''If India is to shine now and in future, people must have the freedom to decide and governments can be in the business of monitoring, instead of telling people whatto do'', Mr Ratan Naval Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons,observed today (25.1.2016).
Interacting with the students of SRM University at itscampus in suburban Kattankulathur, he said ''if India should shine, let the people have the freedom to decide''.
The Government should have no role in telling people what to do, he added.
He told the students that ''as you go through life, many things which you could not find in college, you will find it in your profession'', he said, adding, ''there are many qualities that are sought after in young leaders but the bottom line must be one of making a difference.''
Be honest in what you think and do and this goes for any profession, he said.
Prior to the interactive session with students drawn from all faculties including, Engineering and Technology, Science and Humanities, Medical and Dental Sciences, Health Sciences, Management and Law, Mr Tata had a meeting with SRM University Founder-Chancellor Dr Paari Vendhar where they discussed the challenges and opportunities of higher education in India.
Referring to the fact that so many young minds of India choose overseas destinations for higher studies, Mr Tata said this would not be the case if educational institutions offered proper facilities and faculties.
Lamenting the fact that India still did not have a basic health care network and a country where still a social stigma on disability exists, Mr Tata said both the public and the private sectors need to go the distance in addressing the needs of the under privileged and specially challenged people.
Asked on his parameters of support to start-ups, Mr Tata said while he was interested in the ideas of the young minds on projects, his support to any would also depend on not only viability but also in an assessment of greed of the entrepreneur.
I like investing in young companies, but money-alone and greed is not what I am for, Mr Tata said