New Delhi:
NDTV: Mr Narayana Murthy, right now the whole focus is on what is come to be known as the succession plans of Infosys. First, I want to ask about you - 2011 is when you step aside as Chairman?
Narayana Murthy: 20th August, 2011.
NDTV: Yeah... do you? Can you imagine life without Infosys?
Narayana Murthy: That is very very difficult, but we all get used to it because when you send your daughter away after she gets married, see it's a very painful event and life after that is very difficult...since my daughter got married, I have some experience of that. I suppose all of us get adjusted to whatever circumstances come in our way.
NDTV: But have you thought about it? Can you imagine a day when you wake up in the morning...because with your daughter you can always pick up the phone, you can call, you can email in this kind of globalised world that we live in, but will you kind of remain connected to Infosys or will it be a clean break?
Narayana Murthy: No, what they have decided is that I would be called Chairman Emeritus. I will have a room which I can use if I want, I can go whenever I want but as propriety demands, I will have no say in any matter, I will not be allowed to attend any board meetings or any meetings. I can meet anybody personally.
NDTV: Informally?
Narayana Murthy: Yeah, informally...absolutely.
NDTV: How important is it to Infosys, to professionalise these handovers...to not run this as many other businesses in India do, as a family business? For example, we have largely seen children of all of the founders do not become a part of the company. Was this a deliberate conscious decision?
Narayana Murthy: Oh yes, in 1981, when we all sat down in my small apartment in Mumbai, we decided to make this a company something the best of professionals will be proud of working in and we said one of the basic requirements is to control Management from ownership of shareholding. And we also said that we will ensure that our families don't play any non-merit based role in the companies. What it really means is that if there is a son or a daughter who wants to join, who is competent, can certainly join because we cannot deny any citizen of India or for that matter any country the opportunity to join. But here they will not have a role disproportionate to their experience, their competence, etc.
NDTV: So, they will have to enter at a level according to their qualifications?
Narayana Murthy: Exactly!
NDTV: But let's take your child, your son for example, is qualified for this sector, do you see him becoming a part of Infosys?
Narayana Murthy: At this point of time I don't see that happening because he wants to become an entrepreneur. Of course, he has other options, he can become an academician or he can be in the R&D department of much bigger companies but from what I have discussed at this point of time it doesn't look like this is on his front burner.
NDTV: You know, many people who create and found companies and when they create brands like Infosys, seek a sort of immortality through it and the immortality they seek is through their lineage being passed on to their children so wouldn't it be very difficult for you if the involvement with Infosys ends with your and Sudha's generation?
Narayana Murthy:No, not really because right from the beginning we have our mind adjusted to that. We have created a mindset that after a certain number of years we will have no role. So, once you prepare your mind for any such thing, it becomes easier.
NDTV: Now, I must ask you... who after you? It is such a difficult position to fill for anybody. People feel intimidated to step into your shoes. Has the company applied any thought? Do you have any personal thoughts on this?
Narayana Murthy: Well, Jeff Leyman, he is the Chairman of the Nomination Committee, will look at all possible candidates inside, outside and come out with a recommendation in time on my leaving. In other words, by the July board meeting which would be July 10th or 11th of 2011, we should definitely know who would be stepping into the Chairman's position.
NDTV: But do you today believe that it should be somebody from within the company or do you believe it should be somebody from outside and for somebody from outside it would be very difficult to step into the culture of Infosys, which was after all created by a group of friends including yourself.
Narayana Murthy: No I think in the last 15 years, the way we have run the company, it will be easy for an outside person to become the Chairman of the company. There will be no issue at all.
NDTV: But what would be your personal comfort zone? Do you think it matters that the future comes from within or without?
Narayana Murthy: I think what matters is the competence of the new Chairman because we have created an environment, a climate where the focus is on transparency, fairness, accountability, good governance practices, discussions, debates, etc, etc. So, anybody who reviewers feel has these qualities will be very comfortable whether it is from inside or outside.
