N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, expressed his concerns about India’s growing population and its potential impact on the country’s sustainability during the convocation ceremony at Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) in Prayagraj.

Addressing the gathering, Murthy highlighted that since the Emergency period, India has not focused enough on population control, a factor he believes could jeopardise the nation’s long-term sustainability. He pointed out critical challenges related to land availability and healthcare that arise from the country’s rapidly growing population.

“India faces significant challenges related to population, per capita land availability, and healthcare facilities. Since the Emergency period, we Indians have not paid enough attention to population control. This poses a risk of making our country unsustainable,” Murthy stated.

Murthy also emphasised the crucial role of professionals in contributing to national progress. He urged the graduating students to aspire high, dream big, and work hard to turn those dreams into reality. “A true professional’s responsibility is to contribute to the nation’s progress,” he said. “This contribution depends on having high aspirations, dreaming big, and working hard to turn those dreams into reality.”

Reflecting on his own life, Murthy acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family and teachers that paved the way for his success. “One generation must make many sacrifices to improve the lives of the next. My parents, siblings, and teachers made significant sacrifices for my progress.” he concluded.

Murthy’s address served as both a call to action and a reflection, urging the new graduates to think deeply about their roles in shaping India’s future amidst the nation’s challenges.