Youth Must Prioritize Sustainability Over Luxury, Says Infosys founder Narayana Murthy

Pune, 21st December 2024: Infosys founder Narayana Murthy issued a grave warning about the future impacts of climate change, predicting that rising temperatures could render rural areas in certain Indian states uninhabitable. Speaking at the ‘Sustainability Crusader’ award ceremony organized by the JP Shroff Foundation, Murthy emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures to address the challenge of temperature change.

“Temperature rise in some parts of India and Africa will have severe consequences. If left unchecked, this will lead to mass migration from rural areas to urban centers like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune within the next 20 to 25 years,” said Murthy.

Murthy highlighted the deteriorating livability in Indian cities due to increasing pollution, congestion, and unplanned urbanization. “Cities like Bengaluru and Pune are already struggling with poor air quality and overpopulation. If we do not act now, these cities will become even more difficult to live in. Policymakers and industries must collaborate to address climate change and prevent a future migration crisis,” he added.

The event honored senior environmentalist Dr. Madhav Gadgil and young entrepreneur Alok Kale with the prestigious ‘Sustainability Crusader’ award for their significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development. The ceremony saw the presence of notable figures, including senior scientist Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, MCCIA Electronic Cluster Foundation President Pradeep Bhargava, and industrialist Jamshed Godrej.

Ganesh Natarajan, founder of ‘5F World,’ moderated an interactive session with Murthy during the program. Reflecting on the alarming implications of climate change, Murthy urged the industry sector to take active steps alongside policymakers to mitigate the crisis and ensure sustainable urban and rural development.

Murthy also delivered a powerful message to the youth, urging them to prioritize social responsibility over luxury. “Today’s youth must shed the desire for a luxurious life and instead contribute to the nation and its people. We must care for the underprivileged, or else we are no better than animals,” he remarked.

Highlighting the essence of true nationalism, he added, “Waving the national flag alone doesn’t make one a nationalist. Being a good citizen and working for the betterment of society is the real essence of nationalism.”