Narayana Murthy Advocates 70-Hour Workweek to Uplift India’s Economy

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has reignited the debate on work culture by advocating for a 70-hour workweek for India’s youth. Speaking at the centenary launch of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, Murthy emphasized the critical need for hard work to tackle poverty and elevate India’s global standing.

The Case for a 70-Hour Workweek

Murthy pointed out the stark reality of poverty in India, where 800 million citizens rely on free ration schemes. Highlighting the country’s economic challenges, he stated, “If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard?"

This call to action reflects his belief that hard work and ambition are essential for India's progress. Drawing comparisons with global benchmarks, Murthy urged young Indians to aim for excellence, saying, “Once we compare ourselves with the best global companies, I can tell you we Indians have a lot to do."

Lessons from Socialism to Capitalism

Sharing insights from his early years, Murthy reflected on his transition from being a Leftist admirer of Jawaharlal Nehru’s socialist vision to a proponent of capitalism. His experiences in Paris during the 1970s exposed him to the prosperity of Western nations compared to India’s struggles with poverty and inefficiency.

“I realised the only way a country can fight poverty is by creating jobs that lead to disposable incomes. The government has absolutely no role in entrepreneurship," Murthy said.

Entrepreneurs as Nation Builders

Murthy underscored the role of entrepreneurs in driving economic growth. “Entrepreneurs create jobs, generate wealth, and pay taxes. If a country embraces capitalism, it will develop infrastructure like good roads, trains, and facilities," he remarked.

He also emphasized the need for performance-driven respect on the global stage, stating, “Performance leads to recognition, recognition leads to respect, and respect leads to power."

India’s Productivity Challenges

Murthy compared India’s productivity to China’s, highlighting the need for improvement. “A Chinese worker is 3.5 times more productive than an Indian. It’s time we dedicated ourselves to realising our potential," he added.

Murthy criticized complacency and the tendency to avoid hard work, urging citizens to focus on creating value.

A Cultural Perspective

Praising Kolkata’s cultural heritage, Murthy described it as “the most cultured place in the entire country," citing icons like Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Amartya Sen as sources of inspiration.

Murthy urged young Indians to take greater responsibility for the country’s development. “We must think about the less fortunate and work to make the world respect India for its performance," he said.

He concluded by addressing productivity and mindset challenges, emphasizing the need for dedication and hard work to transform India’s economic future.

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