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Tag: Sudha Murty

  • Sudha Murty Shares Story to Narayana Murthy for Infosys

    Sudha Murty Shares Story to Narayana Murthy for Infosys

    At the India Today Conclave 2024, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty shared a remarkable anecdote about her pivotal role in the founding of Infosys, a leading global IT company. Sudha Murty recounted a significant moment in 1981 when she took a bold step that would change the course of their lives forever. She revealed how she provided financial support to her husband, NR Narayana Murthy, to kickstart the venture that would later become Infosys.

     

    During her speech, Sudha Murty reminisced about an argument she had with Narayana Murthy back in 1981. At that time, Narayana Murthy expressed his desire to establish a software company, despite the couple having stable and well-paying jobs. Sudha Murty, initially hesitant about taking such a risk, voiced her concerns to her husband. However, Narayana Murthy remained determined to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

     

    Despite her reservations, Sudha Murty took a leap of faith and decided to support her husband’s vision. She revealed that she had ₹10,250 in her savings at that time. Out of this amount, she set aside ₹250 for herself and gave the remaining ₹10,000 to Narayana Murthy. This decision was not without apprehension, especially considering Narayana Murthy’s previous venture, Softronics, had ended in failure. However, Sudha Murty chose to take a risk, believing in her husband’s capabilities and vision for the future.

     

    Sudha Murty’s decision to invest in Narayana Murthy’s venture proved to be transformative. As Infosys began to grow and thrive, it brought significant changes to their lives. Sudha Murty reflected on how her life drastically changed with the success of Infosys, describing it as a newfound responsibility and commitment.

     

    Her story serves as a testament to the power of belief, risk-taking, and unwavering support in the journey of entrepreneurship. Sudha Murty’s willingness to take a chance on her husband’s dreams not only laid the foundation for Infosys but also symbolizes the strength of their partnership and mutual trust.

     

    Meanwhile, NR Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, expressed his pride and admiration for his wife’s contributions during her oath-taking ceremony as a Rajya Sabha MP. He fondly recalled how Sudha Murty had always been his superior and referred to her as the “better half.” Narayana Murthy’s words highlight the deep respect and admiration he holds for Sudha Murty and her accomplishments.

     

    Reflecting on Infosys’ journey, Narayana Murthy shared his proudest moment, which was when the company became the first Indian company to be listed on Nasdaq, the American stock exchange. He described the experience of sitting in front of the scorching lights on a high stool at Nasdaq as a significant milestone for the company and the Indian IT industry as a whole.

     

    Narayana Murthy also spoke about Infosys’ unique culture, emphasizing the importance of operating as an enlightened democracy. He acknowledged that while there may have been daring decisions they could have taken to accelerate growth, the company’s commitment to democratic principles ultimately shaped its trajectory.

     

    Overall, Sudha Murty’s story of giving ₹10,000 to Narayana Murthy to start Infosys and Narayana Murthy’s reflections on the company’s journey offer valuable insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, partnership, and values that have guided Infosys to success. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and underscores the significance of belief, resilience, and collaboration in achieving one’s dreams.

  • Narayana’s Advice to Daughter Akshata and UK PM Rishi Sunak

    Narayana’s Advice to Daughter Akshata and UK PM Rishi Sunak

    Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his author wife Sudha Murty recently shared insights into the advice they gave to their daughter Akshata Murty and her husband, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on handling increased public scrutiny. The family came under fresh limelight in 2022 when Rishi Sunak assumed the role of Prime Minister of Britain.

     

    Sudha Murty, known for her strong recommendations on lifestyle, revealed that she advised Akshata and Rishi to be honest in their work, serving the nation, and to ignore what people might say.

     

    “I always tell them [Akshata and Rishi], people talk because of your position. And if you’re honest, if you’re helping your country, your job – what you’re doing – people will always talk. ‘Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna.’ So, ignore that,” Sudha Murty told NDTV in an interview.

     

    “As long as the work you do is ethical and legal, do that. You don’t need anyone as a witness; God is the witness. Do your work, let them talk. It may affect you for some time, but in the long run, you should learn to let them talk, and you do your work,” the renowned author added.

