Should India Consider Research a National Necessity?
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Synopsis
NR Narayana Murthy, founder of Infosys, passionately advocates for viewing research as a vital national asset rather than a luxury. At the Infosys Science Foundation event, he argues for a supportive ecosystem for researchers, emphasizing the significant role of science in societal advancement. Discover how Murthy envisions a future where innovation thrives in India.
Key Takeaways
- Research is a national necessity.
- Supportive ecosystems for innovation are crucial.
- Young researchers should thrive without constraints.
- Investment in basic research leads to progress.
- Infosys Prize encourages excellence in various fields.
Mumbai, Nov 13 (NationPress) The visionary behind Infosys, NR Narayana Murthy, emphasized on Thursday that India must regard research as an essential national priority rather than a mere indulgence. He advocated for a more robust, nurturing ecosystem that supports scientists, scholars, and innovators.
During the Infosys Science Foundation event where the 'Infosys Prize 2025' laureates were announced, Murthy highlighted that research embodies the pinnacle of human inquiry, necessitating curiosity, imagination, courage, discipline, and resilience.
Referencing the United States, he reminded attendees that nations that heavily invest in fundamental research tend to excel in scientific advancements, economic power, and societal welfare.
He quoted the late former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, asserting that only science can effectively combat poverty, hunger, superstition, and stagnation.
Murthy urged the nation to cultivate an aspirational, merit-based, and intellectually vibrant environment where young researchers can flourish without the burdens of hierarchy or restricted opportunities.
On May 15, the Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) revised its age policy, reducing the upper age cap for prize recipients from 50 to 40.
Each Infosys Prize comprises a gold medal, a citation, and a cash award of $1 lakh. The 2025 honors recognized six researchers for their contributions in market design, empirical analysis of allocation mechanisms, mathematical optimization, and advancements in algorithmic theory. Additional awards were granted for research in the fields of Prakrit and genome maintenance and DNA repair.
In financial updates, Infosys reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 7,364 crore for the second quarter of the current fiscal year (Q2 FY26), marking a 13 percent increase year-on-year (YoY).
In comparison, the IT giant had recorded a net profit of Rs 6,506 crore in the same quarter last year (Q2 FY25). The profit surged approximately 5 percent on a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, compared to Rs 6,921 crore in the preceding April-June quarter.
Point of View
I believe that Narayana Murthy's call for a supportive research ecosystem reflects a critical need in India. By prioritizing research, we can unlock innovation and drive societal progress, ensuring that our nation remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Embracing this vision can empower future generations of researchers and thinkers.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Narayana Murthy believe research is essential?
Murthy argues that research fosters curiosity and innovation, which are crucial for addressing societal challenges such as poverty and stagnation.
What changes were made to the Infosys Prize eligibility?
The Infosys Science Foundation lowered the upper age limit for prize winners from 50 to 40 to encourage younger researchers.
What financial performance did Infosys report recently?
Infosys reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 7,364 crore for Q2 FY26, reflecting a 13% year-on-year increase.
