Narayana Murthy defends 70-hour workweek again for India’s growth
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Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy (PTI File Photo)
New Delhi: Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has once again defended his proposal of a 70-hour workweek, urging the younger generation in India to embrace hard work in order to fuel the country’s growth.
Murthy first introduced the idea of a 70-hour workweek in 2023, calling it 'a necessary step to propel India’s economic progress'. The suggestion faced widespread backlash from various quarters, including medical professionals, but was also supported by figures like Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal.
During his recent visit to Kolkata, Murthy reiterated that young people need to understand the importance of dedication and hard work to make India a global leader. He emphasized that the younger generation must work hard to help make India number one and stressed the necessity of striving for excellence.
Reflecting on his journey with Infosys, Murthy mentioned how he encouraged the company to set its sights on the best global companies. He pointed out that once India starts comparing itself with global leaders, much work must be done to reach those standards.
Murthy also highlighted the critical issue of poverty in India, noting that 800 million Indians rely on free rations, pointing to a significant portion of the population living in poverty. He stated that if Indians do not work hard, there will be no progress in the country.
In his comments on entrepreneurship, Murthy explained that creating jobs and generating wealth is key to overcoming poverty. He emphasized that entrepreneurs play a vital role in nation-building by creating jobs, generating wealth for investors, and contributing to the country's tax base. He further stated that embracing capitalism is essential for infrastructure development, including better roads and transportation.
Murthy's remarks come amid growing concerns over the impact of long working hours on the health and well-being of young Indians. Experts have warned about the physical and mental toll of extended work hours, which could also affect personal and social relationships.
With IANS inputs