If you find some of your projects not quite effective, will you discontinue it or do more research on it?
Yes, we are absolutely scientifically honest about our projects. If a project is not working, we will discontinue it. The hardest thing for any organisation is evaluating a project because you get emotionally attached to a project. We believe that if you want to use your money effectively and if you are not getting the results you want, you should look at how to make it work, or look for new programmes to achieve what you are looking for.
You work all around the world. Which part of the world is the toughest to work in as far as poverty alleviation programmes are concerned?
It is tough everywhere. But it is essential to have good local partners to have effective intervention. Every project has its challenges.
As I head the South Asian operations, I will talk about that. Currently among the countries we are working in, it is the most in India, that is why we decided to locate ourselves here. We have a couple of projects in Bangladesh. We are working in Pakistan but we are yet to work in Nepal. But we have trained people from all across South Asia.
Can we say you are here in South Asia only because you have partners here?
We are here in South Asia because we believe that South Asia is at a very interesting point in history. There is so much growth and so many opportunities in this part of the world.
India in particular has been extremely receptive to this type of research and it has been doing this type of research for many years. So, it is a natural place for us to be in as a formalised institution. Again, we are working with countries all over the world since 2003.
We also feel J-Pal has a role in bringing the have-nots into the world of haves. What we learn here can be applied anywhere in the world as the whole world is separated by haves and have-nots.
At the launch, Narayana Murthy also talked a lot about India's potential and also its limitations.
Personally, what excites you?
Personally I am very excited about working here as India is critical of itself. For me, India is the most fascinating place in the entire world to work in.
Also read: Narayana Murthy on leadership and values
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