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Preethi J.

Mysore April 8 Infosys' Global Education Centre has begun its journey to becoming the contemporary equivalent of the Nalanda University. The President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, during his visit to the campus on Sunday said Infosys must set a model of `reverse brain drain'.

"Infosys should set a model similar to the historical Nalanda University, which attracted students from 90 countries. Students seeking knowledge should be drawn to India," he said. Mr Narayana Murthy responded saying the centre would go from having students from nine countries to 90, but did not reveal details. Mr Kalam also spoke on technology convergence — how biotechnology, nanotechnology and IT were combining to spawn new applications such as nanorobots.

He also spoke about his project — the knowledge platform - which attempts to bring together multinational capabilities.

Bharat Mata Ki Jai screamed the crowd as the President walked into the Infosys Global Education Centre campus on Sunday. After standing under the blazing sun for over two hours, youngsters got to see their `idol', `role model' and `inspiration' in flesh and blood.

"We were eagerly waiting for two hours, and this is the first time I got to see him. It was worth it," said a visibly excited Ms Krishnapriya, a 22-year-old trainee at the Global Education Centre.

The trainees expected a speech with points, with technology and with power. Mr Kalam did not disappoint.

He gave a seven-point agenda that spoke of striving for success, while enjoying that of others; righteousness of the heart; corruption-free life, topics, which hit home for many of the young, idealistic citizens. He urged the trainees to, "Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts. Thoughts result in action." And they responded with energy and unbridled enthusiasm. "This was an inspiring speech for youth fresh from college. His talk has come at the right stage in our lives. We are motivated to work hard," said Mr Murali Meenakshisundaram, 21, while Mr Prasanna Kumar, 23, working in the communication service providing department joined in, "He is energetic, and a role model."

On the President's visit, Mr Murthy said, "It was an electrifying performance, and he is a rare leader who bonds with the youth. We are lucky to have the President come and bless us."

Narayana Murthy as Prez

"Fantastic," was the response when a proud Infoscion asked the President what he thought of Mr Narayana Murthy succeeding him as President of the country. This evoked a huge round of applause from the crowd.

However, when asked to respond to the idea, Mr Murthy said the statement was just a hypothetical one. "What will happen in the future, nobody can guess," he said.

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