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Narayan Murthy's 70 Hours
Narayan Murthy is seen as a revolutionary figure in the Indian industrial, more particularly tech, landscape. Infosys, the company that he co-founded and led for years, is one of the biggest tech companies in India.
His most famous and arguably most controversial is his comment on the need for Indians to work for 70 hours a week. This is against the International Labour Organisation's mandated 48 hours in a 6-day week.
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Chinese Worker More Productive
After making the comment and getting some support, and copious amounts of backlash, Murthy reiterated his observations and demands.
In another instance, despite all the negative comments, Murthy has once again doubled down on his extreme stance, this time drawing parallels with the Chinese economy also speaking about the levels of poverty and dependency on state.
He said, that a Chinese worker is 3.5 times more productive than an average Indian.
In addition, he also added, "We have to set our aspirations high because 800 million Indians get free ration. That means 800 million Indians are in poverty. If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard."
Netizens React
Netizens reacted to this comment by Murthy, overwhelming slamming him for his 'insenistive' comments. One user said, "If working people put in overtime, does it not imply they are taking away the opportunity for another person to have a job?."
Another user said, "Work smart, not hard. Times have changed. Efficiency is more important than long hours."
An X user took on his company, and said, "But not for a fixed salary. Do work hard but on yourself or product."
Another user commented, "Someone should educate Mr Murthy that those who are receiving free ration, not all are in real poverty. A large percentage of it are faking it. I have seen people living in good houses and owing vehicles, are getting free ration because of flaws in the system."
"He is not wrong in that we have to really work extra as a society to pull out more people from poverty. But just by working for longer hours, it is not going to happen.
We have to establish proper systems that support such people who want to go beyond their regular work." said one user.
Another user furiously added, "Every time Narayan murthy opens his mouth, I just can't believe how stupid and selfish one person can be. He recently bought 170crore property, he could have used it for improving salaries of his employees or more employment but no."
The debate is only expected to rage on. However, this exhibits the grand chasm that many have between aspirations, expectations and realities.
