Narayana Murthy, the visionary co-founder of tech giant Infosys, has launched a strong critique against the prevalent use of coaching classes in India. During a book launch event in Bengaluru, Murthy declared that coaching classes are fundamentally the wrong approach to helping children succeed. He argues that these classes often lead to students neglecting their regular schoolwork, creating a detrimental cycle that undermines the true purpose of education.
Murthy emphasizes that the core goal of education should be to equip students with the ability to learn and think critically. He believes that rote memorization, often prioritized in coaching classes, fails to foster the essential skills needed to address real-world challenges. Instead, he advocates for an educational system focused on observation, analysis, and hypothesis-testing – skills that are crucial for innovation and problem-solving.
In response to a question about the perceived necessity of coaching classes for securing admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs, Murthy stated, “Coaching classes are the wrong way to help children to pass examinations.” He further explained that students attending coaching classes often fail to engage fully with their regular teachers, relying instead on the shortcut methods taught in these centers. Parents, often feeling ill-equipped to assist their children academically, often see coaching classes as the only solution, further contributing to this cycle.
Murthy’s stance on education reflects his belief in the power of genuine learning and critical thinking. He recounted a personal anecdote from a 1993 Infosys workshop where a peon posed a thought-provoking question about the true essence of innovation. This anecdote underscores Murthy’s emphasis on fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, qualities that are often overlooked in the pressure-cooker environment of coaching classes.
His message extends beyond the classroom. Earlier this month, Murthy shared his insights with young students at the Mount Everest School in Byatarayanapura. When asked how to emulate his success, Murthy responded with a poignant message: “I do not want you to become like me… I want you to become better than me for the greater good of the nations.” This statement highlights his belief in the potential of each individual to achieve greatness, not by following a pre-defined path but by embracing their own unique talents and striving for continuous improvement.
Murthy’s passionate call for a more holistic approach to education resonates deeply with those who seek a system that values critical thinking and lifelong learning over rote memorization and short-term success. His words offer a powerful reminder that true education should empower students to become active learners, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens, ready to contribute to a better future.
