Narayana Murthy Advocates 70-Hour Workweek for Indian Youth
- Posted on October 27, 2023
- Business
- By Arijit Dutta
- 254 Views
Renowned Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy emphasized the need for a significant transformation in India's work culture during a recent podcast interview. Murthy stressed that if India aims to compete effectively on the global stage, its youth should be willing to commit to working 70 hours a week.
Renowned Infosys founder
NR Narayana Murthy emphasized the need for a significant transformation in
India's work culture during a recent podcast interview. Murthy stressed that if
India aims to compete effectively on the global stage, its youth should be
willing to commit to working 70 hours a week.
Speaking on the
inaugural episode of 3one4 Capital's podcast series, 'The Record,' Murthy
underlined the urgency of enhancing India's work productivity. He pointed out
that unless India's youth embrace extended working hours, the nation may
struggle to catch up with economies that have made substantial progress over
the past few decades.
During the podcast, in
conversation with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, Murthy shed light on India's
lackluster work productivity, which currently ranks among the lowest globally.
He cited Germany and Japan as prime examples of nations that improved their
work culture by encouraging longer hours and dedication after World War II,
allowing them to narrow the gap with countries like China.
Additionally, Murthy
discussed other barriers hindering India's development, such as inefficient
bureaucracy and corruption in government practices. He emphasized the need to
address these challenges in order for India to become a global leader.
Murthy remarked, "So, my request is that our young people say, 'This is my country.'" I'd want to work 70 hours each week. Work productivity in India is among the lowest in the world. We will not be able to compete with those nations that have achieved enormous development until we increase our work productivity, minimize corruption in government at some level, and reduce the delays in our bureaucracy in making decisions."
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Drawing historical
parallels with Germany and Japan post-World War II, Murthy stressed the
importance of discipline and increased output. He emphasized that India's
youth, who constitute a significant portion of the population, must undergo a
transformation to build the nation.
While Murthy's call for a change in India's work culture has sparked widespread debate, many believe that a more dedicated and methodical approach is necessary to advance the country's development. This discussion raises critical questions about the balance between work and personal life in India's evolving work culture.