Narayana Murthy Defends 70-Hour Workweek: “We Must Work Hard to....”

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy reiterates his controversial call for a 70-hour workweek, urging young Indians to embrace hard work, compassionate capitalism, and a vision to uplift the nation.

December 16, 2024: Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has once again defended his call for a 70-hour workweek, emphasizing the need for hard work to drive India toward becoming the world's leading nation. Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce centenary launch in Kolkata, Murthy highlighted the urgency of the younger generation taking responsibility for the nation's progress.

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"We must realize that to make India number one, we have to work hard," Murthy said, addressing RPSG Group chairman Sanjiv Goenka. He referenced the alarming statistic of 800 million Indians relying on free ration, underscoring the reality of widespread poverty in the country.

“At Infosys, we compared ourselves with the best global companies. Once you do that, you realize we Indians have a lot to do. If we are not in a position to work hard, who will?” Murthy questioned.

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From Socialism to Compassionate Capitalism

Recalling his evolution from a Leftist ideologue in his youth to an advocate of capitalism, Murthy shared experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. While working in Paris in the 1970s, he observed the stark differences between India and the West. "In my country, there was poverty, and the roads had potholes. In the West, people were prosperous, and trains ran on time."

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His encounter with a French Communist Party leader left him unconvinced, prompting Murthy to rethink his views. "I realized that the only way to fight poverty is by creating jobs that lead to disposable incomes. Entrepreneurs play a crucial role in this—they create jobs, wealth, and pay taxes," he explained.

Murthy also championed what he calls compassionate capitalism, urging India to embrace a blend of capitalism, liberalism, and socialism. "It is about practising capitalism while combining it with the best aspects of socialism. A country that follows this approach can become a stellar example of progress and humanity."

A Call to Action for Young Indians

Murthy’s passionate plea extended to young Indians, encouraging them to dedicate their lives to realizing the vision of India's founding fathers. Highlighting the need for productivity, he compared Indian workers to their Chinese counterparts. "A Chinese worker is 3.5 times more productive than an Indian. It’s very easy to remain wretched, filthy, and poor, but we must rise above and earn the respect of the world."

Murthy argued that performance leads to recognition, respect, and power, urging the youth to take ownership of their roles in nation-building. "If you don’t show up, if you say you are comfortable staying home, how will India progress?"

Kolkata: A Beacon of Culture

Murthy expressed his admiration for Kolkata, which he described as the "most cultured place in the entire country." Recalling its rich legacy, he said, "When I think of Kolkata, I think of Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Subhas Chandra Bose, Amartya Sen, and others. It’s a city deeply rooted in culture."

He also reflected on India's 4,000-year-old culture, praising its generosity and resilience. "Human beings have the ability to think and express, and this gives us a responsibility to care for those less fortunate."

Murthy concluded by urging the audience to dedicate themselves to realizing their full potential. "Let us make sure the world respects India—not for talk, but for performance. That’s why we all need to work harder than ever before."

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