NDTV: So you would be comfortable if it was somebody from the outside filling your shoes?
Narayana Murthy: Oh absolutely.
NDTV: No personal preference whether it is from inside or outside?
Narayana Murthy: No, I think as a matter of principle I should not express preference for one person or another.
NDTV: You have spoken though of the future, the next CEO and spoken about how the present COO, Mr Shibulal, enjoys a natural advantage. Why so?
Narayana Murthy: Well if you look at the history, Nandan was the Chief Operating Officer when I was the CEO...he became the CEO, Kris was the Chief Operating Officer when Nandan was the CEO, he became the CEO. So, if that is any indication and the fact that whatever discussion I have had with individual members and the Nomination Committee, I find that they all think that so far Shibu has done a good job. That's not to say that he will be the CEO but what I said was that he has a pretty good chance because he has done well and there has been a tradition of COOs stepping into the CEOs shoes.
NDTV: So, will you similarly share who has a pretty good chance of filling your shoes?
Narayana Murthy: No, I have no such history. This is the first time it is happening, so there is no such tradition. So I can't comment on that.
NDTV: But do you find that something interesting is happening in the world of Indian business and that there is this whole succession debate at Infosys and there is also a succession debate at the Tatas and Ratan Tata has also professionalised the succession and in fact, some people say that even you are one of the names being looked at by that committee. So do you (a) see a shift in Indian business where it's going slowly from family run homes to more and more people willing to look at this as a professional handling or do you feel Infosys and Tatas are only exceptions?
Narayana Murthy: The cloud of opinion that is developing is that it is important to professionalise companies. It is important to separate management from control, important to bring the best of talent because we are going to compete globally. Therefore talent is at a premium; talent becomes very important so the entrepreneurs, owners are making suitable adjustments so that professionals feel very comfortable in the new environment.
NDTV: Would you be open to an entirely new venture like the Tatas for example?
Narayana Murthy: No no...that is completely far-fetched because firstly, I have no qualifications for that, number two, there are people who are much better suited so I don't think so. It is completely hypothetical. Some newspaper friend wrote it and I am grateful to that person but no.
NDTV: You don't think you will be a fit for that?
Narayana Murthy: No no.
NDTV: Many people wonder, after your book, after you stance on issues of governance, why this may not be an occasion to see you in public life after your tenure with Infosys ends?
Narayana Murthy: You know I have lot of respect for the youth and I believe at 64, next year at 65, I will be too old. I always said that we must give opportunity to bright, honest decent men and women.
NDTV: But by Indian politics standards, 64 is young.
Narayana Murthy: I think we will have to change that. You know people at 65 are a part of an advisory board. They can sit down and say look this is the distilled wisdom of our experience, take it for whatever it is worth but I don't think they should be involved in running the Government because you need a lot of energy and that energy is better in a younger person. As you grow old, you become rigid in your opinion and less confident. Of course, you are young you can't appreciate this at this stage but I do think in a country where the youth is at the forefront is the best country and I think India deserves the best.
NDTV: Are you really saying you are too old for politics?
Narayana Murthy: Yeah, absolutely.
NDTV: But what about public policies, like Nandan is lending his expertise in the Unique Identity Card (UID) project. Do you see yourself in that kind of role, that is not an electoral role but certainly a role of expertise that involves Government or Public Policy?
Narayana Murthy: No, as I said, anywhere where there is an advisory role, where you meet maybe quarterly, where you review programmes, those things are fine but taking any inline role or any role that requires 12 hours a day or 14 hours a day, 6 days a week or 52 weeks a year, I think that should be left to younger people.
NDTV: What do you see yourself doing primarily after Infosys?
Narayana Murthy: You know..when President Kalam, before he became the President, he and I had thought of going from village to village or town to town and talk about being good citizens to the school children but then he became the President and that thing was in the back burner, maybe that is one good thing that I could look at.
