Narayana Murthy on India, IT and entrepreneurship

Narayana Murthy on India, IT and entrepreneurship August 29, 2007 N R Narayana Murthy, chief mentor and chairman of India's IT major Infosys Technologies, is one of the world's most admired entrepreneurs. Hence when he came to Mumbai to speak on entrpreneurship, one could not help attending the event. Here are a few gems from the IT czar's mind: Never before in the last 1,000 years did India receive so much attention as it has been receiving in the last 10 years. Never before in the last 50 years post independence, urban India has hogged as much limelight as it is doing now. However, in this regard, one must admit that the progress has not been that great in rural India. Indian villages have not gone as far as we had wanted them to be. My wife Sudha spends a lot of time in rural India (Infosys Foundation trustee) and she tells me that television has a tremendous influence in shaping rural Indian minds. It is because of the television that there is a much greater awareness of how things should be. Accountability of government has increased hugely, thanks to some responsible journalists and television anchors. This is the time when we must consolidate our gains and build a solid future. It's a daunting challenge no doubt which the entrepreneurs of this country must brave. Never before in the last 1,000 years did India receive so much attention as it has been receiving in the last 10 years, says N R Narayana Murthy.

'Leadership is about making people say: I can do anything for you' August 29, 2007 I was a staunch Leftist in my college days and also when I was working in France. However, my experiences convinced me that Mahatma Gandhi's theory on entrepreneurship and growth is the best. As Mahatma Gandhi said, 'We must become the change we want to see in the world.' What an entrepreneurship needs is a strong leader who has to prove his or her belief in sacrifice and hard work. This gesture will in turn enthuse other team members to make bigger sacrifices. A leader is an agent of change, and progress is made when that change is effected. Entrepreneurship is all about raising the aspirations of followers and enthusing people with a desire to reach for the stars. To today's entrepreneurs, I have to say: 'follow in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi. For, it is he who created a vision for independence in India and raised the aspirations of our people'. Leadership has to be absolute. Leadership is about making people say, 'I can do anything for you.' A leader has to raise the confidence of followers. He should make them understand that tough times are part of life and that they will come out better at the end of it. He has to sustain their hope, and their energy levels to handle the difficult days. The leader has to create an environment where each person feels secure enough to be able to disclose his or her mistakes, and resolves to improve. Leaders have to walk the talk and demonstrate their commitment to a value system. N R Narayana Murthy