India afflicted with disease of apathy: Narayan Murthy

INDORE: Infosys founder N R Narayan Murthy today said that the biggest malady of the country at present was the apathy to social problems.

"We feel that problems surrounding us belong to somebody else. We do not take action or rather postpone the decision," he said, addressing Indore Management Association's International Management Conclave here.

"Management is all about maximising the outcome while optimising utilisation of sources. Hence it is extremely important to take quick and firm decision," he said.

There were a few countries in the world which were able to grow at 7.5 per cent in last ten years. Even this year, India hopes to achieve between 7 and 7.5 per cent GDP growth," he said.

Even in the difficult economic times, there are enough indicators that world expects India to perform and be a leader in the desired sectors, he said.

Asking the young generation to join the IT sector, Murthy said, "I believe that youngsters are important, that we have to provide opportunities to them. I make sure that 30 per cent staff in Infosys is under 30 years of age."

He said that students should be ready to receive negative feedback on their performance, and should also learn to convey unpleasant messages, when required.

Murthy said India lacks discipline in the social life as the elite and the powerful people do not want to follow the law of land.

During the question and answer session, Murthy said, "The only regret that I have is I did not become a teacher like my father."