Business tycoon and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has clarified his controversial comments on working 70 hours a week, stating that it was a personal choice for him and should not be expected of others. His remarks, made during the Kilachand Memorial Lecture hosted by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC) on Monday, sparked a nationwide debate on work ethics, work-life balance, and the expectations placed on employees.
Murthy’s Clarification on the 70-Hour Workweek
Murthy, known for his significant contributions to the Indian IT industry, had previously suggested that young Indians should aim to work 70 hours a week to build a strong work ethic. However, in his recent statement, he emphasized that such a rigorous work schedule was his personal decision and should not be mandated for anyone else.
“There’s nobody who can say you should do this, you should not do it,” Murthy responded to both critics and supporters, stressing that the choice to work long hours was his alone.
Murthy’s Personal Work Schedule
The Infosys co-founder shared details of his own intense work routine, saying, “I used to get to the office at 6:20 am and leave at 8:30 pm. I’ve done it for 40-odd years. That’s a fact. So nobody can say that’s wrong.” He explained that his commitment to long hours was personal and did not imply that it was a model others should follow.
Murthy further added that such work habits are subjective and should not be part of public debate. “These are not issues that should be discussed and debated. These are issues that one can introspect on, come to some conclusion on, and do whatever they want,” he said.
The Growing Debate on Work Culture in India
Murthy’s remarks come at a time when work culture in India is under increasing scrutiny. The debate was further fueled by SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), who advocated for a 90-hour workweek, triggering widespread conversation about the ethics and practicality of such extreme work expectations.
Murthy’s clarification also follows comments from billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, who added his voice to the debate, stating that work-life balance should be a personal decision. “Your idea of work-life balance should not be imposed on me, and my work-life balance shouldn’t be imposed on you,” Adani said in a recent interview.
Conclusion
While Murthy’s clarification aims to address the controversy surrounding his 70-hour workweek comments, the broader discussion about work culture, employee well-being, and work-life balance continues to dominate conversations across India. As the debate grows, many are questioning whether extreme work hours are sustainable or ethical in today’s fast-paced world.
Stay tuned for more insights into how India’s corporate culture is evolving in the wake of these high-profile discussions.
