I write this at my own risk. I know I invite the ire of Indian IT professionals by talking this way about their patron saint.
Kannadiga software pros, their parents, and other Infosys worshippers will call me an... Read The Article
A eye opener for people who goes by only the outide appearance of someone like Mr. Murthy.
( Posted: Tuesday , April 10, 2007 at 14:28 )
Tamil Iyer
Well, for once I agree with Satish - word to word. Good work.
( Posted: Tuesday , April 10, 2007 at 14:26 )
Vishal
I work in IT industry (and a non kannada) and here are my 2 cents:
I have no problems in Narayan Murthy being made the next President. I am sure he would decline. What has Kalam achieved apart from being a rubber stamp? The issue of not greeting the president by reciting national anthem is a non issue to me. We have heard many stories of even indian citizens prodded by mullas doing the same. Do we call them anti nationals? Come you apologists.
You cant just blame Narayan Murthy for this omission. He chose the middle path of not offending sensibilities of others present in that function. Corporations/corporated are pan-nationals and not merely national and they have to assimilate. This is core of human culture and not just Indian culture. Arent we forgetting that?
If Murthy has made money for himself and all IT people employed by Infosys has he done any crime? I dont think greed was his motive.It must've been ambition to succeed inspite of all the odds stacked against him, cowshed for a school, absent teachers(im assuming),biased socialist system. He has succeeded without being part of quota, solely on the basis of merit.
He comes across as person of solid integrity and I would certainly prefer him to be the next prez rather than some excuse(refuse) of democracy being given the high pedestral based on political "consensus".
( Posted: Tuesday , April 10, 2007 at 14:24 )
Tushar Deshpande
I think that the author is victim of traditional point of view. Free markets are necessary for development. The more we stay isolated the less progress we will make. For those people like me who are not conversant with economics should read the book 'Undercover Economics' by Tim Harford. One can then understand that free markets is a near perfect solution to many problems that plague a country. Mr. Murthy has tremendaously contributed to the economic leap of the country. We should not criticize N. R. Murthy for his business intentions.
Apart from this I think that Murthy should not vie for the President's post as this is just a ceremonial post without any real executive powers. He'll certainly feel powerless working with double-talking politicians. Rather, he should lead Infosys to new heights and contribute more strongly to India's progress.
( Posted: Tuesday , April 10, 2007 at 14:24 )
srinath
i pity the article, yes i am an SE and i work for Infy, but thats not the point is it? the author is judging NRN on the basic of what he was and what he stood for, what his roles were and thus dismissed him as a prez. a pity, coz NRN i beleive is more than what he was. His ability to learn, his drive for excellence thats what make him what he is. for me, all his accomplishments are nothing, the fact that he studies the latest technologies still and is active is all that matters. he is one of the better brains in the country, and he does not judge by the past, and he makes things work. thats what we need, as per his stands on some delicate issues like reservation, there is always the "powerful" class which can "explain" to him what is "best" for the "country". the authors attempt to present a picture of NRN is not very well disguised. exploiting a few points is not exactly the matter for judging the candidature. i shall not bother to present his credentials,even our prez knows them well. i feel that the author is trying to do the popular marketing ploy... announce something, blog about it, say something , pretend as if this is it and this is final, only serving as a wrong (in SE terms-- "EVIL") way to pass something as something. some ppl awed by this strategy already posted their comments above: Nagarajan After reading this blog, I think I have to take back my words in ET of 21 August 2006 proposing his name.
i could debate this whole article point to point and prove what the author wrote was if not totally partly redundant.
( Posted: Tuesday , April 10, 2007 at 14:19 )
Arya
Ohhh...shocking man... Thanks for article.
I am really taken abacked....
( Posted: Tuesday , April 10, 2007 at 14:18 )
Anil
SPOT ON MATE!!!Perhaps the best blog I ve read in recent times. Coming from an IT Industry myself, I fully recommend all folks to understand the content of this blog. Truly well put.
( Posted: Tuesday , April 10, 2007 at 14:18 )
Manoj
I would certainly not support the idea of NRN as President, but not for the reasons cited in the article, but for the simple reason that he would be wasting his talent sitting as figure-head. His capabilities are better utilized elsewhere. The author of the article is obviously against meritocracy and nowhere have I heard NRN rallying against the concept of primary education to be provided by the Government. In fact, he has been one of the staunchest advocates of Government and NGO's providing primary education. It is only in the sphere of higher education that he has expressed an opinion against subsidies. Lastly, patriotism cannot be measured by whether one sings the national anthem or not (and incidentally the national anthem has no role in an Infosys function); what needs to be assessed is his contibution to the betterment of the nation, creation of national wealth etc, and on these yardsticks NRN is far ahead than the various worthies mentioned in the article. The author either is leftist spouting the usual anti-corporate dogma or a nationalist rightist (a la RSS) who equates patriotism with popcorn nationalism. It is definitely time that someone with a fresh mindset and from a different background holds the highest office in the country. It would be a welcome change from the usual worthies steeped in Government/ public sector culture, who have till date occupied that post.
( Posted: Tuesday , April 10, 2007 at 14:14 )
Muralidaran
While I appreciate you for being forthright in expressing your views, the reasons you have given for Mr.Murthy not being a fit candidate is kiddish. Yes he may have made that stupid statement about the National Anthem, but welcome to India Mr. Author, the land of outright unbelievable stupid statements. If you can name a single politician from Mr.Sivraj Patel to Mr.Laloo who has never made a single stupid remark and let’s make him the president. And that remark about English ... well well ... wake up sir. Look at the trend that’s coming. Just because a Thackeray or someone else would not support Mr.Murthy, that doesn’t make his observation entirely false. The biggest advantage India has over its global competitors, whether you like it or not, is our English proficiency. Try speaking Tamil or Oriya to a visiting investor and see the result. Lastly, tell me one candidate whom you think is a suitable one and justify why he is better than Mr.Murthy. Then you will fine a huge number of holes. I am in no way telling that Mr.Murthy is the best presidential candidate, but the reasons you chose to give are not justifiable.
( Posted: Tuesday , April 10, 2007 at 14:10 )
Ramakrishna
Well Said,, A man who can't respect the National Anthem siting foriegners as a reason,, is totally unfit to be the President of India..
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