Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s stirred up a controversy a few months ago when he said that people in India should work for 70 hours a week (roughly over 12 hours per day) for the betterment of India. And now, Narayana Murthy has reiterated it again emphasising on why he thinks working 70 hours per week is important for Indians. Youngsters should understand that “we have to work hard and work towards making India number one” and “If we are not in the position of working hard, then who will?,” Murthy said.
Defending his view point, Murthy also said that 800 million people in India get free rations, which means that they are still in poverty. And so, to make India great one should work hard and for longer hours.
Narayana Murthy’s was speaking to Sanjiv Goekna, Chairman of RPSG Group, at the centenary launch of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata recently. During their discussion he also shared how he challenged the techies at Infosys to compare and make their company one of the best in the world. “At Infosys, I said we will go to the best and compare ourselves with the best global companies. Once we compare ourselves with the best global companies, I can tell you we Indians have a lot to do. We have to set our aspirations high because 800 million Indians get free ration. That means 800 million Indians are in poverty. If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard?,” Murthy said at the event, as reported by NDTV.
However, Murthy’s remarks didn’t go down well with netizens who not only criticised his 70-hours-workweek comment but also compared it to slavery. Some even took a dig at the billionaire, who has a net worth of INR 540 crore and recently purchased a property worth INR 50 crores. Reacting to the comment, one social media user wrote, “Start paying your employees on a per-hour basis, and they will work harder,” while another said, “And this is how the average life expectancy would decrease if you work for 10 hours a day. Mental stress, physical stress, no social life!”
The need for work-life balance
Considering the fast-paced world we live in, the need to disconnect from social media and work has become all the more important these days. Having a healthy work-life balance helps in creating leading a more fulfilling and productive life. In contemporary times, the pressure to excel professionally often leads to neglecting one’s personal health, needs, relationships, and even mental health. And so, striking a balance helps ensure time for relaxation, hobbies, and meaningful connections, which are important for reducing stress and preventing burnout in the long run. This also improves focus and efficiency at work while helping one have a fulfilling personal life. Prioritising work-life balance is not just about managing time but also about setting boundaries, aligning one’s goals with values, practising self-care and living a mindful life. A balanced life leads to greater happiness, better health, and sustained success in both personal and professional spheres.
Is 70 hours a week too much? People react to Narayana Murthy’s controversial statement