Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy's suggestion that youngsters should work for 70 hours a week did not go down well with many people in India. In a conversation with Padma Shri Awardee and Chairman of Aarin Capital, T.V. Mohandas Pai on the first episode of 3one4 Capital's podcast 'The Record', Narayan Murthy said that if India wants to compete with developed economies that have made remarkable progress in recent decades, young people should work for 70 hours a week. Following Narayan Murthy's 70-hour work suggestion, many investors & top businessperson in India gave their own opinion. Below is how India's top investors reacted-
Ashneer Grover
Former Managing Director of BharatPe & Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover reacted to Narayan Murthy's viral 'Indian Youths should work 70 hours a week' remarks. Asheer Grover took to his official X handle and wrote, "I think junta got offended here because work is still being measured in ‘hours’ than ‘outcome’. The other thing is people feeling as if youngster’s laziness is only thing keeping India from becoming developed. Funny - getting offended unites us more than cricket, religion, caste or language."
Bhavish Aggarwal
Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal came in support of Narayan Murthy stating that it was not the time to work less and entertain ourselves. Instead, he urged that it was the moment to go all in and build in one generation what other countries have built over many generations. The Ola CEO further wrote, "Totally agree with Mr Murthy’s views. It’s not our moment to work less and entertain ourselves. Rather it’s our moment to go all in and build in 1 generation what other countries have built over many generations!"
Sajjan Jindal
JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal also backed Murthy's statement in a statement saying, "I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Narayan Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it’s about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of in India 2047.
A 5-day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs. Our PM Narendra Modi ji works over 14-16 hours every day. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours every day. We have to find passion in our work and in nation-building.
Our circumstances are unique and the challenges we face are distinct from the developed nations. They are working 4 or 5 days a week because their earlier generations clocked longer & more productive hours.
We can't let shorter work weeks elsewhere become our standard! India's greatest strength is our youth. And in our journey to become a superpower, this generation has to prioritize work over leisure. As we progress, there will be opportunities for comfort, and the youth of 2047 will reap the benefits of our sacrifices and diligence."
Chairman
JSW Group
Anupam Mittal
Shadi.com founder & Shark Tank judge Anupam Mittal backed Murthy's suggestion saying, "After all these years, still working 70 hour weeks"
Namita Thapar
Shark Tank India judge and executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals Namita Thapar did not support Narayan Murthy's statement. On X, she wrote, "Halloween shananigans are always fun, kiddos & me made these goodies,
@AnupamMittal if we listen to you & other experts about working 70 hour/ week (plus horrendous commute time) will we ever find time for family, creating precious memories & most importantly for mental health."