K.G. Foundation’s Award
K. Swaminathan, Head IT and ITES, Robert Bosch, Coimbatore (second left); G. Vishwanathan, Chancellor, Vellore Institute of Technology (third left);Justice A.R. Lakshmanan, Chairman, Law Commission of India (fifth left); Nandan M. Nilekani, Co-Chairman, Infosys Technologies (third right); B.K. Mruthyunjaya, Executive Secretary, Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidayalaya, Mount Abu (second right); and Krishnan Suthanthiram president, Best Medical International, the U.S. (right) with the K.G. Foundation’s Dynamic Indian of the Decade award conferred on them at a function in Coimbatore on Sunday. Foundation Chairman G. Bakthavathsalam (fourth left) and Managing Director of KG Information Sy. Six persons who have made a mark in their respective fields stressed human values, creation of a corruption-free society and investment in human capital. They provided an insight into these while being conferred the “Dynamic Indian of the Decade Award” by the K.G. Foundation here on Sunday.
The six were: Law Commission Chairman A.R. Lakshmanan; Co-chairman of Infosys Technologies Limited Nandan M. Nilekani; Founder and Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology G. Viswanathan; B.K. Mruthyunjaya, Executive Secretary of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya; K. Swaminathan, Head of the IT and ITES services of Robert Bosch India; and president of Best Medical International Krishnan Suthanthiran. G. Bakthavathsalam, chairman of the K.G. Foundation, said India was a great country with diversity. Yet, one of the ills of the country now was corruption. For the development of the country, every Indian should start thinking.
“We need to have a compelling vision.” K.G. Foundation gave away “Dynamic Indian of the Decade” award to those who have made outstanding contribution in their chosen fields and it created an opportunity for the younger generation to become role models. The award recipients had worked hard and had a vision and made a difference in the lives of the countrymen. Accepting the award, Mr. Justice Lakshmanan, asked the youth to develop the habit of saving a portion of their income, spending time with family after work, contributing to social cause and to respect elders. Today, the youth were educated and had all the qualifications. They were able to find jobs through campus interviews. They worked hard and aspired for progress at work. Yet, it was important to focus on human and social values.
Mr. Nilekani said that 27 years ago India had mainly three types of companies – large multi national companies, family owned firms and public sector companies. Infosys was then started by a group of professionals. Its turnover today was close to $ 4.5 billion. “We had a vision to create a global and globally competitive company that would last for a long time.” India was at a critical point now as it had to harness the “demographic dividend.” In order to do it, infrastructure should be developed and focus was needed on healthcare, education and providing jobs. “We should invest in human capital.” The country should leverage on advantages such as young population, entrepreneurship and technology.
There were several problems but we have a chance to do something different, he said. Mr. Viswanathan said that with a population of 1.1 billion, higher education should be accessible to all in the country. The country was improving in economic prosperity and per capita income was increasing. Values should also improve with these. Youngsters should know what it was to have a clean administration and when all citizens paid taxes. Public should take a tough stand by rejecting corruption.
Mr. Mruthyunjaya, stressed the need to have a vision for oneself, the society and the world. “We need people who will share, care and motivate.” The Vidyalaya had projects such as “Green the Earth and Clean the Mind” and “My India and Healthy India”. It was important to have spiritual will power. Mr. Swaminathan said Bosch was established in Germany in 1886. Bosch India was the largest development centre of the company after Germany. Its centre here provided jobs to more than 1,500 people and works were taken up in various segments such as software development and engineering services.
Mr. Suthanthiran said it was essential to provide all citizens of the country with good drinking water. Progress made in all other fields would not be adequate without providing this facility to all the itizens. In order to eliminate poverty, education should be provided. It was important to focus on providing affordable healthcare, and enable all, especially women, to get education. Ashok Bakthavathsalam, Managing Director of KG Information Systems Private Limited, welcomed the gathering.
