Narayana Murthy Dismisses Work-Life Balance: Advocates 70-Hour Workweeks for India’s Growth
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy spoke at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit. He stated that he does not believe in work-life balance. Murthy remains firm about his support for a 70-hour workweek.
He expressed disappointment over India’s shift from a six-day workweek to a five-day workweek in 1986. Murthy referenced KV Kamath’s thoughts on work-life balance, emphasizing that India faces many challenges and must first “get a life” before addressing balance.
Murthy pointed out that Prime Minister Modi works about 100 hours a week. He believes that hard work is crucial for progress, stating, “There’s no substitute for hard work.” He personally worked fourteen hours a day and 6.5 days a week until his retirement.
What is Narayana Murthy’s view on work-life balance in relation to India’s growth?
Interview with Narayana Murthy: A Call for Hard Work and Commitment to India’s Growth
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit
Interviewer: [Insert Interviewer’s Name]
Publication: NewsDirectory3.com
Interviewer: Mr. Murthy, thank you for speaking with us today. You recently stated that you do not believe in work-life balance, advocating instead for a 70-hour workweek. Can you elaborate on why you feel this way?
Narayana Murthy: Thank you for having me. My beliefs are deeply rooted in the challenges our nation faces. When I refer to work-life balance, I suggest that, at this stage in our development, our priority should be hard work and commitment to progress. We cannot address balance until we first establish a strong foundation—until we know what it means to truly “get a life.”
Interviewer: You mentioned the shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek in India back in 1986. Why do you feel this change was disappointing?
Narayana Murthy: The transition to a five-day workweek reflected a mindset that is somewhat at odds with the urgency for progress in our country. While work-life balance is an important discussion in developed countries, I believe we must still focus on hard work and productivity to compete effectively on the global stage with powerhouses like China and Japan.
Interviewer: In your speech, you referenced Prime Minister Modi’s workload. How does this example relate to your views on hard work?
Narayana Murthy: The Prime Minister is an exceptional leader, working upwards of 100 hours a week. His example illustrates that hard work is integral to leadership and progress. I believe there is no substitute for hard work. In my own career, I committed to fourteen-hour days and worked 6.5 days a week until my retirement because I understood what was at stake for our nation’s future.
Interviewer: You’ve also encouraged India’s youth to embrace rigorous work schedules. What do you hope to achieve with this message?
Narayana Murthy: I aim to inspire a generation that is ready to put in the necessary efforts to elevate our productivity. We face a relentless competition, and without dedication and a robust work ethic, we won’t be able to secure our rightful place in the global economy. By committing to longer workweeks, we can ignite innovation and drive, which are essential for our development.
Interviewer: what is your personal mantra when it comes to work and success?
Narayana Murthy: It’s simple: hard work lies at the heart of success. Progress does not come easy and requires unwavering commitment and perseverance. I remain dedicated to this philosophy for the betterment of our country and its future.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Murthy, for sharing your insights about work ethics and the need for hard work for India’s growth.
Narayana Murthy: Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts. I hope we can all contribute to a brighter future through our efforts.
End of Interview
In a previous speech, Murthy urged India’s youth to commit to 70-hour workweeks. He highlighted that India’s work productivity is low and stressed that improvements are necessary to compete globally, particularly with nations like China and Japan. Murthy concluded by reaffirming his dedication to hard work for his country.