Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy's recent remarks advocating a 70-hour work week for Indian youth have ignited a fierce debate across social media platforms. Speaking on a podcast 'The Record,' Murthy emphasized the need for young people to work 12 hours a day to enhance India's competitiveness on the global stage, drawing parallels with the post-World War II efforts of countries like Japan and Germany.
However, Murthy's endorsement of a rigorous work schedule, dubbed "hustle culture," faced strong opposition online. Many users criticized his perspective as elitist, highlighting the challenges people face in their daily lives, such as commuting and family responsibilities. Some argued that such demanding hours would disproportionately impact women, potentially forcing them out of the workplace due to the added burden of housekeeping and caregiving.
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Social media users expressed their discontent, labelling Murthy's call for extended work hours as a form of exploitation and abuse of young talent. Some advocated for a more balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals' well-being and work-life balance.
Amidst the criticism, there were voices in support of Murthy's stance. Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal agreed with Murthy, echoing the sentiment that this is a pivotal moment for India to focus on nation-building efforts. Despite the divide in opinions, Murthy's remarks have undeniably sparked a nationwide conversation about work culture, labour rights, and the balance between personal life and professional commitments. The debate continues as people grapple with the complexities of modern work expectations in India.