N. R. Narayana Murthy

The unique instrument to eradicate poverty and usher in prosperity is our youth.

Leadership is about doing the right thing, even if it going against a vast number of naysayers and mediocre people.

Mahatma Gandhi was someone who demonstrated the tremendous power of leadership by example.

Entrepreneurship is all about an idea that creates differentiated business value to one's customers. You must be able to convince your customers about the benefits that association with you or your products will give them. People are ready to pay if they are convinced about your services or products.

Entrepreneurship is all about deferred gratification.

The lack of financial strength to avail healthcare is a major challenge.

The principle of democracy is all about delegation of power by the vast majority of citizens through a few chosen representatives chosen on merit and competence.

I was the first businessman to say, 'You should give tax benefit to only small companies. You should say your profits are exempt to a limit of Rs. 50 crore or so, but beyond that, you should pay taxes.' I have been arguing with successive finance ministers on this.

If my company spends money, it should be disclosed to the shareholders and how it was spent. With my personal money, I can do anything I want. But company money should be disclosed.

I think people like Bill Gates, who have given away enormous sums of money, are shining examples for all of us to follow.

A professorship appeals very much because I enjoy being with younger people.

I have always focused on the bottom line.