Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, recognized for his strong work ethic, offers a candid glimpse into his life in an exclusive interview with India Today. The discussion explores the fine balance between family and career, especially during the early days of Infosys, where Murthy consistently worked 85 to 90-hour weeks. While acknowledging the challenging schedule, he shares insights into how he managed to prioritize meaningful family time amid the hustle of building a tech giant.
Prioritising Quality Time: A Family Perspective
Narayana Murthy shares insights into his daily routine, leaving for the office at 6 am and returning by 9.15 pm. Despite his demanding schedule, he emphasizes the importance of the hour and a half or two hours spent with his family, stating that it was the most relaxing time for his children. His wife, Sudha Murthy, supports this, highlighting that after work, it was always “Murthy’s time” with the children.
Commitment to Family Support
Addressing any potential regrets, Narayana Murthy clarifies that he does not regret the time spent working. He asserts that quality is more critical than quantity and that he assured his family that he would always be there for them during challenging times. Sudha Murthy adds that on special occasions, while celebrations were at home, she reassured her children that their father cared for them and would spend dedicated time with them when he returned.
Building Infosys: Sheer Hard Work and Supportive Partnership
Sudha Murthy reflects on the challenges and hard work involved in building Infosys, emphasizing the importance of supporting a husband working tirelessly for a larger cause. Narayana Murthy cites historical leaders who were also rarely at home while contributing to the nation, indicating that such sacrifices are part of the journey.
Work Ethic and the 70-Hour Work Week Controversy
Narayana Murthy stands by his earlier advice for young Indians to commit to a 70-hour work week. He clarifies that the number is not crucial; rather, the focus should be on being productive and working hard to uplift the poorer sections of society. Murthy underscores his guiding principle, quoting Kundapur Vaman Kamath in 1998: “We in India must first get a life and then talk of work-life balance.”
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