NDTV: You see yourself doing grassroots mobilization?
Narayana Murthy: Yeah, something like that.
NDTV: Talking on the issue of philanthropy, corporate philanthropy, you and your wife have put money into an Indian classics programme in Herherth...
Narayana Murthy: That is our son...
NDTV: But you have put in your name and your energy. Recently, we saw an interesting development in America where many billionaires have put aside half their wealth. Do you believe in India we see too little of corporate philanthropy?
Narayana Murthy: We have seen philanthropy in religious activities but that is changing. I think now more and more people are involved in corporate philanthropy. Nandan and Rohan are involved, Kris and Sudha are involved, Shubulal does a lot of stuff, Dinesh does a lot, Mohan does a lot of stuff.
NDTV: But that is all Infosys...outside Infosys?
Narayana Murthy: Azim, Das, Tatas have been doing it for years, at least a hundred years, Birlas...a lot of them are doing it now. Things are progressing.
NDTV: Are you concerned that so much of Indian business has been driven not just by wealth creation but by spending of big money...like austerity... like long back the PM had said how Indians should watch how they spend their money. The counter argument to that is that once you create a capitalist economy you can't tell people how to spend their money, you can't place moral grounds on it. Where do you stand here? What does money mean to you?
Narayana Murthy: You have known me and my wife I believe. We live a very simple life. If you come to our house, you will be shocked that we are living there...the reason why we do is because of the following - at this stage of capitalism of the country, it is very important to lead a life that most people can relate to. If we didn't, if we lived in huge mansions, distanced ourselves from common people, then when we go and speak about capitalism, people will say it is easy for people like him to say who have lot of money, lot of power, it is not good for us...so I feel for our generation people we should live as simple a life as possible.
NDTV: You have created your own venture capital fund as well. What prompted you to do that?
Narayana Murthy: Yes...the best way to solve the problem of poverty in India is through entrepreneurship which creates lots of jobs, lots of productivity, creates wealth so I felt I should be in a position to encourage youngsters who are interested in entrepreneurship because it is good for the country because it creates jobs. And it is good for them at least materialistically.
NDTV: Your big investment so far has been in the micro-financing sector but any other plans, any other sectors that you would like to this fund to asset?
Narayana Murthy: We would like to look at education, we are looking at healthcare, or any are that applies the principles of decent capitalism.
NDTV: What is decent capitalism? It is an interesting phrase.
Narayana Murthy: Decent capitalism or compassionate capitalism in my opinion is where the leaders exercise self-restrain while enjoying the legitimate fruits of capitalism. If self restrain is applied, I do feel that things won't go out of control. Greed won't overtake sense and morality.
NDTV: Do you worry as your end with Infosys comes about, the future where attrition rates which was once unheard of, has increased?
Narayana Murthy: No, I think knowing that we have good caretakers of leadership, we have Kris to continue, Shubulal, BG Srinivasan, Ashok, Mohan, Balakrishnan, there is Chandrashekar, there is Subhash, Nandita, lot of good people. And in the last 10 years we have demonstrated that it is possible to have a transition and still make sure that the company is safe.
NDTV: But does attrition concern you?
Narayana Murthy: Of course, it concerns us but then there are clear reasons, people have made analysis.
NDTV: Infosys has been conservative in terms of acquisition, you haven't acquired many companies...do you believe that in this new world this will have to change, go out, invest in different sectors, diversify more?
Narayana Murthy: You know we have a very good mergers and acquisitions crew headed by Deepak Parki, young and talented. The team is under Balakriashnan, our CFO and they have gone through 150 candidates but we do not want to acquire for the sake of acquisition. As I have often said it is like falling in love. It happens when it has to...like one Wednesday morning, when Rohan came down from the US with his ring, which he has spent 7 and a half hours producing near Boston.
NDTV: He made his own engagement ring?
Narayana Murthy: Yes, he made his own ring, a platinum ring and that is when we realised that there is no timetable.
