A recent media interview featured Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, humorously addressing the ongoing debate about work-life balance, sparked by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s suggestion of a 70-hour work week.
Gautam stressed that everyone should treat work-life balance as a personal choice and refrain from imposing it on others.
He quipped, “Aath ghanta family ke saath bitayega toh biwi bhaag jaayegi (Wife will run away if eight hours are spent with family),” highlighting the subjective nature of balancing work and family time.
Gautam Adani: Perspective on Personal Happiness
Gautam, however, stressed that the essence of work-life balance lies in personal happiness and mutual satisfaction.
He explained that if someone finds joy in spending four hours with their family, that is their balance, and if someone else enjoys spending eight hours, that is their balance.
He emphasized that everyone must respect personal work-life balance preferences and should not impose their own on others.
Gautam also shared his perspective on the importance of personal character and humility, stating that acknowledging one’s mortality simplifies life.
He believes that what truly matters is not wealth or material possessions but the impact one can make using their resources.
Gautam’s comments reflect a nuanced understanding of work-life balance, advocating for flexibility and individual preferences.
Impact of Narayan Murthy’s Suggestion
Gautam’s comments come amid a national debate initiated by Murthy, who argued that a 70-hour work week is essential for India to compete with advanced economies.
Narayana Murthy, drawing from his personal experience, revealed that he used to work 85-90 hours a week until his retirement and believes that those who have benefited from government-subsidized education owe it to society to work hard for its betterment.
The debate around the 70-hour work week has also seen support from other influential leaders, such as Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, who echoed Narayana’s sentiments and emphasized the need for hard work to build a strong nation.
However, Gautam’s humorous yet thoughtful take on the issue highlights the importance of personal choice and mutual happiness in achieving work-life balance.
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