In the wake of a recent statement by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy advocating for a 70-hour work week, the tech mogul has clarified his stance, citing the context behind his controversial remark and emphasizing the need for diligent work in India.
The remarks made by Murthy sparked a global debate, with varying opinions flooding in on the practicality and implications of such a demanding work schedule. In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Murthy shed light on the rationale behind his statement.
“I rationalized it this way,” Murthy explained. “If anybody has performed much better than me in their own field, not necessarily in my field, I would respect, I would call them, and I would say, where do you think I was wrong in saying this? But I didn’t find it.”
He highlighted the support received from diverse quarters, both domestically and internationally, regarding his perspective. “A lot of my Western friends, a lot of NRIs, and a lot of good people in India called me, and without exception, they were all very happy,” Murthy stated. “They all said whether it is 70 or 60, that’s not the issue.”
Elaborating on the core issue, Murthy emphasized the necessity for hard work in a country where various segments of society put in strenuous efforts. “The issue is that we have to work hard in this country because the poor farmer works very hard. You know, the poor factory worker works very hard,” he expressed. “So, therefore, those of us who received education at a huge discount, thanks to the subsidy from the government for all this education… we owe it to the less fortunate citizens of India to work extremely hard.”
The response to Murthy’s clarification has been a mix of opinions, as seen through social media interactions. While some echoed their agreement with the need for dedication to nation-building and company growth, others expressed their discontent, highlighting issues of compensation, work-life balance, and the significance of productivity over sheer hours.
“Agree on working hard for company and nation building. But gullible employees took this comment out of sync and became dismayed,” remarked an individual.
“We work extremely hard, and you pay in peanuts,” vented another.
Addressing concerns about long work hours prevalent in cities like Mumbai, a third individual remarked, “Most employees in Mumbai leave at 6:30 am to reach at 9:30 am. And then get home at night at 10:30 PM. He says anything.”
Amidst the varied responses, one supporter stated, “Productivity is more important,” while another concurred, stating, “I agree with him.”
The discourse ignited by Narayana Murthy’s statement continues to stir conversations about work ethics, work-life balance, and the nuances of productivity in a dynamic work environment, prompting introspection and dialogue across various spectrums of society.
As the discussions persist, Murthy’s comments serve as a catalyst for a deeper examination of the values, work culture, and societal responsibilities in the pursuit of individual and national progress.
The debate spurred by Murthy’s assertion underscores the ongoing dialogue on work ethics and the significance of balancing dedication with holistic well-being in a rapidly evolving work landscape.
The conversation surrounding this issue remains open, as individuals and experts weigh in on the intricacies of work ethics, productivity, and the greater societal implications of an arduous work culture.
Sources By Agencies
