inadvertently hinder the progress of others and stifle prosperity. Ultimately, true fulfilment lies in a balanced approach that combines ambition with compassion.