Narayana Murthy Advocates 70-Hour Workweek Again, Urges Youth to Work Harder
Murthy pointed out that with 800 million people in India depending on free ration schemes, the responsibility to uplift the nation rests on those willing to put in the effort. He stated, "If we do not work hard, who will?"
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has once again emphasized the need for India’s youth to work 70 hours a week. During a recent discussion, he reiterated that for India to become the number one nation globally, the younger generation must embrace hard work and higher aspirations.
Murthy pointed out that with 800 million people in India depending on free ration schemes, the responsibility to uplift the nation rests on those willing to put in the effort. He stated, “If we do not work hard, who will?”
Reiterates Call for 70-Hour Workweek
Speaking at the centenary celebrations of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, Narayana Murthy stressed the importance of long hours and dedication to drive the nation’s progress. He highlighted the need for India to measure itself against the world’s best, stating, “At Infosys, I always insisted that we compare ourselves with the top global companies. This showed us that Indians still have a lot to achieve.”
Murthy urged Indian youth to take responsibility for nation-building, saying, “Entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in creating wealth and jobs. They also contribute to national development by paying taxes, which in turn enables better infrastructure, roads, and trains.”
A Vision Rooted in Productivity
Murthy’s remarks stem from his belief that poverty and underdevelopment can only be tackled through hard work. He emphasized that young Indians need to adopt a mindset of ambition and dedication to help lift the nation out of its challenges.
He added, “Entrepreneurship drives a country’s growth. Capitalism, when implemented effectively, leads to wealth creation and the building of robust infrastructure.” Murthy called for a shift in focus among India’s workforce, urging them to aim for excellence in their respective fields.
Past Advocacy of Long Working Hours
This isn’t the first time Narayana Murthy has advocated for extended working hours. In 2023, he first suggested the 70-hour workweek model as a way to accelerate India’s development. While his proposal received mixed reactions, it gained support from notable figures like Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal. However, critics, including health professionals, have expressed concerns about the potential toll such a routine could take on employees’ well-being.
Concerns Over Mental and Physical Health
Murthy’s comments come amid increasing discussions about workplace stress in India. Reports have highlighted the alarming rise in cases of burnout, health issues, and even fatalities among young professionals due to excessive work pressures.
Experts have warned that long work hours can lead to severe mental and physical health issues. They argue that an unhealthy work-life balance could have long-term effects on personal and social relationships. This has led to debates about the sustainability of the 70-hour workweek model in modern workplaces.
Striking a Balance
While Murthy’s vision of hard work and productivity resonates with many, critics emphasize the need to balance ambition with well-being. The debate continues about whether such a demanding work schedule is feasible or beneficial for India’s younger workforce in the long run.
