“Most Indian youngsters (about 80-85%) are not trained suitably for any job. Our education system which focuses on learning by rote is not good for becoming entrepreneurs,” N.R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman Emeritus, Infosys Limited, told students at the Asian College of Journalism here on Tuesday.
He said that Indians must be judged based on the present situation. “India somehow doesn’t seem to encourage exchange of ideas between its citizens and foreigners. Currently, there is a theory that we were second to none during Rama’s rule…that we had rockets and airplanes. That’s not right. We have to be measured by what we are today, not what happened 5,000 years ago. We have to be humble and open-minded to learn from others. Unless we become an open society with an open mind, I don’t think we will be in a position to help our youngsters become better entrepreneurs,” Mr. Murthy said.
Responding to a question about choosing the right path towards entrepreneurship, Mr. Murthy said, “My feeling is that it is better for youngsters to first decide in what area they want to become an entrepreneur. And then perhaps join a company in that field and understand sales, marketing, human resources. And then jump into it. It will enhance the probability of success,” he said.
While the Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been encouraging ‘Make in India’ and entrepreneurship, he pointed out that it is the State governments that needs to improve.
“India is not at the forefront of the start-up culture. Compared with the U.S., U.K., Germany or China, I don’t think we are anywhere close. However, we must say that the current government has been very encouraging of Making in India, creation of jobs and entrepreneurship. India being a joint Centre and State governed country, just the Central government saying ‘Make in India’ is not sufficient. The level of corruption, harassment and delays from the State government is extremely high,” he said.
