Narayana Murthy’s Advice Parents Must Not Ignore!

Mili verma | Feb 15, 2025, 12:12 IST

Narayana Murthy, the visionary co-founder of Infosys, has always emphasized the importance of discipline, values, and hard work in shaping a successful future. His insights on parenting highlight the crucial role parents play in their children's growth, education, and character development. This article delves into his invaluable advice, shedding light on parenting mistakes to avoid and the principles to instill for a brighter future.

Narayana Murthy, the visionary co-founder of the Infosys, has always emphasised the importance of discipline, values, and hard work in shaping a successful future. His insights on parenting highlight the crucial role parents play in their children's growth, education, and character development. This article delves into his invaluable advice, shedding light on parenting mistakes to avoid and the principles to in-still for a brighter future.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, parents often make mistakes in their quest to provide the best for their children. Some unknowingly shield them from struggles, while others prioritize academic achievements over holistic growth. Murthy’s insights serve as a reminder that success is not just about grades and wealth but about character, values, and the right attitude toward life.

1. Hard Work Over Privilege

Hardworking over priveleges.

Murthy firmly believes that children should be raised with a strong work ethic rather than a sense of entitlement. He often emphasises that parents should not make life too easy for their children, as struggle and effort build resilience and problem-solving skills.

Do not hand everything to your child on a silver platter. Let them earn their rewards.
Encourage responsibility by assigning household chores and small tasks from an early age.
Teach them the value of money by letting them work for what they want rather than giving them allowances without effort.
Set goals for them to achieve through their own efforts, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment.

2. Avoid Overprotecting Your Child

Many parents try to shield their children from hardships, thinking they are helping them. However, Murthy warns against excessive protection, as it can lead to dependency and a lack of confidence.

Allow your child to face challenges instead of always rescuing them.
Let them make mistakes and learn from failures.
Encourage independent decision-making and problem-solving.
Teach them to handle disappointments, setbacks, and criticisms gracefully.
Help them understand that perseverance and effort are key to overcoming obstacles.

3. In-still Discipline and Punctuality

Time management.

Murthy attributes much of his success to discipline and punctuality. He believes that these habits must be ingrained in children from a young age.

Set daily routines and encourage time management skills.
Teach them the importance of meeting deadlines and being punctual.
Lead by example that how children learn discipline from watching their parents.
Encourage adherence to the schedules for study, play, and relaxation.
Help them develop habits like keeping commitments and being accountable for their actions.

4. The Value of Education and Continuous Learning

Education is important.

While Murthy values academic excellence, he also stresses the importance of lifelong learning beyond the classroom.

Encourage curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
Teach your child to see education as a tool for growth rather than just a means to get a job.
Support extracurricular activities that foster creativity and critical thinking.
Promote reading habits and expose them to diverse subjects.
Teach them to seek knowledge outside textbooks, through experiences, interactions, and problem-solving.

5. Teach Humility

Despite his immense success, Murthy remains grounded. He believes humility is a crucial quality that parents must in-still in their children.

Teach your child to treat everyone with kindness, regardless of social status.
Encourage gratitude and appreciation for what they have.
Remind them that success should not lead to arrogance.
Share stories of humble leaders and role models to inspire them.
Encourage volunteer work and activities that develop compassion.

6. Stop Comparing Your Child to Others

Murthy strongly advises against comparing children to their peers, as it can lead to unnecessary pressure and self-doubt.

Recognise and celebrate your child’s unique strengths.
Avoid setting unrealistic expectations based on societal standards.
Encourage self-improvement rather than competition with others.
Teach them that success is personal and defined by their own goals.
Support their individuality and let them grow at their own pace.

7. Limit Materialistic Mindset and Encourage Simplicity

Teach them about simplicity

Murthy and his family lead a simple life despite their wealth. He advocates for financial prudence and avoiding material excess.

Teach children to appreciate experiences and relationships over possessions.
Encourage mindful spending and saving habits.
In-still the idea that wealth is a byproduct of hard work and not the ultimate goal.
Show them that happiness is derived from purpose, relationships, and inner fulfilment, not material goods.
Involve them in budgeting and financial planning discussions to in-still financial responsibility.

8. Foster Emotional Intelligence and Mental Strength

Emotional intelligence is often overlooked in traditional education, but Murthy emphasises its significance in personal and professional success.

Encourage open conversations about emotions and mental well-being.
Teach resilience and coping strategies for dealing with stress.
Help children develop empathy and understanding toward others.
Encourage self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, and social skills.
Teach them that failure is a learning experience, not a setback.

9. Promote Social Responsibility and Giving Back

Murthy has always advocated for giving back to society. He believes that parents should raise children with a sense of social responsibility.

Involve children in community service and charitable activities.
Teach them the impact of small acts of kindness.
In-still the belief that success should be used to benefit others.
Discuss global and local issues, helping them understand their role in creating positive change.
Encourage participation in causes they feel passionate about.

10. Encourage Decision-Making and Leadership

Prepare them for leadership qualities.

Murthy believes that fostering leadership qualities in children is essential for their future success.

Allow your child to take initiative and make their own choices.
Teach them the importance of accountability.
Provide opportunities for leadership through group activities, sports, or family responsibilities.
Help them develop confidence in decision-making by allowing them to solve their own problems.
Foster teamwork and collaboration skills.

Narayana Murthy’s parenting insights highlight the importance of values, discipline, humility, and self-reliance. His advice serves as a guide for parents striving to raise children who are not just successful in their careers but also responsible, ethical, and compassionate individuals.

By implementing these principles, parents can equip their children with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and integrity. His wisdom reminds us that true success is not measured solely by professional achievements but by the values and character that define an individual.

Parents today have the responsibility to shape future generations by nurturing qualities like resilience, humility, and responsibility. Murthy’s insights serve as a blueprint for raising children who contribute positively to society and lead fulfilling lives.