Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy has set the country abuzz with recent comments on the future of coding in the age of artificial intelligence. Talking openly about his own experience with OpenAI's ChatGPT, Murthy related that work which once took him 25–30 hours—like preparing speeches—now takes only five, courtesy the productivity boost of AI. But there is a broader message for India's software industry hidden in this personal story: AI is not a killer, but a filter. Only those who will adapt, upskill, and learn to ask the right questions will make it through.
Key Highlights
AI as Productivity Multiplier: Murthy explained how ChatGPT has multiplied his productivity by five times when preparing to speak, demonstrating how AI can simplify even complex, creative work.
Not every coder will make it through: AI will expose what engineers actually know about their job. The future belongs to those who can frame hard problems and employ AI as an instrument, not necessarily those who can write code.
Most Valuable Skill: The actual value is in the correct questions and providing precise instructions to the AI. The most valued skills will be strategic thinking and problem-solving.
Lessons from History: Comparing with the experience of implementing computers in British banking, Murthy explained that the fear of job loss was unfounded—employment was raised 40–50 times. He predicts the same technology boom, if the human resources adapt.
No Technical vs. Management Dichotomy: Murthy rejected the idea that technical know-how only applies in a world where AI is increasingly common. He thinks that management and technical abilities are both required, as they look at issues from various aspects.
Upskilling Is the Call of the Hour: Infosys and Tata are already spending on upskilling initiatives, enabling employees to collaborate with AI and tackle larger, more complex issues.
AI Will Create, Not Destroy Jobs: Murthy thinks AI will fuel growth for the IT sector, creating new employment opportunities and prospects for those who remain ahead of the curve.
"Ai won't displace jobs for software—it will redefine who is one. Unless you ask the right question, you won't get the right output." — N.R. Narayana Murthy
The Bottom Line
Murthy's message is straightforward and optimistic: AI is a wonderful assistant, not a job-stealing thief. But those days of drudge coding are behind us. Those programmers who will do well—and stay in the game—are those who can think critically, solve tough problems, and work together with AI to deliver smarter solutions.
Source: Business Today, AngelOne, Economic Times, News18, India Today, Financial Express, TechGig.
