Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy’s statement on India’s work culture has sparked a heated debate on social media. Murthy suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to increase productivity and help India become a developed nation. This idea has received both support and criticism from various individuals and prominent figures.
The importance of work-life balance has been a strong counter-view to Murthy’s proposition. Harsh Mariwala, the chairman of the Marico group, argued that it is not about the number of hours worked, but rather the quality and passion one brings to those hours. However, JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal and Ola CEO Bhavish Agarwal have expressed their support for Murthy’s idea.
Murthy’s opinions should be seen in the context of his role as a proud entrepreneur and an icon in the IT sector. He is witnessing India gain global respect due to its economic growth and wants the country to consolidate its position. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, India is set to surpass Japan and Germany by 2030 and become the second-largest economy in the Asia-Pacific region.
To achieve this goal, India needs to grow at a rate of 14% every year. Murthy believes that working long hours is necessary to seize the growth opportunities and prevent India from missing out on becoming the world’s largest economy by 2047. However, critics argue that excessive work hours may lead to lifestyle diseases, strain relationships, and impact the upbringing of children.
It is worth noting that many sectors in India already operate on a six-day working week, unlike MNCs, the IT sector, consulting firms, and the central government, which follow a five-day work schedule. Professionals and entrepreneurs often work long hours, including on weekends and holidays, to stay competitive in the market.
While there are valid concerns about the potential negative effects of working long hours, Murthy’s statement highlights the need for sustained effort and productivity to achieve India’s growth potential. With its young population, India has a competitive advantage in terms of workforce and an opportunity to unleash the consumption power of its citizens.
Ultimately, the decision to prioritize health and family life is a personal choice. However, if India wants to rise from its current situation and become a developed nation, it will require hard work and smart productivity from future generations. Murthy’s statement serves as a call for citizens to think beyond their individual interests and work towards the collective progress of the nation.
