No role for corporates in politics: Narayana Murthy

Press Trust of India / New Delhi July 13, 2007

Infosys Technologies' chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy today said he was not aware of his name doing the rounds for the post of Vice-President of the country.

"I am not aware of it. I have no idea about it," he said replying to a question by reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

He parried a question on the charges being levelled against the UPA candidate for the Presidential election, saying "I am not the right person to comment on it."

Earlier, speaking at the function, he said corporates should not have a role in politics. "Corporates should make themselves more relevant to their customers," he added.

When asked about rupee appreciation, he said it was a macro economic issue and called upon corporates to become more efficient, productive and reduce costs.

"I am not worried about factors which are out of my control... It is a macro economic issue," he said on the sidelines of the launch of J-Pal, which is a poverty action lab.

"We have to become more efficient, productive and reduce costs," he said.

Earlier, speaking at the launch, he said the country had to go for a massive human resource development programme to eradicate poverty. Successful models should be scaled up and replicated to alleviate poverty.

India had to play a critical role in doing away with poverty. "If India can't do it, the world can't...Organisations like J-Pal bear a tremendous responsibility," Murthy said.

He said economic reforms had created a strong middle class in the last 16 years, but there was an uneven flow of benefits and a clear divide between the urban and rural economy.

Quoting a Goldman Sachs report that India can sustain 8% growth till 2020, Murthy said: "it will be possible only if we cut the red-tape in the country."

He called for more transparency in the public administration system. "The government should support education and healthcare and organisations like J-Pal provide transparent and efficient database on policies," he said.

"Such ventures should scale up faster and should be replicated," Murthy added.

I am not cut out for politics - Sudha Murthy

Sudha Murthy has carved out her own niche. She is not simply the wife of Narayana Murthy, but a woman who has shaped her own destiny. In an e xclusive interview with Prerna Shah, she talks about living the simple life.

Simple life
Simplicity comes naturally to me, I don't have to make an effort. That is because I come from a very middle class family. I don't believe in ostentatious displays of wealth – no one earns money just to show off.

Grandparents were an inspiration
My grandfather was a teacher; he and my grandmother lived in a village. They would describe the Somnath temple in intricate detail. But I later realised that they had never been to the temple, they never did in their lifetime. They were content with their life and I never once heard them grumble about anything.

Giving it away
In order to do charity, one must have his or her basic needs met. Many people think there is no big money going into charity from India, like the US. But I believe that as Indians we have begun experiencing wealth relatively later than the US or UK. When I see youngsters today, I am filled with a lot of hope. If they receive a good education and find promising jobs then they will certainly look forward to doing charity. But at the same time, I want every child to have an access to education, to a brighter future, and this privilege shouldn't be restricted to the moneyed few.

Politics isn't for me
I am not cut out for politics. I don't have those qualities. I like to concentrate on what I am doing now – working on projects that bring about a socio-economic change. And of course writing.

Gujarat beckons
I have a special regard for the state. It has a strong social work foundation and the people come across as simple and unassuming individuals. I also find their 'value for money' attitude very endearing. There is another bond – the Gujarati translation of my work sells very well!

What women want
I am always asked this question and I believe it is an important one. According to me, women want to be in charge of their destinies, they want change.

Original story

Narayana Murthy to Head Karnataka IT Vision Group

N R Narayan Murthy, the former chairman of Infosys, has accepted the Karanataka Government's offer to head the State IT Vision Group and provide guidance to the sector in the State.

The State chief minister's office informed that Murthy has agreed to shoulder the responsibility following an offer from the chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy.

Accepting the offer, Murthy, in a letter to chief minister, said, "I am grateful to you for inviting me to chair the state vision group. It will be both a privilege and pleasure to do so."

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