Narayana Murthy’s latest salvo... calls AI ‘silly and old programming’
He felt that the country should not fall into the trap of AI and robotics replacing jobs, stressing the importance of human intelligence. Instead, he believed that AI should be used as a tool to enhance human capabilities and productivity. He also urged the government to invest more in education and training to prepare the workforce for the AI era. Overall, he advocated for a balanced approach where technology and human intelligence work together to drive economic growth and social progress.
Infosys Co-founder's Viewpoint on AI in India
Infosys co-founder, NR Narayana Murthy has recently been in the limelight. His discussions range from major layoffs to weekly working hours. On Wednesday, Murthy warned against what he described as 'exaggerated' claims about artificial intelligence (AI) in India. He firmly believes that the issue of poverty can be addressed through innovation and job creation rather than relying on handouts.
While speaking at TiEcon Mumbai 2025, Murthy pointed out that many systems referred to as artificial intelligence are in reality just regular algorithms. He stated, “Most of the so-called AI is silly and old programming. Unsupervised algorithms which use deep learning and neural networks have much greater potential to mimic human beings better.”
Technological Advancements, Job Creation and Economic Growth
Murthy acknowledged that technological advancements may result in job losses. However, he also highlighted that if used constructively, these advancements can stimulate economic growth. He stated, “In each tech, certain jobs will be eliminated, but if used in an assisted manner, we can grow the economy.”
Comparing AI with automation, he explained that while automation may replace certain roles, it also has the potential to create new industries and employment opportunities. He mentioned, “AI for example, if you use it in autonomous vehicles for transport or hospital care, it will lead to expansion of those companies and create jobs.”
Advice to Startups and Business Owners
Murthy encouraged startups to benchmark themselves against the best global standards. He stressed, “In the beginning, it looks impossible, but the moment the mindset has been created, you’ll start making progress.” He also emphasized the importance of hiring talent that is “smarter than you” and fostering a workplace that is open to new ideas. He added, “That’s how you solve the problem, and not with freebies. Our poverty will vanish like dew on a sunny morning.”
In his advice to business owners, Murthy highlighted the value of gaining the respect of all parties involved, including clients, staff, investors, and authorities. He stated, “If you think in terms of doing good to society, you’ll get repeat business, employees will join and investors, vendors will put up with you in difficult times, politicians will want you to succeed.”