Narayana Murthy as president: Kalam says it's 'fantastic'

MYSORE: President A P J Abdul Kalam on Sunday said it would be "fantastic" if software industry icon N R Narayana Murthy succeeded him.

"Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic," Kalam said when asked if he wanted the Infosys chief mentor to become president.

"I will say fantastic," Kalam remarked at an interactive session at the Infosys Global Education Centre here in response to the question: "Do you want Murthy to become President?"

Speaking to reporters who asked him about the President's remarks, Murthy said it would be "wonderful" if Kalam, who has "bonded" with the youth who are the nation's future, continued for another term.

Asked if he was open to the idea of becoming president, Murthy said, "It is all hypothetical. Right now, we have had Kalam visit us. I don't think this is the right time to discuss it. It would be wonderful if he continues for another term."

In reply to a question on whether he was open to the presidentship in future, Murthy said, "What will happen in future, nobody can say. When we have a wonderful president who has bonded with the youth who are the nation's future, my sentiment is: I wish he continues."

Commenting on Kalam's remarks, he said: "He has always been very very kind to me. I have known him even before he became the president. Right from day one, he has been kind to me and my wife. I am grateful to him for his kind words."

Asked if any political party had approached him on the issue, Murthy said, "No. Not at all."