Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s recent statement, that young Indians should be willing to invest at least 70 hours per week in their work, has a sparked a debate not just among the netizens but also among the business leaders. Entrepreneurs across India reacted to Murthy's controversial remarks, adding their diverse perspectives to the discussion. While some aligned with Murthy's view, emphasising the need for diligence and dedication, others took a different stance.
Bhavish Aggarwal, co-founder of Ola Cabs, echoed Narayana Murthy's sentiment in post on X, stating that this is a pivotal moment for India to make rapid progress and achieve in one generation what other nations have accomplished over many generations.
Ronnie Screwvala, the founder of upGrad, offered a counterargument. He stressed that productivity isn't solely about the number of hours worked; instead, it hinges on enhancing one's skills, cultivating a positive work environment, and ensuring equitable compensation for efforts.
Sajjan Jindal, the chairman and managing director of JSW Group, lent his support to Narayana Murthy's viewpoint, advocating for greater dedication and commitment. He emphasised that India's ambitions require an unconventional approach to the work week.
Harsh Mariwala, the chairman of the Marico Group, underscored the importance of quality and passion in the workplace. He maintained that successful endeavours are not merely measured by the hours clocked as said by Narayana Murthy but by the intensity and zeal brought to the task.
Ashneer Grover, co-founder of BharatPe, pointed out that the controversy may have arisen due to an outdated evaluation system that emphasises the quantity of working hours over the outcomes achieved.
CP Gurnani, MD and CEO of Tech Mahindra, offered his interpretation of Narayana Murthy's controversial statement. He highlighted that Murthy's call for a 70-hour workweek extended beyond the company context. Gurnani suggested that Murthy was emphasising on self-improvement and contributing to the nation by dedicating time to personal growth and professional expertise.
Radhika Gupta, CEO and Managing Director of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, added a unique dimension to the discussion. She acknowledged that Indian women have long been dedicating more than 70 hours per week to work, both in offices and homes, contributing to India's growth and nurturing the next generation. Gupta pointed out the discrepancy in recognising this immense effort and commitment.
Anupam Mittal, an entrepreneur renowned for his involvement in Shark Tank and founder of Shaadi.com, posted a group picture featuring fellow Shark Tank judges, including Aman Gupta, CEO of BoAt, and Vineeta Singh, CEO of Sugar Cosmetics. He humorously affirmed that despite the passing years, they were still dedicated to working 70-hour weeks, echoing Narayana Murthy's sentiments.
Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprise, heralded the demise of the traditional 5-day office week. He championed the rise of hybrid work models, blending office and remote work, emphasising the newfound value placed on flexibility and individual productivity.
This multifaceted debate reflects a broader transformation in work culture. It encourages a shift from the traditional focus on hours worked to an emphasis on ambition, purpose, and the quality of output. The discussion challenges the status quo, prompting a re-evaluation of what truly matters in the realm of work.