Sudha Murthy further said that Infosys’ success couldn’t have been possible otherwise; there was no “magic wand” that could make the company “so large”.
New Delhi: Sudha Murty, renowned educator, author, and philanthropist, believes that when people are truly passionate and serious about their goals, time never becomes a constraint. On NDTV’s ‘India Through the Eyes of Its Icons’ show, the Rajya Sabha member spoke about her husband Narayana Murthy‘s 70-hour work-week suggestion. During the show, the Infosys Foundation chairman said that her husband decided to build Infosys with no money, but with the help of dedicated colleagues, and it was possible only when they worked 70 hours or at times, even more.
Sudha Murthy further said that Infosys’ success couldn’t have been possible otherwise; there was no “magic wand” that could make the company “so large”. “It was sheer hard work, part of luck, part of the correct timing or in the correct place, everything is there,” Murty said during the NDTV show.
When Narayan Murthy talked to her about their personal life, she said she told him to “take care of Infosys”, while she looked after herself and the family. “I made that decision, and I also decided there was no point cribbing and telling your husband, ‘Oh you are not there,’ because he’s doing a bigger work,” she said
Sudha Murthy acknowledged that it wasn’t just her husband—professionals like journalists and doctors also worked “90 hours” a week. While her husband focused on Infosys, she managed the household, raised their children, and even began teaching computer science at a college.
“I learnt that I have to make my own path to being occupied and not think that, ‘I don’t have time or you don’t have time,’ and enjoy that. I used to write, but I started writing a little more,” she said.
Later, she became deeply involved with the Infosys Foundation, keeping her busy around the clock. Her work with the foundation began after her children moved abroad. Murthy mentioned that she often works overtime and currently works more than her husband, who serves as her biggest support.
“Behind every successful woman, there’s an understanding man. So, when Murthy was working, I supported (him). When I am working, Murthy is supporting. That’s (what) I call life,” she added.
“How you want to spend it is left to you. And if you want to do anything passionately, it requires time. And if you are passionate about your work, then your partner should support it,” she said.