     

    These remarks by Sudha Murty come at a time when British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing scrutiny from opposition parties in the UK over the closure of Catamaran Ventures, a company co-founded by Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty with backing from Narayana Murthy.

     

    The operations of Catamaran Ventures UK came under examination due to revelations that several startups it supported obtained financial injections through government-supported programs.

     

    “It was revealed that the firm run by the Prime Minister’s wife received GBP 2m through government Covid support schemes devised by Rishi Sunak himself. It then emerged businesses in which Ms. Murty had invested went bust, costing taxpayers GBP 1m… My colleagues and I have written numerous correspondence to government ministers and bodies. Alongside the outstanding questions, the decision by Ms. Murty to liquidate her company raises several others that I believe need to be clarified in the public interest,” said Labour’s national campaign coordinator and shadow minister, Pat MacFadden.

     

    The advice from Sudha Murty seems to underscore the importance of integrity and a focus on ethical and legal work in the face of public scrutiny. It reflects the family’s philosophy of staying committed to one’s responsibilities and principles while dealing with the challenges that come with public life. As Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak navigate these challenges, Sudha Murty’s words highlight the resilience required in public service, emphasizing the long-term impact of ethical conduct and dedicated work.

  • Opinions: Narayana Murthy’s 70-Hour Work Week Suggestion

    Opinions: Narayana Murthy’s 70-Hour Work Week Suggestion

    Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, recently stirred up a debate with his suggestion that India’s workforce should commit to a 70-hour work week to enhance the country’s productivity. This proposal received a diverse range of reactions, with some industry leaders supporting the idea and others expressing reservations about work-life balance and potential burnout.

     

    During an interview with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai in the inaugural episode of 3one4 Capital’s podcast ‘The Record,’ Narayana Murthy emphasized the need for young people to put in extra hours at work to compete with leading economies. He cited India’s relatively low work productivity on the global scale and stressed that improving productivity is essential for India to compete with nations like China, Japan, and Germany, which have made significant progress.

     

    “I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Narayana Murthy’s statement on 70-hour work week. It’s not about burnout; it’s about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of by 2047. A 5-day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs,” commented Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of the JSW Group.

     

    Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola Cabs, also expressed his agreement with Narayana Murthy’s views regarding the 70-hour work week. Aggarwal emphasized that it is a crucial moment for India to focus on hard work and dedication, rather than working less and indulging in entertainment.

     

    In his statement, Bhavish Aggarwal said, “Totally agree with Mr. Murthy’s views. It’s not our moment to work less and entertain ourselves. Rather, it’s our moment to go all in and build in one generation what other countries have built over many generations! So therefore, my request is that our youngsters must say, ‘This is my country. I’d like to work 70 hours a week.”

     

    Despite this support from industry leaders, Narayana Murthy’s suggestion also faced criticism from various quarters, with concerns about work-life balance and the potential for burnout. Many people argued that a more balanced approach to work and personal life is essential for overall well-being.

     

    However, it’s worth noting that Narayana Murthy’s proposal found support not just from industry figures but also from within his own family. Sudha Murty, an acclaimed author of children’s literature and the wife of Narayana Murthy, offered her perspective on the matter. She noted that her husband has always lived a life of hard work and passion, working 80 to 90 hours a week during his career. She emphasized that Narayana Murthy has shared his experiences and beliefs, which are grounded in real hard work.

     

    Sudha Murty explained, “He has worked 80 to 90 hours a week, so, he doesn’t know what less than that is. He believes in real hard work, and he lived like that. Hence, he has told what he felt.” Sudha Murty backed her husband’s perspective, highlighting his dedication and passion for his work.

     

    The debate sparked by Narayana Murthy’s suggestion reflects the ongoing discussions around work-life balance, productivity, and the future of work in India. While there are diverse views on the matter, it remains a topic of significant interest and importance in the context of India’s economic and workforce development.

