The book An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy, authored by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. The book offers an intimate view into the lives of one of India’s most respected couples, Sudha and Narayana Murthy, the co-founders of Infosys. The biography details their early life, love story, and the foundational years of Infosys.
Background and Love Story
The Murthys are known for their philanthropic work and pivotal roles in the Indian IT industry. Their story is unique, with a deep connection to literature and reading, particularly Kannadiga writers. This shared interest played a significant role in their relationship, as their mutual friend Prasanna, who later became the Chief Marketing Officer at Wipro, introduced them. The connection was sparked by a collection of books by George Mikes, which brought Sudha and Narayana Murthy together.
Their first meeting defied Sudha Murthy’s expectations, as she anticipated someone resembling film star Rajesh Khanna but met a thin man with thick glasses instead. Despite this, they formed a deep bond over their shared literary interests.
Professional Journey and Challenges
The book explores the professional challenges they faced, particularly Narayana Murthy’s dedication to building Infosys. It includes anecdotes like Narayana Murthy’s 11-hour train journey without a ticket to accompany Sudha, showcasing his dedication to both his work and relationship. The biography also touches on an incident where Narayana Murthy had to sleep in a storeroom during a business trip due to a demanding client, highlighting the struggles they faced in their early professional years.
Sudha Murthy’s Role in Infosys
Initially, Narayana Murthy was hesitant to include Sudha in Infosys, fearing it might be perceived as a husband-and-wife firm. However, he later recognized this as a mistake, acknowledging her qualifications and contributions.
Important Questions Related to Exams
Q1. Who authored An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy?
Q2. What challenges are explored in the book regarding Narayana Murthy’s dedication to building Infosys?
Kindly share your responses in the comment section.