governing council | Sarala Birla factfile | speech by Dr. Sarala Birla | speech by Prof. Prema Pandurang

Mr. Narayana N.R. Murthy,
Chairman of the Board,
Infosys Technologies Limited,
Bangalore

"It is an honour to inaugurate the Sarala Birla Academy. I thank Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, the governing council, members and staff of the Sarala Birla Academy for inviting me. The Birla family is known for its commitment to both education and development. An eminent educationist herself, Dr. Sarala Birla has made great contributions to the cause of learning. Surely this institute is a further example of her dedication to the spread of knowledge.

"Dear students, you have to thank the Birla family, your parents and your teachers for this opportunity. While most children in our country get only Rs. 600 per year for primary education, you have the benefit of wonderful education. Education is about assuming responsibility in the society; responsibility to show fairness to the less fortunate; to create a future that posterity can be proud of; to fulfil the promise that freedom brought us. Everyone of you has the potential to redeem this promise.

"How do we solve the problems of our society?
We can address these problems by creating a civilized society. This is a society where everybody has equal opportunity to better his or her life; where every child has food, shelter, healthcare and education; a society where duties come before rights. Putting public good ahead of private good will lead to private good in the long run. Consequently, it is important to go from being good people to good citizens.

"Mindset and imagination are more critical than other resources. Essentially, this translates to becoming a group of educated people. By doing our best in our chosen paths, we will add value to this society even in small steps. I am reminded of the words of Samuel Johnson, "He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything."

"Keep up the image of India by being the best quality citizens in society. The solution to most of our problems lie within us. At Infosys, we believe that: The best way to escape from problems is to solve it. Build aspirations, as aspirations build civilizations. Kurien, Sam Pitroda, Bhabha, Sarabhai, Kelkar and Ravi Mathai are great examples of leaders who built aspirations. After all, reality is what you make and not what it is. In the words of C.K. Prahlad, "Developing country is a state of mind."

"Don't be cynical. Cynicism takes away enthusiasm and builds a negative mindset. Move from apathy to action. To finish first, you must first finish. Move from rhetoric to action. Leadership is an action, not a word. Build a climate of honesty, hard work and excellence. Build a social conscience and benchmark yourself with the best in the world. Be honest and true to the profession and act fearlessly. Always seek the truth. Learn from the advances abroad. Think how you can support institutions that have helped you reach where you are — your school.

"I am confident this Academy will work towards building a great society in our country."

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