He is known as the “Bill Gates of Asia” more for his belief in giving back to his community. Dr. Narayana Murthy is no doubt a billionaire who lives in a modest home and shares his belief in the need for corporate social responsibility. It was interesting to see a humble and a simple individual very firm in his ideals and principles speak on a variety of topics with ease. In an exclusive personal chat with miindia.com during his visit to the Oakland University to receive his honorary doctorate, Dr. Narayana Murthy spoke about a cohesive value system and the need to follow the vision of our former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s India 2020.

 

Here are some excerpts:

Technology has transformed communication but has made limited impact on health care especially in relation to patient treatment
Technology has indeed helped develop tools and gadgets to help make better, quicker treatment decisions. Human diagnosis capabilities cannot be substituted. A GPS may ask you to make a left turn or right turn but people still think before taking a turn while driving. Technology is a great enabler but not the ultimate decision maker. The progress in IT alone will not be able to do that. There needs to be world-class manufacturing, world-class financial services, healthcare, education, etc. Only then can we make progress. IT alone cannot do that.


Can technology help combat terrorism?
Certainly there are a lot of opportunities for Indian software companies to help the Indian government tackle terrorism. Coordination and cooperation is necessary. Government and Academia is essential to formulate an action plan.


Tell us about Dr. Narayana Murthy and his normal day?
A normal day is quite abnormal for me. I travel approximately 20 – 23 days in a month. My day starts with a breakfast at 7 a.m. and ends with a review of the board meeting reports at 11 p.m. When I am not traveling I spend time at the Infosys office reviewing a number of strategic matters including education, group programs, software engineering advancement efforts, risk management etc. It is good not to be involved in the day-to-day activities as it helps me focus on strategic aspects of the business. I strive to bring new strategic ideas that could augment the business.


Q. With several activities, how do you find family time?
I speak to my wife frequently especially when I am at Infosys. Both my children live in the US. My daughter, a Stanford graduate lives in San Francisco while my son is doing his PhD at Harvard.


Q. What are your thoughts about the recent corporate bail-outs in America? Do you see this as a form of Socialism?
I believe that these are extraordinary times, normal rules and protocols may not apply. It is important to do what is good for workers and middle income groups. However, it has to be done without throwing out the principles of capitalism and cautious of “not-so-good” effects of socialism


Today’s CEO’s are bombarded with information. Information overload curtails effective decision-making and in some cases in making the wrong decisions.
It is important to simplify things. Internet has done a great job of making things easy for users. Simple applications will provide the inside information instead of providing information in a cryptic manner. Executives do come across a lot of data but I feel that they will quickly acquire the skills needed to absorb relevant information and make appropriate decisions.


You have received numerous invitations from various Universities. You chose to accept the invitation from Oakland University.
I believe that when somebody is showing affection it is absolutely essential to reciprocate with courtesy. I am grateful for the honor Oakland University has extended to me. I feel great being here today.


What is your personal five year goal?
I serve on numerous corporate boards, Universities, charitable foundations etc. My hope is to add significant value to these organizations by making a positive contribution.
 

Here is the man who had the courage to dream big and make tough decisions. Touted by several people to be the next potential President of India, Dr. Narayana Murthy does share similar values as Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. With a strong capitalist thinking that could provide performers with extra incentives, Dr. Murthy is a man of action. He maintains that India is yet to see politicians who would put the interest of the society above their personal interests. Vehemently opposing the thought of getting into politics, Dr. Murthy claimed that there were other areas that need him. Infosys has changed the mood of the Indian nation and has most definitely provided a new hope, confidence and values. Well the company has definitely changed the way we look at IT.