Rising Population: A Challenge Ignored Since Emergency, Warns Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/19th August 2024

Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy recently highlighted the pressing issue of India’s rising population, describing it as a significant challenge that has been largely overlooked since the Emergency period in the 1970s. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) in Prayagraj, where he was the chief guest, Murthy emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue to ensure the sustainability of the nation.

Murthy pointed out that India faces multiple challenges directly linked to its growing population, including limited per capita land availability and strained healthcare facilities. He remarked that since the Emergency, when population control was briefly prioritized, there has been a noticeable lack of attention to this critical issue. This neglect, according to Murthy, could pose serious risks to the country’s future sustainability.

Drawing comparisons with other nations, Murthy noted that countries like the United States, Brazil, and China have significantly higher per capita land availability, which allows them more resources and space to manage their populations effectively. In contrast, India’s population density and limited land resources create additional pressures on infrastructure, agriculture, and public services, making it increasingly challenging to maintain a balance between population growth and resource availability.

Murthy’s comments are particularly timely as India continues to grapple with the implications of its demographic trends. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, the country is on track to become the most populous nation in the world. While this growth presents opportunities, particularly in terms of a young and dynamic workforce, it also brings challenges that, if left unaddressed, could hinder the country’s development.

In his speech, Murthy also emphasized the role of professionals in contributing to the nation’s progress. He urged graduates to aspire to high goals, dream big, and work diligently to achieve those dreams. According to Murthy, the true measure of a professional’s success lies not just in personal achievements but in their contributions to the broader progress of society and the country.

He further reflected on the importance of sacrifice in achieving long-term progress. Murthy credited his own success to the sacrifices made by his parents, siblings, and teachers, highlighting that one generation often needs to make significant sacrifices to improve the lives of the next. His presence at the convocation as the chief guest, he said, was a testament to the value of those sacrifices.

The convocation ceremony saw the awarding of 1,670 degrees, with postgraduate students receiving 34 gold medals and undergraduates earning 13 gold medals. The event was a celebration of academic achievement, but Murthy’s words served as a sobering reminder of the broader challenges facing the nation, particularly in managing its population growth.

Murthy’s call to action is a reminder that sustainable development requires careful planning and foresight. As India continues to grow, it is imperative that the issue of population control be revisited and addressed with the seriousness it demands. This will not only ensure a better quality of life for future generations but also safeguard the country’s long-term sustainability and prosperity.