Murthy caught in anthem row
Infosys chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy has found himself embroiled in a controversy over his remarks on the national anthem during President APJ Abdul Kalam’s visit to Infy’s facility in Mysore on Sunday.
By TNN |
BANGALORE: Infosys chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy has found himself embroiled in a controversy over his remarks on the national anthem during President APJ Abdul Kalam’s visit to Infy’s facility in Mysore on Sunday.
When the media had questioned Murthy why they had chosen the instrumental version instead of singing the anthem, some reports quoted him as saying, “We had arranged for five people to sing the anthem. But then we cancelled it as we have foreigners on board here. They should not be embarrassed while we sing the anthem.’’
This statement upset a section of people, some of whom have been expressing their dismay on blogs.
Murthy apologised on Tuesday. According to Infosys , the context of the statement was not adequately dealt with. The feeling, the company said, was that foreigners would be more comfortable with the instrumental version, as they would then have an opportunity to hum along as others sang the anthem.
Murthy said, “We played the instrumental version so that we could all sing along, and all of us did so. We wished to share the pride of being an Indian in the presence of our President. We are informed that this is as per protocol. If the media statement has hurt anybody’s sentiments , I deeply apologise.’’
And with MLAs cutting across party lines coming down heavily on the government for not taking action against Murthy, Karnataka home minister M P Prakash said: “It is an unpardonable offence. I will obtain a report from the police and will take action if the allegations against him are true.’’
When the media had questioned Murthy why they had chosen the instrumental version instead of singing the anthem, some reports quoted him as saying, “We had arranged for five people to sing the anthem. But then we cancelled it as we have foreigners on board here. They should not be embarrassed while we sing the anthem.’’
This statement upset a section of people, some of whom have been expressing their dismay on blogs.
Murthy apologised on Tuesday. According to Infosys , the context of the statement was not adequately dealt with. The feeling, the company said, was that foreigners would be more comfortable with the instrumental version, as they would then have an opportunity to hum along as others sang the anthem.
Murthy said, “We played the instrumental version so that we could all sing along, and all of us did so. We wished to share the pride of being an Indian in the presence of our President. We are informed that this is as per protocol. If the media statement has hurt anybody’s sentiments , I deeply apologise.’’
And with MLAs cutting across party lines coming down heavily on the government for not taking action against Murthy, Karnataka home minister M P Prakash said: “It is an unpardonable offence. I will obtain a report from the police and will take action if the allegations against him are true.’’
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