Infosys founder Narayana Murthy has recently come under criticism on social media for his remarks on fostering discipline at home to help children focus on their studies. Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Murthy emphasized that parents should not indulge in leisure activities, such as watching movies, while expecting their children to study.
His comments quickly sparked a debate online, with many recalling his earlier suggestion that employees should work 70 hours a week to contribute to nation-building. Critics questioned how overworked employees could find the time to spend with their children, as Narayana Murthy proposed.
Murthy shared how he and his wife Sudha Murthy, dedicated over 3.5 hours each day to reading with their children, Akshata and Rohan Murthy, during their school years to create a disciplined environment. “My wife’s logic was, if I am watching TV, I cannot tell my children to study. So she said, I will sacrifice my TV time, and I will also study,” he explained.
The billionaire’s comments on parenting quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), drawing mixed reactions. Many mocked his suggestion that parents should spend three to four hours daily with their children. One user, Renuka Jain, questioned, “But if parents work for 72 hours as you recommend, then when will they devote time to kids?”
Another user humorously calculated Murthy’s schedule: “Sir, with due respect, you were working 14 hours a day for the office, 3.5 hours for your children, leaving 6.5 hours for sleeping and other routines. Hats off to you,” highlighting the unrealistic expectations.
Adding to the satire, X user Aman joked, “Sir, after working 72 hours a week, there is no time left to have babies. Maternity and paternity leave will reduce productivity.”
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