Infosys facility has Chidambaram in awe

Mysore, July 30: A trip to the sprawling Global Training Centre of IT major Infosys in this historical city of Karnataka brought a surprised expression to the face of Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, today.

''It is difficult to believe we are in India, we are not even in a capital of a State, but a city with a great history and an equally greater future,'' he said in his opening remarks during the inaugural of Infosys silver jubilee celebrations at the Centre here.

He said ''this could be the Silicon Valley in California, Alps region in France, Struttgard or even a town in Australia...We are proud this is in India.''

Mr Chidambaram said India should emerge a major knowledge power in the world so that, like Indians who settle abroad, people from other parts of the world should look at India as a destination which they could try (for employment/investment). He said India missed out on the industrial revolution as it was under colonial rule. It started late in the software sector, but had caught up with the rest of the world and emerged as the best.

Quoting Infosys CEO Nandan M Nilekani's words, he said ''IBM is a legacy, Infosys is the future''. What was happening in India was a revolution. In ten years, India would have the largest employer in the industry.

The Minister complimented Infosys for the mighty strides it had taken during the last 25 years and wanted Infoscions to create more such institutions in the country.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Infosys had emerged as a legend, transcending barriers of name and recognition and had become an internationally recognised name for success, innovation and humility. The contribution of IT sector had made Indian arriving at any destination being seen as a knowledge sector professional.

He said many Western companies were diffident of approaching Infosys for their work because they see Infosys as a discriminating contractor who did not accept any and every project. ''This is a tribute to the reputation that has been built by Infosys''.

Stating that returns would not accrue without risks, he expressed hope that more entrepreneurs would take the route taken by companies such as Infosys.

UNI