HT Digital,
Mumbai, Oct 26: In a recent discussion, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy has sparked a debate by suggesting that Indian youth should be ready to work 70 hours a week to improve the nation’s work culture and compete globally.
In the inaugural episode of 3one4 Capital’s podcast ‘The Record,’ Murthy emphasised the need for a change in India’s work productivity. He pointed out that unless Indian youth commit to more working hours, the country will lag behind economies that have progressed remarkably in past decades. Speaking with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, Murthy highlighted India’s low work productivity, which is among the world’s lowest. He used the examples of Japan and Germany, who, post-World War II, boosted their recoveries by promoting a culture of extended working hours and dedication.
Murthy also touched upon other barriers to India’s progress, such as government corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies. He stressed the importance of reducing these obstacles for India to become a global leader. Murthy urged today’s youth to take responsibility for nation-building, saying, ‘This is my country. I’d like to work 70 hours a week.’ He also referred to historical instances, stating, ‘This is exactly what the Germans and Japanese did after the Second World War… they made sure that every German worked extra hours for a certain number of years.’
Murthy underscored the crucial role of discipline and increased productivity, stating, ‘And that transformation has to come to youngsters because youngsters form a significant majority of our population at this point of time, and they are the ones who can build our country.’ His comments have ignited a lively debate nationwide, with differing views on the feasibility and impact of such an extended workweek on work-life balance.
However, Murthy’s call for a change in India’s work ethos is resonating with many who believe that a more dedicated and disciplined approach is needed for India’s further development.
