Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy has blamed the Indian work culture for the slow progress of the country, adding that it lacks honesty and meritocracy. Countries that have made progress have characteristics such as honesty, meritocracy, competitive spirit and national pride, he said.
Murthy, in an interview with a leading English daily, said that fundamental research in the country is in a sorry state. Citing that India has failed to retain bright minds because of delays in grants and lack of conducive environment, Murthy said that the country's culture is riddled with dishonesty, apathy and indifference, which is not contributing to progress.
He added that dishonesty and apathy have been part of Indian work culture and society for thousands of years and it will take another 2,000 to 3,000 years for it to change. Murthy said that it takes a long time for proposals to reach the government, people in government offices not doing their work and instead are at work drinking tea or coffee, it is because it is part of our culture, he said.
He added that it is a long journey to change that kind of work culture, and it will take a long time for things to progress and move forward.
