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Narayana Murthy's Bold Vision: Why India Must Treat Research as Necessity

Narayana Murthy made a compelling case for treating research as India's national necessity at the Infosys Science Foundation event. He highlighted how nations investing in basic research eventually lead in scientific and economic progress. The Infosys founder quoted Jawaharlal Nehru's belief that science can solve fundamental challenges like poverty and superstition. He called for creating an aspirational ecosystem where young researchers can flourish without hierarchical constraints.

Key Points: Narayana Murthy Calls for Stronger Research Ecosystem in India

  • Murthy emphasizes research as national necessity rather than luxury for India's progress
  • Cites US model showing research investment leads to economic strength
  • Quotes Nehru on science addressing poverty, hunger and superstition
  • Calls for meritocratic ecosystem where young researchers can thrive without hierarchy
2 min read

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy calls for more supportive research ecosystem

Infosys founder urges India to treat research as national necessity, citing US model for scientific progress and economic strength at Infosys Prize event.

"Research represents the highest ideals of human inquiry because it demands curiosity, imagination, courage, discipline, and resilience. - NR Narayana Murthy"

Mumbai, Nov 13

Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy on Thursday said India should treat research as a national necessity rather than a luxury, calling for a stronger, more supportive ecosystem for scientists, scholars and innovators.

At an Infosys Science Foundation event announcing the 'Infosys Prize 2025' laureates, Murthy said that research represents the highest ideals of human inquiry because it demands curiosity, imagination, courage, discipline, and resilience.

Citing the example of the United States, he reminded the audience that nations that invest deeply in basic research eventually lead in scientific progress, economic strength, and societal well-being.

He also quoted former Prime Minister late Jawaharlal Nehru that science alone can address poverty, hunger, superstition and stagnation.

He called on the country to build an aspirational, meritocratic and intellectually vibrant ecosystem in which young researchers can thrive without constraints of hierarchy or limited opportunity.

The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) changed its age policy on May 15, lowering the upper age limit for its prize winners from 50 to 40.

Each Infosys Prize includes a gold medal, a citation and a $1 lakh purse. The 2025 prizes honoured six researchers for their contribution in market design and empirical analysis of allocation mechanisms, mathematical optimisation and breakthroughs in algorithmic theory. Further researchers in the field of Prakrit and genome maintenance and DNA repair also received prizes.

Infosys' consolidated net profit for the second quarter of the current fiscal (Q2 FY26) stood at Rs 7,364 crore, up 13 per cent year-on-year (YoY).

The IT giant had posted a net profit of Rs 6,506 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago (Q2 FY25). The company's net profit rose around 5 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, as well as from Rs 6,921 crore in the April-June quarter.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative by Infosys Science Foundation! The $1 lakh prize money will definitely motivate young researchers. But why reduce the age limit to 40? Many brilliant minds achieve breakthroughs later in life too.
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Ananya R
Murthy sir is absolutely right. Look at how much the US invests in research and development. We need similar commitment from both government and private sector. Our bright students shouldn't have to go abroad for research opportunities.
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David E
As someone working in tech, I appreciate Murthy's vision. Research drives innovation which drives economic growth. Infosys' strong quarterly results show how tech companies benefit from innovation. More Indian companies should follow this lead.
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Karthik V
While I appreciate the sentiment, we need more than just words. The government should increase R&D spending from current 0.7% of GDP to at least 2%. Also, research positions need better pay and job security. 🧪
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Sarah B
Wonderful to see recognition for diverse fields - from mathematical optimization to DNA repair and Prakrit studies. This shows the importance of both traditional knowledge and modern science working together.

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