News

Volume 3 Issue 1 - January 01, 2005

Book on unsung heroes released in Bangalore

DNIS News Network - A new book spells out the recipe for ‘How to change the world – Social entrepreneurs and the power of new ideas’.

The Chairman and Chief Mentor of Infosys Technologies, N.R. Naryana Murthy, launched ‘How to change the world – Social entrepreneurs and the power of new ideas’, a book by David Bornstein, at Infosys campus in Bangalore on December 22. Murthy has also penned the foreword for the Asian edition.

The book was released at a programme jointly organised by Ashoka Foundation and IT major Infosys. A Penguin India publication, the book features seven Ashoka Fellows, besides Florence Nightingale and Bill Drayton. It captures the life and ideas of social entrepreneurs. Murthy said the author had chronicled unsung heroes who have generated ideas based on problems in society and used them to change society. “They faced daunting challenges and had persisted where others gave up. They were single-mindedly dedicated to their cause,” he added.

Javed Abidi, Executive Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), who is featured in the book, was in Bangalore to also take up the cause of disabled with IT corporates. Talking about social change and social entrepreneurs’ role, Abidi expressed his disappointment about Bangalore. Recalling his attempts to find attempts to find accommodation after landing in the city, he said, “Bangalore may be bragging about being the IT capital but there is not a single hotel which is wheelchair accessible.” The city is no better than all other Indian metros that have nothing for their 60 to 70 million disabled inhabitants, more than the total population of United Kingdom.

“The so-called IT capital of India, which claims to be progressive and teeming with educated is far from being a disabled-friendly city.” Mr. Abidi continued. Ten years into The Disability Act, buildings are still not accessible and lack of proper transportation is a major obstacle. He recalled the S.M. Krishna, former Chief Minister, had two-and-a-half years ago announced that all public buildings in Bangalore would be made disabled friendly. Now there is mention of a metro-rail project. “Will the interests of the disabled be considered?” Abidi asked.