Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recently stood by his controversial comments regarding the 70-hour workweek, emphasizing that hard work is the bedrock of India’s growth and success. Speaking at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, the veteran entrepreneur reiterated his belief that India’s development hinges on sacrifice and dedication, not relaxation.
Murthy expressed his disappointment with India’s transition from a six-day to a five-day workweek back in 1986. While many view this shift as a progressive step, Murthy believes it sent the wrong message about work culture. He argues that, just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi puts in 100-hour workweeks, the citizens of India should mirror this commitment to national progress.
Drawing parallels with post-WWII Germany and Japan, Murthy suggested that India should follow a similar path of rebuilding its economy through relentless hard work. “This is what they did to rebuild their countries,” Murthy remarked, pointing to the remarkable recoveries these nations achieved with strong work ethics.
Murthy also shared personal anecdotes from his own career, revealing that he regularly maintained an intense work schedule of 14-hour days, six and a half days a week. His work ethic, he explained, was crucial to the success of Infosys and the tech industry in India. “There is no substitute for hard work,” he said, adding that even the most intelligent individuals must put in the hours to succeed.
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Murthy’s comments stirred a wider debate about the balance between work and personal life. While some argue that excessive work hours can lead to burnout, Murthy insists that the path to national development requires more sacrifice. His perspective aligns with a broader global conversation on work culture and the fine line between ambition and well-being.
In addition to his views on work ethic, Murthy proposed an innovative idea to improve India’s public service delivery. He suggested that the government should consider hiring more trained managers rather than relying on civil service administrators. He recommended a system where candidates are selected based on sector-specific expertise and undergo specialized training to become subject matter experts in fields like agriculture, defense, and manufacturing. This would, according to Murthy, result in more effective governance and long-term success.
Murthy’s ideas on hard work and national progress reflect his ongoing influence in shaping India’s corporate and economic landscape. Despite the criticisms of his views on work-life balance, his impact as an entrepreneur and thought leader remains significant. His steadfast belief in the value of hard work continues to inspire not just those in the tech sector, but also across various fields in India.
While Narayana Murthy’s stance on work culture may seem out of step with modern ideas about work-life balance, it’s clear that his vision for India’s future is one rooted in dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice. Whether or not his views will spark widespread change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Murthy’s relentless commitment to hard work is an enduring lesson for India’s future.
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