I’ll take this with me to grave: Narayana Murthy defends 6-day workweek view

Infosys co-founder N Narayana Murthy said hardwork is more important than work-life balance and stood by his six-day workweek view that had generated social media opprobrium, saying the country’s progress hinged on encouraging a culture of hard work. “I do not believe in work-life balance,” Murthy, 78, said at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit.
Narayana Murthy also expressed disappointment over India’s move from a six-day workweek to a five-day one in 1986, a change he says he never agreed with.
“I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave,” he said while speaking to Shereen Bhan at the summit.
He suggested that working hard is essential to achieve national progress, pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a model of tireless dedication. “When PM Modi is working that hard, the only way to show our appreciation for what’s happening around us is by working just as hard,” he said, adding that without a strong work ethic, the country will struggle to keep up with global competitors.
“There is no substitute for hard work,” he said, making his perspective on work-life balance clear.
Sharing insights from his own career, Narayana Murthy highlighted how he has lived by the values he promotes. He worked long hours throughout his career, spending up to 14 hours a day, six and a half days a week, on his professional duties. His routine, he said, involved starting at the office by 6:30 a.m. and leaving only around 8:40 p.m., a commitment he takes pride in.
For him, hard work is not just a personal choice; it’s a responsibility for those fortunate enough to have received an education, often subsidised in India. “I’m proud of it,” he remarked, highlightig that dedication to work is an integral part of Indian culture and a duty for those with opportunities.
His comments come amid continued debate over his previous suggestion that millennials in India should aim for a 70-hour workweek. This suggestion had sparked mixed reactions, with some agreeing on the need for a stronger work ethic while others criticised the idea as excessive.
In response to the backlash, Murthy clarified that he remains committed to his views, mentioning that hard work is essential regardless of a person’s intelligence or talent. “In this country, we need to work hard. There is no substitute for hard work even if you are the most intelligent guy,” he said.
Murthy’s position on the work ethic in India has often drawn parallels with countries like Germany and Japan, which he says rebuilt their economies after World War II through hard work and perseverance.
According to him, these countries set a precedent for what a nation can achieve with a focused and determined workforce. Murthy believes young Indians have a similar responsibility to work hard and contribute to India’s growth in a competitive global landscape.