Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy has said he stands by his six-day workweek view that had generated a social media opprobrium, saying the country’s progress hinged on encouraging a culture of hard work.
“I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave," Murthy, 78, was quoted as saying at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit in conversation with Shereen Bhan.
Murthy also expressed disappointment over India’s move from a six-day workweek to a five-day one in 1986, a change he said he never agreed with.
The world wide web, of course, took the mickey out of his comments again, reacting with hilarious memes that made light of the debate around India’s “toxic work culture”.
Murthy insisted that working hard is essential to achieve national progress and cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a model of tireless dedication.
“When PM Modi is working that hard, the only way to show our appreciation for what’s happening around us is by working just as hard,” he said, adding that without a strong work ethic, the country will struggle to keep up with global competitors.
“There is no substitute for hard work,” he said, making his perspective on work-life (im)balance clear.
Sharing insights from his career, Murthy highlighted how he has lived by the values he promotes. He said he worked long hours throughout his career, spending up to 14 hours a day, six and a half days a week, on his professional duties.
His routine, he said, involved starting at the office by 6:30am and leaving only around 8:40pm, a commitment he takes pride in.
His comments come amid continued debate over his previous suggestion that millennials in India should aim for a 70-hour workweek. This suggestion had sparked mixed reactions, with some agreeing on the need for a stronger work ethic while others criticised the idea as excessive.
In response to the backlash, Murthy clarified that he remains committed to his views, mentioning that hard work is essential regardless of a person’s intelligence or talent.
“In this country, we need to work hard. There is no substitute for hard work even if you are the most intelligent guy,” he said.
Murthy’s position on the work ethic in India has often drawn parallels with countries like Germany and Japan, which he says rebuilt their economies after World War II through hard work and perseverance.
According to him, these countries set a precedent for what a nation can achieve with a focused and determined workforce. Murthy believes young Indians have a similar responsibility to work hard and contribute to India’s growth in a competitive global landscape.
The average internet smart alec, however, had other ideas – as evidenced by the memes exploding on social media.
