SHAH ALAM - As the saying goes, "how the mould is, that’s how the cake turns out."
This timeless adage perfectly captures the perspective of Indian multinational technology, Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy.
In a world dominated by digital distractions, Murthy’s insights shed light on the pivotal role parents play in creating a study-friendly environment at home.
According to international media reports, including The Times of India, the 78-year-old entrepreneur recently revealed the importance of nurturing a learning environment during an event in Bengaluru.
With heartfelt sincerity, he shared how he and his wife, Sudha Murthy, prioritised reading with their children, illustrating their deep commitment to education.
"My wife’s logic was, if I am watching TV, I cannot tell my children to study.
"So she said, I will sacrifice my TV time, and I will also study,” Murthy recounted after introducing Paul Hewitt’s 13th edition of Pearson's best-selling book, Conceptual Physics.
Murthy's message is clear: parents must lead by example.
It’s not enough to simply provide study materials; parents must actively participate in their children’s learning to inspire them.
He stressed the importance of embodying the role of supportive mentors, rather than offering mere theoretical guidance.
"If parents are out watching movies while telling their children, ‘No, no, you should study,’ that simply won’t work,” he added, addressing the hypocrisy that often undermines parental authority.
Murthy and Sudha set a powerful example by dedicating over three hours daily to reading with their children, Akshata and Rohan.
From 6.30pm to 8.30pm, the television was off-limits, and the family focused solely on studies, creating a structured routine reinforcing education's importance.
He also urged parents to reflect on their own habits and how they influence their children.
Sudha, in particular, played a key role in shaping their children’s values through compelling stories about discipline and social responsibility.
In one memorable instance, she convinced her son to forgo a birthday party and instead donate the money to fund the education of their driver’s children.
This act of humility and social commitment deeply influenced their children.
The results of their dedication are evident: Akshata has become a successful businesswoman and fashion designer, and is married to former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while Rohan is a junior fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows.
In an age filled with distractions, Murthy's insights reverberated profoundly.