Infosys founder Narayana Murthy stands firm on his advocacy for a 70 hour work week, addressing criticism and reaffirming his commitment to the ethos of hard work in India. In a recent interview, he defends his advice, pointing to encouragement from a diverse spectrum, including Western friends, NRIs, and fellow Indians.
Murthy underscores the importance of hard work, citing the labor-intensive professions of farmers and factory workers. He notes the responsibility of individuals with access to education to work diligently, echoing a sense of duty to the less fortunate citizens of India.
Acknowledging criticism, Murthy reveals that many of his Western friends, NRIs, and individuals within India have expressed support for his advice on a 70 hour work week. He mentions reaching out to those who may disagree and finding a surprising unanimity in the positive responses received.
Sudha Murty, wife of Narayana Murthy, reinforces the viewpoint on hard work, drawing from her family’s experiences. She shares instances of her father’s and sister’s rigorous work hours and highlights Narayana Murthy’s own commitment to 90-hour work weeks in the past.
Narayana Murthy sheds light on his professional journey, emphasizing that he has consistently adhered to the principles he advocates. He details his work routine until 1994, disclosing the period when Infosys operated six days a week, pushing his work hours to 85-90 per week. Murthy’s call for a 70 hour work week has ignited debates on work-life balance in professional spheres.
