Mohanpur: Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy on Wednesday asked students and researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research to be "disciplined" enough in their endeavour to make life better for people around them.

Narayana Murthy, chief guest at the convocation ceremony of the Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), told the students that nothing worthwhile could be achieved without discipline, hard work and punctuality.

Narayana Murthy had to keep his speech brief as he was delayed by a traffic snarl on National Highway-34.

"Nobody can achieve anything worthwhile without discipline, hard work and punctuality. In fact, it is sad to say that no attribute has ever hampered India's progress more than indiscipline. Please keep this in mind," he said.

"Remember you are judged by your current performance. The past is gone and forgotten. India may have been a successful nation 1,000 years ago, but nobody cares for it now. Remember that performance leads to recognition, recognition leads to respect and respect leads to power. Therefore, my young friends, India has now become powerful through your performance today and now," Narayana Murthy said.

The Infosys boss advised the students to shed their ego and work as a team to achieve bigger goals that could help society. "Please remember that these days scientific and engineering projects are huge and require dedicated team work. Learn from symphony, where each musician is a maestro himself or herself but comes together to work under the direction of a conductor."

Narayana Murthy, who inaugurated IISER-Calcutta's academic and administrative building, reminded the students to add "value" and "enhance" respect for their motherland and their institution if they settled abroad.

"Some of you would inevitably go abroad and settle down there. There is absolutely nothing wrong. However, you have two important duties when you are a citizen or a permanent resident of another country. First, conduct yourself as a model citizen of that society so that you enhance respect for India. Secondly, remember a poor country like India has given you this valuable education. Please add value to this institute and this country in whatever way you can," he said.

IISER-Calcutta director, Sourav Pal conferred the doctor of science honoris causa to astrophysicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar.

A total 177 students were awarded degrees at the convocation.