A bold reality check from the Infosys co-founder on India’s AI journey.
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has sparked a fresh conversation in India’s tech circles by boldly calling out the country’s exaggerated claims about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speaking at a recent event, Murthy didn’t hold back—he said a lot of what we call “AI” in India today is really just “silly, old programs” dressed up with new names.
“Let’s Not Glorify Mediocrity”
Murthy’s words were sharp but honest. He pointed out that while there’s a lot of buzz around AI in India, much of it isn’t as groundbreaking as it’s made out to be.
“We are celebrating mediocrity,” he said. “Most of these so-called AI tools are just old algorithms rebranded. True AI is about innovation and solving real-world problems—not just building a chatbot and calling it the future.”
Is India Really Leading in AI?
Over the past few years, there’s been a lot of hype around AI startups, automation tools, and machine learning projects in India. The government has even launched initiatives to push AI growth. But Murthy’s comments remind us that real progress comes from deep research, original thinking, and long-term vision—not from creating buzzwords or repackaging old tech.
He stressed that India has the talent, but it needs to focus more on innovation than imitation.
A Wake-Up Call for the Tech Industry
Murthy’s remarks have received mixed reactions. While some people felt offended, others appreciated the much-needed reality check. Many experts agree that India’s tech industry must aim higher—instead of settling for quick wins, it should build technology that truly makes a global impact.
He added that we should nurture young minds, invest in research, and encourage startups that bring something original to the table.
“Let’s stop chasing headlines and start solving meaningful problems,” he said.
Final Thoughts
Murthy’s message is clear: It’s time to raise the bar. India has huge potential in AI, but it needs to move beyond superficial solutions and start thinking bigger. If we want to lead the future, we need to go beyond the hype and build with purpose.
