“Parents can’t watch movies and expect kids to study,” says Infosys founder Narayan Murthy

In essence, Murthy argued that it is unreasonable for parents to watch TV and simultaneously demand academic diligence from their children. He elaborated on the necessity for children to prioritize their studies in the context of social media, digitalization, and other educational and parenting issues. 

Murthy shared that he and his wife, Sudha Murty, committed over three and a half hours each day to read with their children, Akshata and Rohan Murty, to create a structured environment at home. He revealed that they enforced a no-television rule from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, dedicating that time exclusively to reading and studying. This routine continued after dinner, extending from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

My wife’s reasoning was clear: if I’m watching TV, I can’t expect my children to focus on their studies. So, she decided to forgo her TV time and engage in studying herself.  “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,” Murthy told the media. She believed that if parents are out enjoying movies while telling their kids to study, it simply won’t be effective.

“Exactly. But whereas our modern parents are busy watching reels on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook and other social media sites when they are bored they start watching Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. And they encourage their child to watch and take meals. All time worst generation of parents,” said one user. 

Murthy expressed his skepticism about coaching classes, stating that they are not the right approach for helping children succeed in exams. He observed that many students who attend these classes often fail to pay attention to their teachers in school, and many parents lack the expertise to assist their children, which leads them to find some merit in these classes.

“Coaching classes are the wrong way to help children to pass examinations, I don’t believe in coaching classes,” he said. “Most people who go to coaching classes, they don’t listen to their teachers carefully in the class, and poor parents, they are not as competent to help them and therefore they see some value (in coaching classes),” Murthy said. 

One user remarked, “Parents and children ought to cease watching films and instead focus on resolving support tickets for 70 hours a week during the night shift, despite the low pay.” 

Another user added, “It is the responsibility of parents to provide accurate information to their children. Three hours of misinformation can harm the nation.”

Murthy has two children. His son Rohan is the founder and chief technical officer of the AI company Soroco. His daughter Akshata is a well-known fashion designer and venture capitalist, married to Rishi Sunak, who previously served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.