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Narayana Murthy warns of growing population challenge, says India overlooked it since Emergency

Narayana Murthy warns of growing population challenge, says India overlooked it since Emergency

Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy

Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy expressed concern over India's growing population, calling it a significant challenge for the nation. He said that since the Emergency period, the issue of population control has been largely overlooked.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where he was the chief guest, Murthy stressed the urgent need for attention to population management for ensuringthe country's sustainable future.

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"India faces significant challenges related to population, per capita land availability, and healthcare facilities," he said.

"Since the Emergency period, we Indians have not paid enough attention to population control. This poses a risk of making our country unsustainable. In comparison, countries such as the US, Brazil and China have far higher per capita land availability," he added.

"This contribution depends on having high aspirations, dreaming big and working hard to turn those dreams into reality," the Infosys co-founder said.

He said that each generation is tasked with making numerous sacrifices to ensure a better future for the next. The dedication and sacrifices of his parents, siblings, and teachers played a crucial role in his journey. His presence at the institute as the chief guest stands as evidence that their efforts were worthwhile and not wasted.

"One generation must make many sacrifices to improve the lives of the next. My parents, siblings and teachers made significant sacrifices for my progress and my presence here as the chief guest is proof that their sacrifices were not in vain," he said.

During the ‘ELCIA Tech Summit 2024,’ Murthy voiced doubts about India's goal to rival China as a global manufacturing powerhouse. He advised against prematurely using phrases like "hub" and "global leader."

"China has already become the factory of the world. Around 90% of products in supermarkets and home depots worldwide are made in China. Their GDP is six times that of India. It is overly ambitious for us to claim that India will become the manufacturing hub," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author

Prapti Upadhayay

Prapti Upadhayay is a New Delhi-based journalist who reports on key news developments across India and global affairs, with a special focus on US politics. When not writing, she en...Read More