Young Indians Should Work 70 Hours a Week, Says Billionaire Tech Founder
N.R. Narayana Murthy, the prominent co-founder of Infosys, emphasized the need for India’s youth to invest long hours of work if the country aims to solidify its position as a global economic powerhouse.
In a discussion released on YouTube, Murthy stressed that India requires dedicated and hardworking individuals, suggesting they commit to working around 70 hours a week to facilitate the country’s progress.
Addressing Mohandas Pai, the former CFO of Infosys, Murthy pointed out that adopting the disciplined work ethic of post-World War II Germany and Japan could contribute significantly to India’s development. He expressed concern about Indian youth emulating undesirable Western habits, hindering the nation’s productivity.
Emphasizing that India’s work productivity is considerably low compared to global standards, Murthy advocated learning from successful strategies implemented in other emerging markets, notably mentioning China’s policies. He urged corporate leaders to inspire the younger generation by highlighting India’s global recognition, encouraging them to work hard during this crucial phase of progress.
India, among the fastest-growing economies globally, is projected to expand by 6.3% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Murthy’s advocacy for increased work hours comes at a time when work cultures are shifting, notably in China, where many individuals are resisting long work hours associated with the “996” schedule.
Conversely, in the U.S., the trend of “quiet quitting” emerged, indicating a refusal to go beyond the scope of assigned work. Murthy’s comments sparked criticism on social media, reflecting a clash of perspectives concerning work practices. Despite his emphasis on increased work hours, various surveys have consistently shown that Indians feel overworked and underpaid compared to other nations.
