Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has once again stirred the debate on work-life balance by staunchly defending a six-day workweek.
Speaking at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, Narayana reiterated his belief that India’s economic growth hinges on a culture of diligence and hard work.
His comments have sparked discussions on the necessity of a robust work ethic in driving national development.
Narayana Murthy: Stance on Work-Life Balance
Narayana expressed his disappointment over India’s shift from a six-day workweek to a five-day one in 1986, a move he has never supported.
He said, “I am sorry, I have not changed my view.”
“I will take this with me to my grave,” Narayana Murthy stated.
He emphasized that hard work is essential for personal and national success, particularly given India’s socio-economic challenges.
Narayana’s views are rooted in his belief that sacrifice and effort, rather than comfort and relaxation, are crucial for progress.
He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a prime example of dedication to duty.
He praised PM Modi for working tirelessly, reportedly logging 100-hour workweeks, and urged others to match this level of commitment.
“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,” Narayana said.
He argued that this work ethic should be a model for all Indians.
Narayana Murthy Advocating for a 70-Hour Workweek
Sharing insights from his own career, Narayana highlighted how he has consistently adhered to the principles he advocates.
Throughout his career, he worked up to 14 hours a day, six and a half days a week.
His workday began at 6:30 am and often stretched until 8:40 pm, a routine he takes immense pride in.
For Narayana, hard work is more than a personal preference; it is a responsibility for those privileged enough to have received an education, often subsidized in India.
Narayana’s comments follow his earlier suggestion that millennials in India should adopt a 70-hour workweek to boost productivity.
Despite criticism, he remains steadfast in his belief that hard work is indispensable, regardless of 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 remarked.
Narayana drew parallels between India’s work ethic and that of countries like Germany and Japan, which rebuilt their economies post-World War II through perseverance and hard work.
Summing Up!
Narayana Murthy’s unwavering stance on the importance of hard work and a six-day workweek continues to spark debate.
His views on work-life balance and dedication to duty reflect his commitment to driving India’s economic growth.
As the conversation around work ethics evolves, Narayana’s perspective serves as a reminder of the value of diligence and effort in achieving personal and national success.
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