Murthy said, “India needs hundreds of politicians like Arun Shourie, so that not only IIT-K, but also all other institutes get similar academic and research facilities.” Shourie’s initiative has helped the institute receive a grant from the MPLAD scheme for the project. Earlier also, Shourie had donated the MPLAD fund for the establishment of the Biological Sciences and Bio Engineering (BSBE) department in IIT-K.

Speaking about the CESE, Shourie said, “The centre is conceived with the specific objective of creating an inter-disciplinary research facility integrating the fields of engineering, science and medicine to address environmental issues. I had put a few conditions before the government regarding the utilisation of the MPLAD fund. It included investment in one substantial project, which should be a centre of excellence for research as well as a building of architectural importance.”

He added that the centre has been conceptualised, designed and constructed as a “building in the garden”, which is sustainable and environment-friendly.

Shourie said: “I expect technical solutions for the environment problems, as well as devising power-saving devices and promoting bio-diesel.”

Murthy said that he wishes to see IIT-K in the list of top 10 institutes of the world. When asked about the challenges faced by India in the future, he said, “China plans to establish about 30 world-class universities in the next 20 years, with an allocation of Rs 600 crore for each university. Therefore, India should also invest in educational projects.”

Later, Murthy also addressed IIT-K students, followed by a question-answer session. He said, “Indian youths have extraordinary opportunities. Therefore, they should work for it and take India to the top of the world.”