NDTV: So, he did not tell you before proposing to Venu's daughter.
Narayana Murthy: No no...it was his decision, it was his plan, his timetable, like that, love does not have a time table.
NDTV: So, for you acquisition is like falling in love but you know, there are those who have described Rohan's engagement as a collaboration between two or three business houses. When you read that how did you feel?
Narayana Murthy: It was amusing. It was two wonderful individuals coming together with no intention of relating our businesses. It was two souls coming together.
NDTV: So, it is not something arranged by parents?
Narayana Murthy: No no. Something I know in Rohan's case, if we had suggested anything, it would be the last thing he would agree to. Same thing in Lakshmi's case.
NDTV: So, the best thing to do is tell them the opposite of what you want them to do?
Narayana Murthy: Exactly. But in this case we did not want to say anything because we were not certain.
NDTV: Speaking of yourself, you have said Infosys is where it is because it was an open economy in the world but we see a kind of backlash building from the US whether it was during Obama's statement during the campaign to the recently offensive statement by a Senator. Do you laugh these off or are you concerned by these?
Narayana Murthy: No I am not concerned. You know it takes all kinds of people to make this world and people have different pressures and when people have pressures, they make certain statements. In our case, we collect data, we make conclusions and then we make statements. But some people don't do that but that doesn't concern me.
NDTV: Do you think India is guilty of a certain double standard? We want certain economies to be open for us but like in China's case, we won't let the Chinese companies in our service sector?
Narayana Murthy: We have to be more open. We have to be more competitive globally. We have to have a unified set of standards of export and import, I agree with you.
NDTV: Coming to my last question on corruption, public governance - are you alarmed by the fact that two big events like IPL and CWG are besmeared by allegations of corruption....when big money and big politics intersect there is no transparency?
Narayana Murthy: I am saddened because I thought CWG was a great opportunity for India, especially after how China did...I hope CWG will be a great success even now. We as Indians can stand up and smile and on the last day we can pat each other on the back. I don't know what has happened, what is true and hence would not like to comment on that.
Narayana Murthy: 20th August, 2011.
NDTV: Yeah... do you? Can you imagine life without Infosys?
Narayana Murthy: That is very very difficult, but we all get used to it because when you send your daughter away after she gets married, see it's a very painful event and life after that is very difficult...since my daughter got married, I have some experience of that. I suppose all of us get adjusted to whatever circumstances come in our way.
NDTV: But have you thought about it? Can you imagine a day when you wake up in the morning...because with your daughter you can always pick up the phone, you can call, you can email in this kind of globalised world that we live in, but will you kind of remain connected to Infosys or will it be a clean break?
Narayana Murthy: No, what they have decided is that I would be called Chairman Emeritus. I will have a room which I can use if I want, I can go whenever I want but as propriety demands, I will have no say in any matter, I will not be allowed to attend any board meetings or any meetings. I can meet anybody personally.
NDTV: Informally?
Narayana Murthy: Yeah, informally...absolutely.
NDTV: How important is it to Infosys, to professionalise these handovers...to not run this as many other businesses in India do, as a family business? For example, we have largely seen children of all of the founders do not become a part of the company. Was this a deliberate conscious decision?
Narayana Murthy: Oh yes, in 1981, when we all sat down in my small apartment in Mumbai, we decided to make this a company something the best of professionals will be proud of working in and we said one of the basic requirements is to control Management from ownership of shareholding. And we also said that we will ensure that our families don't play any non-merit based role in the companies. What it really means is that if there is a son or a daughter who wants to join, who is competent, can certainly join because we cannot deny any citizen of India or for that matter any country the opportunity to join. But here they will not have a role disproportionate to their experience, their competence, etc.
NDTV: So, they will have to enter at a level according to their qualifications?
Narayana Murthy: Exactly!
NDTV: But let's take your child, your son for example, is qualified for this sector, do you see him becoming a part of Infosys?
