Human judgment will always matter in AI era: Infosys founder Murthy

Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy on Wednesday said artificial intelligence will not replace the human mind but can strengthen human judgment when used responsibly, urging young people to focus on adaptability and continuous learning.

Speaking at a Leaders Talk interaction at Delhi University , organised in collaboration with the School of Ultimate Leadership , Murthy described AI as “a blessing, not a threat.” The session, held at the Viceregal Lodge Convention Hall, was attended by more than 1,000 students from different disciplines.

“Nothing is superior to the human mind,” Murthy said, adding that technology should be seen as a tool that complements decision-making rather than replaces it. He cited examples such as AI helping doctors analyse medical data faster, supporting managers in forecasting demand patterns, and assisting students in organising research material. “Machines can process information quickly, but values, judgment and accountability will always remain human responsibilities,” he noted.

Murthy called the youth the nation’s most valuable asset and stressed the importance of “learnability” — the ability to continuously acquire new skills. He advised students to invest in data literacy, critical thinking and communication skills, and to pursue short-term certifications in emerging fields like analytics, cloud computing and digital ethics. “Reskilling is not optional anymore; it is the only way to stay relevant,” he said.

Reflecting on his career at Infosys , Murthy recalled a setback in the mid-1990s when a Fortune 100 US client, contributing nearly 25 per cent of the company’s revenue, abruptly withdrew a major contract. The incident, he said, reinforced the need for long-term vision and ethical business practices over short-term profits. “That experience taught me resilience and the value of trust over numbers,” he said.

Students responded enthusiastically to the address. “His message that AI should work with humans, not against them, was reassuring,” said Ananya Singh, a political science student. Rohit Kumar from the computer science department added that Murthy’s emphasis on ethics and adaptability was “more important than technical skills alone.”

Sharing his leadership philosophy, Murthy said he believes in praising employees publicly and correcting them privately. He highlighted Infosys’ Performance Improvement Programme, which allows employees six months to improve before any action is taken.

The event began with a welcome address by Hasmukh Adhia , Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, who underlined the importance of value-based leadership in an AI-driven future.