  • Twinkle Khanna Meets UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

    Twinkle Khanna Meets UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

    Twinkle Khanna, the daughter of legendary actors Dimple Kapadia and Rajesh Khanna, had a memorable encounter at an event held in London recently. Twinkle, a mother of two, is currently residing in the UK, where she completed her postgraduate studies in Fiction Writing at the prestigious Goldsmiths, University of London.

     

    During the event, Twinkle Khanna, who transitioned from acting to becoming a successful author, took to her Instagram handle to share a video featuring herself, her husband, actor Akshay Kumar, and Britain’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. The video also showcased a snippet of a performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Khanna expressed her admiration for PM Sunak’s mother-in-law, Sudha Murty, in her caption, referring to her as her hero.

     

    In a lighthearted tone, Twinkle Khanna joked about her discomfort with wearing high heels and dressing up for the event. She humorously wrote in her caption, “As much as I dislike wearing heels and dressing up, this evening was worth all the damaged toes. @sudha_murthy_official remains my hero, but it was pretty cool meeting her son-in-law, the prime minister 🙂 @rishisunakmp Also put the sound on and hear @andreabocelliofficial. Congratulations @anusuya12 and @theowo.london (red heart emoji).”

     

    In terms of attire, Akshay Kumar and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opted for formal suits, while Twinkle Khanna donned a white dress paired with a leopard-print jacket.

     

    Twinkle Khanna began her career as an actress in 1995 with the film “Barsaat” but retired from acting after her 2001 film “Love Ke Liya Kuch Bhi Karega.” In 2015, she made her debut as a writer with “Mrs. Funnybones” and followed it up in 2017 with an anthology of stories titled “The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad.” She also ventured into fiction writing with the release of “Pyjamas Are Forgiving” in the following year.

     

    Earlier this month, Rishi Sunak, accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty, visited New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit, hosted by India under its Presidency. During their visit, they also offered prayers at Akshardham Temple in New Delhi.

     

    Meanwhile, in the world of cinema, Akshay Kumar is set to appear in the drama film “Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue.” Additionally, he is slated to star in the Hindi remake of the Tamil drama “Soorarai Pottru,” scheduled for release on February 16, 2024. His upcoming projects also include an action thriller film, “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” alongside Tiger Shroff, and a comedy film, “Housefull 5.”

  • Rishi Sunak’s Parents Visit Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Temple

    Rishi Sunak’s Parents Visit Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Temple

    The parents of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Yashvir and Usha Sunak, recently visited the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. They were accompanied by Sudha Murty, the mother-in-law of the UK Prime Minister. During their visit, they received blessings from His Holiness Sri Swamiji, who also bestowed them with Vastram, Phala Mantrakshate (a sacred offering), and a memento.

     

    The official Facebook page of the temple shared photos of their visit and expressed gratitude for the presence of the esteemed guests. The post mentioned that the temple’s spiritual leader, His Holiness Sri Swamiji, had graciously entrusted the sacred prasadam (blessed food) of Sri Rayaru to be delivered to Sri Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of Britain, for his parents.

     

    This visit comes shortly after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty offered prayers at the Akshardham temple in New Delhi. During their visit to Akshardham, they performed puja (worship) and interacted with the swamis (spiritual leaders). The temple priests also provided them with an overview of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex.

     

    Rishi Sunak, who had expressed his pride in his Hindu heritage and Indian roots, visited the temple as a “proud Hindu.” The UK Prime Minister and his wife thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the temple, demonstrating their deep faith.

     

    Prior to visiting the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Temple and Akshardham temple, Rishi Sunak had expressed regret about not being able to celebrate the Janmashtami festival due to his busy schedule. His visits to these temples reflect his strong connection to his Indian heritage and spirituality.

     

    The presence of prominent figures like Rishi Sunak and his family members at these revered temples underscores the significance of spiritual and cultural ties between India and the United Kingdom. It also highlights the importance of religious and cultural diversity within the global Indian diaspora.

     

    These visits serve as a testament to the enduring connections between individuals of Indian origin and their ancestral homeland. Such gestures of faith and reverence contribute to fostering goodwill and cultural exchanges between nations and communities.