Infosys founder Narayana Murthy on his biggest regret and how capitalism can help India

Story by: Aakanksha Chaturvedi
Designed by: Pragati

Murthy recalled his biggest regret while speaking at IIM-A. He said, “Feel bad that I invited my mother to visit Infosys only when she was dying.”

Murthy’s biggest regret

Murthy said that he was a “confused Leftist”.
 He said, “I thought corruption and connections in government are important for success,” he said.

'A confused Leftist'

Murthy recalled how his mindset changed.
“This regressive mindset changed when I went to work in a French real-time software company in Paris where I learned three important ideas.”

Murthy on learnings
from French firm

Murthy on compassionate
capitalism

“The power of entrepreneurship in a free market in creating jobs and prosperity for the nation, the beauty of an enlightened corporate democracy, and the role of compassionate capitalism in building a prosperous country.”

 “The best way to make capitalism attractive is that corporate leaders exercise self-restraint in their perks, profligacy, compensation, and their lifestyle.”

Can capitalism
help India?

 "I have learned this from Mahatma Gandhi. He believed that whenever you take a decision, think of the poor people who will get affected by that decision."

Murthy on Mahatma Gandhi

 "I used to take only 1/10th of my salary and give 20 per cent extra to junior colleagues. This instilled a sense of responsibility among the team."

Setting an example

“The most powerful instrument of a leader is leading by example in demonstrating courage, sacrifice, hope, confidence, innovation, hard work, and most importantly, open-mindedness.”

Traits of a good leader