Narayana Murthy: At this point of time I don't see that happening because he wants to become an entrepreneur. Of course, he has other options, he can become an academician or he can be in the R&D department of much bigger companies but from what I have discussed at this point of time it doesn't look like this is on his front burner.
NDTV: You know, many people who create and found companies and when they create brands like Infosys, seek a sort of immortality through it and the immortality they seek is through their lineage being passed on to their children so wouldn't it be very difficult for you if the involvement with Infosys ends with your and Sudha's generation?
Narayana Murthy:No, not really because right from the beginning we have our mind adjusted to that. We have created a mindset that after a certain number of years we will have no role. So, once you prepare your mind for any such thing, it becomes easier.
NDTV: Now, I must ask you... who after you? It is such a difficult position to fill for anybody. People feel intimidated to step into your shoes. Has the company applied any thought? Do you have any personal thoughts on this?
Narayana Murthy: Well, Jeff Leyman, he is the Chairman of the Nomination Committee, will look at all possible candidates inside, outside and come out with a recommendation in time on my leaving. In other words, by the July board meeting which would be July 10th or 11th of 2011, we should definitely know who would be stepping into the Chairman's position.
NDTV: But do you today believe that it should be somebody from within the company or do you believe it should be somebody from outside and for somebody from outside it would be very difficult to step into the culture of Infosys, which was after all created by a group of friends including yourself.
Narayana Murthy: No I think in the last 15 years, the way we have run the company, it will be easy for an outside person to become the Chairman of the company. There will be no issue at all.
NDTV: But what would be your personal comfort zone? Do you think it matters that the future comes from within or without?
Narayana Murthy: I think what matters is the competence of the new Chairman because we have created an environment, a climate where the focus is on transparency, fairness, accountability, good governance practices, discussions, debates, etc, etc. So, anybody who reviewers feel has these qualities will be very comfortable whether it is from inside or outside.
NDTV: So you would be comfortable if it was somebody from the outside filling your shoes?
Narayana Murthy: Oh absolutely.
NDTV: No personal preference whether it is from inside or outside?
Narayana Murthy: No, I think as a matter of principle I should not express preference for one person or another.
NDTV: You have spoken though of the future, the next CEO and spoken about how the present COO, Mr Shibulal, enjoys a natural advantage. Why so?
Narayana Murthy: Well if you look at the history, Nandan was the Chief Operating Officer when I was the CEO...he became the CEO, Kris was the Chief Operating Officer when Nandan was the CEO, he became the CEO. So, if that is any indication and the fact that whatever discussion I have had with individual members and the Nomination Committee, I find that they all think that so far Shibu has done a good job. That's not to say that he will be the CEO but what I said was that he has a pretty good chance because he has done well and there has been a tradition of COOs stepping into the CEOs shoes.
NDTV: So, will you similarly share who has a pretty good chance of filling your shoes?
Narayana Murthy: No, I have no such history. This is the first time it is happening, so there is no such tradition. So I can't comment on that.
NDTV: But do you find that something interesting is happening in the world of Indian business and that there is this whole succession debate at Infosys and there is also a succession debate at the Tatas and Ratan Tata has also professionalised the succession and in fact, some people say that even you are one of the names being looked at by that committee. So do you (a) see a shift in Indian business where it's going slowly from family run homes to more and more people willing to look at this as a professional handling or do you feel Infosys and Tatas are only exceptions?
Narayana Murthy: The cloud of opinion that is developing is that it is important to professionalise companies. It is important to separate management from control, important to bring the best of talent because we are going to compete globally. Therefore talent is at a premium; talent becomes very important so the entrepreneurs, owners are making suitable adjustments so that professionals feel very comfortable in the new environment.
NDTV: Would you be open to an entirely new venture like the Tatas for example?
Narayana Murthy: No no...that is completely far-fetched because firstly, I have no qualifications for that, number two, there are people who are much better suited so I don't think so. It is completely hypothetical. Some newspaper friend wrote it and I am grateful to that person but no.
