Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has defended his suggestion of working 70 hours a week, emphasizing the importance of hard work for India's progress. Speaking at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, Murthy expressed no regrets about his controversial stance, saying, "I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this perspective to my grave." Reflecting on India's shift from a six-day workweek to a five-day schedule in 1986, Murthy shared his disappointment and stressed that sacrifices, not comfort, are crucial for the nation's development. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rigorous 100-hour weekly schedule, he said, "If the Prime Minister works this hard, we can appreciate what’s happening around us only by doing our work with dedication."
The 2023 Statement That Sparked Debate
In 2023, Murthy advised young Indians to work 70 hours per week, a statement that sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some praised his call for a strong work ethic, others criticized it, arguing it could negatively affect employees’ health and well-being. Experts pointed out that such long working hours may lead to burnout and health risks, prompting discussions on work-life balance in a fast-paced economy.
Revisiting Corporate Governance and Family
Earlier this year, in January, Murthy admitted that keeping family members out of corporate affairs was a mistake. Reflecting on corporate governance during his early years, he said, "I believed that corporate governance meant excluding family involvement. At the time, most businesses were family-owned, where children inherited and ran companies, often violating governance principles." Notably, as a pioneer in the Indian IT industry, Murthy’s perspective continues to influence conversations about work ethics, productivity, and the nation’s growth trajectory.
Infosys: A Legacy of Leadership
Murthy co-founded Infosys in 1981, establishing it as India’s second-largest technology firm. He served as the company’s CEO until 2002, transitioning to the role of chairman until 2006. In August 2011, he retired with the title of Chairman Emeritus. However, in 2013, Murthy rejoined Infosys as Executive Chairman to guide the company during a challenging phase. During this time, his son, Rohan Murthy, served as his executive assistant, a move that attracted both attention and criticism.
Murthy’s Vision for India's Growth
Murthy’s insistence on long working hours reflects his broader vision for India’s progress. By advocating for hard work and sacrifice, he challenges the younger generation to prioritize national development over personal comfort. While his ideas continue to spark debate, they underscore the balance between ambition and sustainability in modern work culture.