Infosys founder Narayana Murthy says he starved for 120 hours straight during hitchhike in Europe 50 years ago

Infosys Founder N R Narayana Murthy has said he experienced hunger for 120 hours non-stop when he was hitchhiking in Europe 50 years ago. Murthy, 77, was addressing a special event ‘Achievements in Food Security: India’s Strides Towards Sustainable Development Goals’, hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN on Tuesday at the UN headquarters here.

Commemorating the milestone four billionth meal served by Indian NGO — The Akshaya Patra Foundation –, the event showcased India’s innovative strategies, policies and achievements in food security and nutrition and their alignment with SDGs, particularly the target of zero hunger. Most of you have not experienced hunger. I have, Murthy said while addressing an audience of UN diplomats, officials, academia, civil society organisations and members of the Indian diaspora during the event.

He said that 50 years ago, I experienced hunger for 120 hours non-stop when I was hitchhiking in Europe and at a place called Nish, a border town between Bulgaria and what was then Yugoslavia and today Serbia, Murthy said. Most Indians here and I have received good quality and highly subsidised education from the Indian government. Therefore, as civilised people, we must show gratitude to our nation and help the future generation of these helpless, poor children to get (a) good education,” he said.