NDTV: You don't think you will be a fit for that?
Narayana Murthy: No no.
NDTV: Many people wonder, after your book, after you stance on issues of governance, why this may not be an occasion to see you in public life after your tenure with Infosys ends?
Narayana Murthy: You know I have lot of respect for the youth and I believe at 64, next year at 65, I will be too old. I always said that we must give opportunity to bright, honest decent men and women.
NDTV: But by Indian politics standards, 64 is young.
Narayana Murthy: I think we will have to change that. You know people at 65 are a part of an advisory board. They can sit down and say look this is the distilled wisdom of our experience, take it for whatever it is worth but I don't think they should be involved in running the Government because you need a lot of energy and that energy is better in a younger person. As you grow old, you become rigid in your opinion and less confident. Of course, you are young you can't appreciate this at this stage but I do think in a country where the youth is at the forefront is the best country and I think India deserves the best.
NDTV: Are you really saying you are too old for politics?
Narayana Murthy: Yeah, absolutely.
NDTV: But what about public policies, like Nandan is lending his expertise in the Unique Identity Card (UID) project. Do you see yourself in that kind of role, that is not an electoral role but certainly a role of expertise that involves Government or Public Policy?
Narayana Murthy: No, as I said, anywhere where there is an advisory role, where you meet maybe quarterly, where you review programmes, those things are fine but taking any inline role or any role that requires 12 hours a day or 14 hours a day, 6 days a week or 52 weeks a year, I think that should be left to younger people.
NDTV: What do you see yourself doing primarily after Infosys?
Narayana Murthy: You know..when President Kalam, before he became the President, he and I had thought of going from village to village or town to town and talk about being good citizens to the school children but then he became the President and that thing was in the back burner, maybe that is one good thing that I could look at.
NDTV: You see yourself doing grassroots mobilization?
Narayana Murthy: Yeah, something like that.
NDTV: Talking on the issue of philanthropy, corporate philanthropy, you and your wife have put money into an Indian classics programme in Herherth...
Narayana Murthy: That is our son...
NDTV: But you have put in your name and your energy. Recently, we saw an interesting development in America where many billionaires have put aside half their wealth. Do you believe in India we see too little of corporate philanthropy?
Narayana Murthy: We have seen philanthropy in religious activities but that is changing. I think now more and more people are involved in corporate philanthropy. Nandan and Rohan are involved, Kris and Sudha are involved, Shubulal does a lot of stuff, Dinesh does a lot, Mohan does a lot of stuff.
NDTV: But that is all Infosys...outside Infosys?
Narayana Murthy: Azim, Das, Tatas have been doing it for years, at least a hundred years, Birlas...a lot of them are doing it now. Things are progressing.
NDTV: Are you concerned that so much of Indian business has been driven not just by wealth creation but by spending of big money...like austerity... like long back the PM had said how Indians should watch how they spend their money. The counter argument to that is that once you create a capitalist economy you can't tell people how to spend their money, you can't place moral grounds on it. Where do you stand here? What does money mean to you?
Narayana Murthy: You have known me and my wife I believe. We live a very simple life. If you come to our house, you will be shocked that we are living there...the reason why we do is because of the following - at this stage of capitalism of the country, it is very important to lead a life that most people can relate to. If we didn't, if we lived in huge mansions, distanced ourselves from common people, then when we go and speak about capitalism, people will say it is easy for people like him to say who have lot of money, lot of power, it is not good for us...so I feel for our generation people we should live as simple a life as possible.
NDTV: You have created your own venture capital fund as well. What prompted you to do that?
Narayana Murthy: Yes...the best way to solve the problem of poverty in India is through entrepreneurship which creates lots of jobs, lots of productivity, creates wealth so I felt I should be in a position to encourage youngsters who are interested in entrepreneurship because it is good for the country because it creates jobs. And it is good for them at least materialistically.
