by Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Indian IT giant Infosys, recently made headlines when he stated that there is one Indian city where he feels uncomfortable due to its lack of discipline. In a speech delivered at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad, Murthy identified the city of Bengaluru as the most indisciplined city in the country, stating that he feels uncomfortable coming to the city because of its poor civic sense.
Murthy’s remarks have sparked a debate about the state of discipline in Indian cities, with some agreeing with his assessment of Bengaluru and others questioning his judgment. Murthy’s comments are not entirely surprising, given that he has been an outspoken critic of the lack of discipline in Indian society for many years. In his speech at the ISB, he spoke about how the lack of discipline in Indian cities has affected the country’s ability to attract foreign investment and improve its economic growth.
Bengaluru, which was once known as the “Garden City” of India, has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, becoming one of the country’s largest and most important cities. However, the city’s growth has come at a cost, with its infrastructure struggling to keep up with the demands of its growing population. Traffic congestion, pollution, and the lack of adequate public transport are just some of the problems that have plagued the city in recent years.
Narayana Murthy comments about Bengaluru’s lack of discipline may be controversial, but they are not entirely without merit. Bengaluru has a reputation for being a city where the rules are often ignored, with motorists routinely flouting traffic laws and pedestrians jaywalking with impunity. The city’s garbage problem is also well-known, with piles of trash often lining the streets, despite the efforts of civic authorities to keep the city clean.
However, it is worth noting that Bengaluru is not the only Indian city that suffers from a lack of discipline. Cities across the country are grappling with similar issues, from the chronic traffic congestion in Delhi to the widespread littering in Mumbai. The problem of indiscipline is a complex one that requires a multi-faceted approach, involving not just the government but also civil society.
In recent years, there have been efforts to improve discipline in Indian cities, with initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and Smart Cities Mission aimed at improving the cleanliness and livability of urban areas. However, these initiatives are still in their early stages, and much more needs to be done to address the root causes of indiscipline in Indian society.
In conclusion, Narayana Murthy’s comments about Bengaluru’s lack of discipline have sparked a much-needed debate about the state of discipline in Indian cities. While his remarks may be controversial, they should be taken as a call to action for both the government and civil society to work together to address this pressing issue. Only by working together can we create the kind of cities that we can all be proud of.
