Infosys founder
NR Narayana Murthy recently emphasized on the importance of parental involvement in fostering a disciplined learning environment for children. Speaking at the launch of a physics textbook, Murthy shared his family's approach to education, which included dedicated reading and study time and a ban on television.
Murthy and his wife, Sudha, established a routine where they would spend over three hours each day reading with their children, Akshata and Rohan.
This practice not only created a conducive atmosphere for learning but also allowed the children to seek clarification from their parents.
“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 told the media after unveiling Paul Hewitt’s 13th edition of Pearson's book Conceptual Physics in Bengaluru.
Disciplined environment is most important
While Murthy acknowledged that parents may not always have the same level of academic expertise as their children, he emphasized that the most crucial aspect is creating a disciplined environment. Parents who lead by example, avoiding distractions like excessive television, can significantly influence their children's study habits.
Murthy does not agree with coaching classes
Murthy also expressed his reservations about coaching classes, suggesting that they are often a last resort for students who have not paid attention in class. He believes that effective learning should primarily occur within the classroom, with parents providing support and guidance at home.
As the coaching industry continues to expand in India, Murthy's perspective offers a counterpoint to the prevailing emphasis on external tutoring. By highlighting the importance of parental involvement and a disciplined learning environment, he encourages parents to play a more active role in their children's education.