Narayana Murthy defends 70-hour workweek, urges hard work for India’s growth

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has reiterated his stance on the need for a 70-hour workweek, emphasizing the importance of hard work to propel India toward becoming a global leader. Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce centenary event in Kolkata, he highlighted the challenges faced by the nation, citing widespread poverty and the need for ambitious aspirations.

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Murthy pointed out that India must measure itself against the world’s best companies to achieve significant progress. He underscored the importance of a strong work ethic among the youth to address the country’s socio-economic disparities, with millions still relying on government support for basic necessities.

During the event, Murthy reflected on his journey from being a Leftist inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision for India, to becoming an entrepreneur determined to create jobs as the most effective solution to combat poverty. His experience and ideology have shaped his belief that economic growth through enterprise is key to lifting millions out of poverty.

Murthy’s remarks sparked renewed debate over work culture and productivity in India, with his call for extended working hours drawing both support and criticism. Known for his role in transforming Infosys into a global IT giant, Murthy continues to advocate for high aspirations and rigorous efforts to achieve India’s development goals.