We must compete with the best in the world: Narayana Murthy

 'There is a marked change in the enthusiasm, energy level, confidence and innovation orientation among youngsters.'

N R Narayana Murthy, below, left, co-founder and former chairman of information technology major Infosys, talks about the entrepreneurial system in India, steps taken to promote it and allied issues, in an interview with Bibhu Ranjan Mishra.

The Government of India is focusing big-time on things like Startup India, Skill India and taking the unbanked population into the banking system. Do you think all these will start paying dividends anytime soon?

All these started very well but it’s too early to say if it’s paying dividends.

These are all good ideas; we will have to have some patience. Push a bit longer and it would definitely pay.

However, certain things the young entrepreneurs must keep in India.

We must have high aspirations, we must work hard and must be disciplined, and learn to work in a team. We must benchmark ourselves against the best in the world.

How do you see the entrepreneurial system in India, especially as youngsters are starting companies with social objectives in mind?

There is a marked change in the enthusiasm, energy level, confidence and innovation orientation among youngsters.

I have been visiting the Development Dialogue by the Deshpande Foundation in Hubballi (former Hubli) every year and can clearly see these.

The impact of such initiatives can only be felt in the longer term.