Narayana Murthy’s 7 Golden Rules for Parents—Are You Following Them?
Shreya | Feb 09, 2025, 17:23 IST
Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, has inspired millions with his business acumen and leadership skills. But his wisdom doesn’t just apply to the world of business, his approach to parenting offers valuable lessons for raising well-rounded and successful children. This article explores some of his key insights into effective parenting, blending discipline, empathy, and education to shape future leaders.
Narayana Murthy, the visionary co-founder of Infosys, has been a source of inspiration to millions not just for his achievements in business but for his views on leadership, values, and education. We have often seen him emphasize the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age. Murthy’s insights into parenting are rooted in the same principles that have made him a globally respected leader: discipline, integrity, empathy, and education.
Here are some key parenting tips from Narayana Murthy that can help shape the next generation into successful, responsible, and compassionate individuals.
Murthy often emphasizes the importance of education as the foundation for a bright future. For him, learning should never stop whether it’s formal or informal as education empowers children to think critically and independently. In his view, good parenting is about ensuring that children understand the importance of education in shaping their future.
Encourage your children to be lifelong learners. Help them find the joy in learning instead of just focusing on grades or exams. Let them know that education opens doors to a world of possibilities.
One of Murthy’s core beliefs is that success is not a product of luck, but a result of continuous hard work and perseverance. He believes that children must be taught the importance of working hard to achieve their dreams.
Be a role model of hard work and discipline. Let your children see the effort you put into your own responsibilities, whether at work or at home. Teach them that success comes through consistent effort and learning from failures.
Integrity and honesty are values that Narayana Murthy has consistently highlighted as essential to both personal and professional growth. He believes that integrity is not just about doing the right thing when people are watching, but also when they’re not.
Teach your children that being honest and ethical is of utmost importance, even if it may not always be the easiest path. Encourage them to make decisions based on moral values and to own up to their mistakes without the fear of punishment.
Narayana Murthy advocates for nurturing independent thought and decision-making in children. He believes that empowering children to think by themselves is a crucial part of their development. In a world where conformity can sometimes be easier than standing out, Murthy emphasizes the importance of encouraging kids to question the status quo.
Provide opportunities for your children to make decisions, both big and small. Encourage them to explore their interests and pursue their passions. Foster an environment where they can express their opinions without the fear of being judged.
Murthy believes that understanding the feelings of others, especially children, is key to building trust and respect. Parenting with empathy is about not only hearing your children but also actively listening to their thoughts and feelings.
Show empathy towards your children by taking time to understand their perspectives. Listen attentively to their concerns, validate their emotions, and provide guidance with patience.
Murthy often highlights the role of discipline in both the professional and personal lives of individuals. According to him, a structured environment helps developing focus and productivity, helping children to grow into responsible adults.
Set clear expectations and boundaries for your children while also allowing them some flexibility to grow. A balanced approach of consistency and freedom will help them thrive. Encourage them to be accountable for their actions.
Narayana Murthy’s leadership philosophy revolves around the concept of leading by example. He believes that children are more likely to adopt the values and behaviors they observe in their parents. Parents who exhibit strong work ethics, integrity, and kindness are far more likely to instill these qualities in their children.
Be a role model in every aspect of life. Your behavior, values, and actions speak louder than words. Children observe and learn from your example, so set the standards you want them to follow.
Narayana Murthy's parenting wisdom isn’t just about raising children to succeed academically or professionally, but about shaping them into individuals with integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. Through his philosophy of discipline, hard work, and lifelong learning, he encourages parents to be both compassionate and firm in their approach.
By applying these timeless tips in our everyday lives, we can foster the growth of not only successful children but individuals who contribute positively to society. Murthy’s parenting advice shows that raising children is not about imposing success on them but giving them the tools to create their own paths and flourish.
Here are some key parenting tips from Narayana Murthy that can help shape the next generation into successful, responsible, and compassionate individuals.
1. Value Education Above All Else
Encourage your children to be lifelong learners. Help them find the joy in learning instead of just focusing on grades or exams. Let them know that education opens doors to a world of possibilities.
2. Teach the Value of Hard Work
Narayana Murthy
One of Murthy’s core beliefs is that success is not a product of luck, but a result of continuous hard work and perseverance. He believes that children must be taught the importance of working hard to achieve their dreams.
Be a role model of hard work and discipline. Let your children see the effort you put into your own responsibilities, whether at work or at home. Teach them that success comes through consistent effort and learning from failures.
3. Instill the Importance of Integrity
Teach your children that being honest and ethical is of utmost importance, even if it may not always be the easiest path. Encourage them to make decisions based on moral values and to own up to their mistakes without the fear of punishment.
4. Encourage Independent Thinking
Provide opportunities for your children to make decisions, both big and small. Encourage them to explore their interests and pursue their passions. Foster an environment where they can express their opinions without the fear of being judged.
5. Be Empathetic and Understanding
Narayana Murthy at the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt with His Family
Murthy believes that understanding the feelings of others, especially children, is key to building trust and respect. Parenting with empathy is about not only hearing your children but also actively listening to their thoughts and feelings.
Show empathy towards your children by taking time to understand their perspectives. Listen attentively to their concerns, validate their emotions, and provide guidance with patience.
6. Promote Discipline and Structure
Set clear expectations and boundaries for your children while also allowing them some flexibility to grow. A balanced approach of consistency and freedom will help them thrive. Encourage them to be accountable for their actions.
7. Lead by Example
Be a role model in every aspect of life. Your behavior, values, and actions speak louder than words. Children observe and learn from your example, so set the standards you want them to follow.
Narayana Murthy with His Wife and Children
Narayana Murthy's parenting wisdom isn’t just about raising children to succeed academically or professionally, but about shaping them into individuals with integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. Through his philosophy of discipline, hard work, and lifelong learning, he encourages parents to be both compassionate and firm in their approach.
By applying these timeless tips in our everyday lives, we can foster the growth of not only successful children but individuals who contribute positively to society. Murthy’s parenting advice shows that raising children is not about imposing success on them but giving them the tools to create their own paths and flourish.