Exclusive: Rajdeep Sardesai In Conversation With N.R. Narayana Murthy & Sudha Murty

Business Today・2 minutes read

Naran and Sudha Murthy's partnership involves hard work, sacrifice, and support for each other in their entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and quality over quantity. Despite facing challenges like bureaucratic hurdles and sacrifices, the couple's love, support, and unique partnership showcase resilience, equality, and the value of family in their success.

Insights

  • Naran Murthy's belief in working long hours and prioritizing quality over quantity stems from his personal experience and admiration for historical figures who made sacrifices for the greater good, shaping his approach as a compassionate capitalist.
  • Sudha Murthy's unwavering support for her husband's entrepreneurial journey, marked by significant sacrifices and financial contributions, underscores the exceptional nature of their partnership, characterized by equality with distinct roles and a deep sense of love and belief in each other's potential for success.

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Recent questions

  • Who are Naran and Sudha Murthy?

    A couple known for their entrepreneurial endeavors in India.

  • What is the book "An Uncommon Love" about?

    The early life of Sudha and Naran Murthy.

  • What values do Naran and Sudha Murthy prioritize?

    Work ethic, family support, and quality over quantity.

  • How did Sudha Murthy support Naran's entrepreneurial journey?

    By offering financial and emotional support.

  • What challenges did Naran and Sudha Murthy face in their entrepreneurial journey?

    Bureaucratic hurdles and societal expectations.

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Summary

00:00

"The First Couple of India's Startup Dream"

  • The couple being interviewed is Naran and Sudha Murthy, known as the first couple of India's middle-class entrepreneurial startup dream.
  • A new book titled "An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Naran Murthy" has been released by Juggernaut with author Chitra Banerji Dea Karuni.
  • Naran Murthy faced controversy for suggesting Indians should work 70-hour weeks, which he defended by highlighting his own hard work and the benefits he received from society.
  • Sudha Murthy believes in enjoying work and being passionate about it, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and mental health.
  • Naran Murthy's dedication to work led to him being seen as a "bonus dad" by his children, with Sudha Murthy taking on a nurturing role.
  • The couple's partnership involved Sudha Murthy supporting Naran Murthy's work while also working as a lecturer and prioritizing family.
  • Naran Murthy believes in quality over quantity, citing examples of historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Gopal Krishna Gokhale who sacrificed for the greater good.
  • The book delves into the couple's early years, showcasing their human struggles and vulnerabilities, inspiring readers with their relatability.
  • Naran Murthy was initially a socialist influenced by his father and J.P. Narayan but later transitioned to a compassionate capitalist.
  • Sudha Murthy valued Naran Murthy's love for reading and intellectual pursuits, serving as his muse and inspiring him throughout their journey.

18:17

Sudha's Sacrifices for Husband's Business Success

  • Sudha gave Naran Morti 10,000 rupees from her savings to support his entrepreneurial journey.
  • She offered her jewelry as collateral for a bank loan to further aid his business.
  • Sudha stayed away from her daughter, leaving her with family, to focus on supporting her husband's business.
  • Her sacrifices were driven by love for her husband and a belief in his potential success.
  • Despite potential failure, Sudha remained optimistic, suggesting they could return to salaried jobs if needed.
  • She possessed a two-bedroom apartment in Pune, reassuring her husband that they could lead a normal life.
  • Sudha's mother advised her to keep emergency money hidden, which she later used to support her husband's business.
  • Morti convinced Sudha of the importance of the software revolution, leading her to support his dream.
  • Sudha's sacrifices and support for Morti's business were exceptional and uncommon.
  • The partnership between Sudha and Morti showcased equality with distinct roles, highlighting their unique and supportive relationship.

36:56

"Chitra's Journey: Family, Business, Resilience in India"

  • Chitra and Morti, middle-class role models, lived a simple life influenced by their childhood and family values, including giving away better quality rice to beggars and eating lower quality rice themselves.
  • The challenges of doing business in India in the 1970s and 80s involved bureaucratic hurdles, like obtaining permissions to import a computer and dealing with the Reserve Bank of India for remittances.
  • The liberalization of India's economy in the 1980s was aided by leaders like Sri Narim, Dr. Manm Singh, Shri Chamaram, and Shri Mon Sing Alalia, making business operations easier today compared to the past.
  • Despite facing difficulties, Chitra found solace in family time with her husband and children, using activities like dining out, buying toys, and visiting relatives to alleviate stress.
  • Chitra's experiences, including sleeping in a storeroom in the US, taught her to make the best of situations, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and perseverance for entrepreneurs facing challenges.
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