Narayana Murthy Warns Youth on AI After 70-Hour Workweek Debate

Months after his remarks on a 70-hour workweek triggered nationwide debate, Narayana Murthy has addressed another pressing concern for young Indians — the rise of artificial intelligence and fears of white-collar job losses.

The Infosys founder advised youngsters not to panic about AI replacing jobs, but instead to focus on learning how to use the technology effectively. Speaking in a recent interview, Murthy said that AI does not automatically make everyone equally capable. Instead, it rewards those who are better prepared and intellectually agile.

AI Is a Tool, Not a Threat

Murthy revealed that he has personally experimented with generative AI tools to improve productivity. Based on his experience, he believes that smarter individuals will extract greater value from AI systems.

“My own experiments with generative AI for productivity have shown that a smarter mind will get better quality and higher productivity from these assistive technologies,” he said.

He stressed that young professionals should see AI as an assistive tool rather than an enemy. According to him, mastering emerging technologies, maintaining discipline, and committing to continuous learning are essential in the AI-driven economy.

Murthy’s comments come at a time when global markets are witnessing anxiety over automation. Several companies are introducing AI-powered solutions capable of performing complex tasks traditionally handled by human teams.

Global AI Developments Fuel Concerns

US-based AI company Anthropic has recently rolled out workplace tools under its Claude platform that can automate functions in legal services, finance, human resources, engineering, and operations. These AI tools can integrate with commonly used enterprise software and handle multi-step workflows.

The speed of such developments has raised concerns within the IT services industry. Investors have started questioning whether AI could reduce demand for traditional consulting and legacy system modernisation work.

Recently, shares of IBM witnessed a sharp decline after reports suggested that advanced AI tools could potentially modernise COBOL-based systems — long a major source of revenue for consulting-heavy firms. COBOL, developed in the late 1950s, still supports critical infrastructure in banking, aviation, and government sectors.

If AI can significantly reduce the time and manpower required for such projects, it could reshape the economics of enterprise IT services.

Focus on Preparation, Not Panic

Despite the uncertainty, Murthy maintained that there is no need for fear. He reiterated that the responsibility lies with individuals to adapt, upskill, and use AI wisely. His message echoes his earlier emphasis on discipline and work ethic — suggesting that long-term success in an AI era will depend on preparedness rather than anxiety.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the broader debate around jobs and automation is likely to intensify. For India’s youth, Murthy’s advice is clear: understand the technology, master it, and stay ahead of the curve.