Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy clarified his statement about working 70 hours a week. He said – There is no one who can say that you should do this, you should not do this.
Murthy said, ‘No person can demand long working hours. These are issues on which introspection should be done and not debated. There is a need to understand its necessity.’
He said – I used to reach office at 6.30 am and leave at 8:30 pm. I have been doing this for 40 years. It is a fact that I did this. Therefore, no one can say that this is wrong.
Narayana Murthy attended the Kilachand Memorial Lecture organized by the Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC) on January 20. He said this in response to a question asked to him on work-life balance.
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Narayan Murthy: Two occasions when Murthy advised to work 70 hours a week
October 2023: Murthy advised the youth of the country to work 70 hours a week. After this, social media was divided into many different factions. After this statement of Murthy, he got as much support as he was criticized.
December 2024: Murthy had said that the youth have to understand that we have to work hard and work towards making India number one. We have to keep our aspirations high, because 800 million (80 crore) Indians get free ration. This means that 800 million Indians are in poverty. If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard.’
Rajan Bharti Mittal said – Family and health are important
Bharti Enterprises Chairman Rajan Bharti Mittal said – Work in our company means qualitative work out, not quantitative work out. We are very proud to say that whoever comes to Airtel and Bharti Enterprise, comes as an owner, is the owner of the brand. He works whenever he wants. Family is important. Your health is important. You have to balance it.
L&T Chairman Subrahmanyan supports 90 hours work a week
On January 11, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan advised his employees to work 90 hours a week during an online conversation with L&T’s internal meeting.
He had said that if possible, the company will make you work on Sundays as well. Subrahmanyan also answered the questions of the employees and also asked questions during the conversation.
When he was asked why this billion dollar company calls its employees even on Saturdays. In response to this, he had said that I am sorry that I am not able to make you work on Sunday. If I can get you to work even on Sunday, I will be happier, because I work on Sundays.’
