Narayana Murthy Flags Population Growth As Threat To Sustainability

NR Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, raised serious concerns about India's rapid population growth and its potential to undermine the country's sustainability. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) in Prayagraj, Murthy warned that this unchecked growth could strain critical resources, particularly land and healthcare, which are already under pressure. 

Murthy criticised the lack of attention to population control since the Emergency period, suggesting that this oversight could have dire consequences for the nation’s future. He drew comparisons with countries like the US, Brazil, and China, which have far greater per capita land availability, emphasising the urgent need for India to address these challenges. 

In his speech, Murthy also urged the graduates to focus on contributing to the nation’s progress. He called on them to set high goals, dream big, and work tirelessly to achieve them, asserting that the responsibility of professionals is to drive national development. 

Reflecting on his own journey, Murthy acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family and educators, noting that such sacrifices are essential for the advancement of future generations. He encouraged the students to recognise the importance of dedication and hard work, both in their personal lives and in their contributions to the country's sustainable development.