Two is Company

This Book Review was first published in the Business Standard on March 25, 2024; https://www.business-standard.com/book/two-is-company-124032500642_1.html

Book: An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy

Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Price: 799/-

Pages: 352

Year: 2023

Publisher: Juggernaut Books, India

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's latest, a non-fiction, "An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy," unveils the captivating narrative of two eminent figures, Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy. It offers an exploration of their formative years. Divakaruni's adept narrative style, characterized by poetic simplicity and robust character portrayals, particularly resonates with aficionados of profound storytelling.

Departing from the world of mythological heroines, the book unfolds the ordinary yet remarkable lives of the Murthys before the establishment of Infosys, portraying their journey as an allegorical epic awaiting narration. Vividly depicted are the everyday trials and triumphs of a working couple, encapsulating the essence of support, sacrifice, and solidarity, compelling readers to root for their success.

Their story reminded me of the scenes from Basu Chatterjee’s 1976 classic Choti si Baat, starring Amol Palekar and Vidya Sinha. A simple boy. In love with a simple cotton saree-clad girl. Enjoying small things such as holding hands, walking on the roads, and eating at Poona Coffee House. “With her [Sudha] by his [Narayana] side, he felt he could take on even the toughest challenges” (p85).

You want them to succeed. You cheer for them. You feel for them. Sudha and Narayana Murthy's early life experiences together are relatable and Divakaruni captures them in the most endearing manner.

The narrative poignantly addresses the dilemma faced by individuals who find themselves overshadowed or relegated to supporting roles, despite possessing substantial capabilities and accomplishments—a sentiment to which Sudha Murty's journey lends credence. It would have been easy to portray Sudha Murty as the victim, as someone who had to give up her career to support Narayana Murthy’s passion, and it would have been largely true. However, it would do grave injustice to Sudha’s resilience and commitment to personal growth, exemplified through her writings, contributions to the Infosys Foundation, and her subsequent foray into public service [the recent nomination to the Rajya Sabha]. Divakaruni maintains a fine balance that never lets Sudha’s character slide into being inconsequential.  Rather she serves as a beacon of inspiration.

Another aspect that touched a chord with me was the challenge of imparting values amidst prosperity, as Sudha navigates the complexities of instilling humility and “living withing one’s means and not trying to keep up with the ‘neighbours’…the importance of being practical in matters of spending, recognizing wasteful behaviour, and getting good value for your money” (p309-310) in her children. This segment will resonate deeply with individuals who have experienced economic scarcity and now grapple with the task of nurturing similar sensibilities in their offspring.

On the professional development side of the couple, of notable significance is the portrayal of Narayana Murthy's evolution from a socialist idealist to a compassionate capitalist, alongside the inception of Infosys, underscoring the fervour, altruism, and perseverance that culminated in its establishment.

Unlike conventional biographies of business luminaries, which frequently overlook the intricacies of personal challenges and emotions, Divakaruni's portrayal transcends superficiality, reveals the interplay of relationships among its seven founders and elucidates the philosophical underpinnings of the compassionate capitalism intrinsic to Infosys's corporate ethos. Furthermore, the narrative sheds light on Sudha Murty's sacrifices and her steadfast support of Narayana Murthy's endeavours, emblematic of the pivotal role spouses play in each other's professional pursuits.

The exemplary financial stewardship demonstrated by the Murthys underscores a vital lesson for startup founders and business owners: the importance of judiciously managing company and investor funds. In an environment rife with instances of poor companies- rich promoters, the Murthys' narrative serves as a beacon of integrity and foresight, illustrating the enduring value of principled financial management for long-term sustainability. By assimilating these invaluable insights, aspiring entrepreneurs can play a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of accountability and integrity within India's corporate landscape, thus fostering a legacy of responsible entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.

I am reminded of an incident when I accompanied my brother to the optician, a family friend, shortly after his graduation from an IIT. Upon learning of my brother's employment at a multinational corporation, the optician remarked, "We heard so much about you. That you are so good in studies and all. And you still didn't get a job in Infosys?" This anecdote encapsulates the profound impact of the Murthys' creation, Infosys, on the national consciousness. It was a pleasure to delve into the lives of this extraordinary couple, whose visionary leadership catalyzed the information technology wave in the country, capturing the imagination of a nation and leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Indian business history.

In sum, "An Uncommon Love" is a testament to Divakaruni's narrative prowess and her ability to unravel the complexities of human experience. Through meticulous storytelling and emotional depth, the book illuminates the transformative journey of two icons, offering readers a compelling narrative of love, sacrifice, and resilience amidst the backdrop of nascent entrepreneurship in India.