NDTV: Your big investment so far has been in the micro-financing sector but any other plans, any other sectors that you would like to this fund to asset?
Narayana Murthy: We would like to look at education, we are looking at healthcare, or any are that applies the principles of decent capitalism.
NDTV: What is decent capitalism? It is an interesting phrase.
Narayana Murthy: Decent capitalism or compassionate capitalism in my opinion is where the leaders exercise self-restrain while enjoying the legitimate fruits of capitalism. If self restrain is applied, I do feel that things won't go out of control. Greed won't overtake sense and morality.
NDTV: Do you worry as your end with Infosys comes about, the future where attrition rates which was once unheard of, has increased?
Narayana Murthy: No, I think knowing that we have good caretakers of leadership, we have Kris to continue, Shubulal, BG Srinivasan, Ashok, Mohan, Balakrishnan, there is Chandrashekar, there is Subhash, Nandita, lot of good people. And in the last 10 years we have demonstrated that it is possible to have a transition and still make sure that the company is safe.
NDTV: But does attrition concern you?
Narayana Murthy: Of course, it concerns us but then there are clear reasons, people have made analysis.
NDTV: Infosys has been conservative in terms of acquisition, you haven't acquired many companies...do you believe that in this new world this will have to change, go out, invest in different sectors, diversify more?
Narayana Murthy: You know we have a very good mergers and acquisitions crew headed by Deepak Parki, young and talented. The team is under Balakriashnan, our CFO and they have gone through 150 candidates but we do not want to acquire for the sake of acquisition. As I have often said it is like falling in love. It happens when it has to...like one Wednesday morning, when Rohan came down from the US with his ring, which he has spent 7 and a half hours producing near Boston.
NDTV: He made his own engagement ring?
Narayana Murthy: Yes, he made his own ring, a platinum ring and that is when we realised that there is no timetable.
NDTV: So, he did not tell you before proposing to Venu's daughter.
Narayana Murthy: No no...it was his decision, it was his plan, his timetable, like that, love does not have a time table.
NDTV: So, for you acquisition is like falling in love but you know, there are those who have described Rohan's engagement as a collaboration between two or three business houses. When you read that how did you feel?
Narayana Murthy: It was amusing. It was two wonderful individuals coming together with no intention of relating our businesses. It was two souls coming together.
NDTV: So, it is not something arranged by parents?
Narayana Murthy: No no. Something I know in Rohan's case, if we had suggested anything, it would be the last thing he would agree to. Same thing in Lakshmi's case.
NDTV: So, the best thing to do is tell them the opposite of what you want them to do?
Narayana Murthy: Exactly. But in this case we did not want to say anything because we were not certain.
NDTV: Speaking of yourself, you have said Infosys is where it is because it was an open economy in the world but we see a kind of backlash building from the US whether it was during Obama's statement during the campaign to the recently offensive statement by a Senator. Do you laugh these off or are you concerned by these?
Narayana Murthy: No I am not concerned. You know it takes all kinds of people to make this world and people have different pressures and when people have pressures, they make certain statements. In our case, we collect data, we make conclusions and then we make statements. But some people don't do that but that doesn't concern me.
NDTV: Do you think India is guilty of a certain double standard? We want certain economies to be open for us but like in China's case, we won't let the Chinese companies in our service sector?
Narayana Murthy: We have to be more open. We have to be more competitive globally. We have to have a unified set of standards of export and import, I agree with you.
NDTV: Coming to my last question on corruption, public governance - are you alarmed by the fact that two big events like IPL and CWG are besmeared by allegations of corruption....when big money and big politics intersect there is no transparency?
Narayana Murthy: I am saddened because I thought CWG was a great opportunity for India, especially after how China did...I hope CWG will be a great success even now. We as Indians can stand up and smile and on the last day we can pat each other on the back. I don't know what has happened, what is true and hence would not like to comment on that.
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