Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, has once again defended his stance on the 70-hour workweek philosophy, urging young Indians to embrace hard work and strive for excellence. In a recent speech in Kolkata, he emphasised the importance of diligence in creating a better future for the country. Murthy’s bold statement, “800 million Indians get free ration,” highlights the stark reality of poverty in India, and he passionately advocates for an India that works harder to improve its global standing.
The Power of Hard Work: Murthy’s Vision for India
Murthy’s speech, delivered at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s centenary event, underscored his belief in the potential of hard work as a driving force for change. He stated, “If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard?” With a powerful call for action, Murthy emphasised the significance of setting high aspirations and working towards them. His 70-hour workweek philosophy is not just a personal choice, but a strategic mindset that he believes will lead to economic growth, entrepreneurship, and social upliftment.
Murthy’s bold statement about 800 million Indians relying on free ration serves as a stark reminder of the need to fight poverty through job creation and economic empowerment. He draws attention to the fact that millions of Indians remain trapped in poverty and that without a collective effort to raise productivity, India’s economic progress will remain stagnant. His message is clear: hard work is not just a choice, but a necessity for India’s transformation.
Hard Work and Global Comparisons: The Path to Excellence
Murthy’s vision for Infosys was rooted in global aspirations. He recalled the company’s early days when he made it clear that the goal was to compare Infosys to the best global companies. According to Murthy, this approach of benchmarking against global standards helped Infosys emerge as a leader in the IT industry.
The comparison to global companies isn’t just about achieving financial success; it’s about driving innovation, quality, and excellence. Murthy believes that Indians must work harder to compete on the global stage. “We Indians have a lot to do,” he said, emphasising the need for higher standards in work ethics and productivity.
One telling moment in Murthy’s address was when he referred to a comparison between Indian and Chinese workers. He pointed out that a Chinese worker is 3.5 times more productive than an Indian worker, stressing the importance of raising productivity levels to remain competitive. It is this mindset that Murthy believes will push India toward greatness.
Entrepreneurship: The Key to Nation-Building
Narayana Murthy has always been a staunch advocate for entrepreneurship as a vehicle for national progress. He firmly believes that entrepreneurs are the driving force behind a country’s economic development. According to Murthy, entrepreneurs not only create jobs but also generate wealth, stimulate innovation, and contribute to the country’s overall infrastructure through taxes.
During his speech, Murthy explained that the path to improving India’s infrastructure—whether it’s better roads, railways, or urban facilities—lies in embracing capitalism. He argued that free markets and entrepreneurial growth are essential for India to rise above poverty and attain the infrastructure it desperately needs.
This is why Murthy stresses the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth of India. Entrepreneurship has the power to uplift communities, create jobs, and build wealth, which in turn leads to better living conditions for all. Murthy’s emphasis on hard work and entrepreneurship is not just a call to action but a challenge to the youth to build a self-sustaining economy.
Kolkata: The Cultural Capital of India
Murthy also shared his admiration for Kolkata, calling it “the most cultured place in the entire country.” His recognition of Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage—home to icons like Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Amartya Sen—serves as a reminder that India’s cultural heritage is a vital part of its identity.
This cultural connection with the city of Kolkata helped Murthy reinforce his message of progress and cultural pride. Murthy believes that while India strives for excellence, it must also preserve and respect its diverse cultural roots, which play an essential role in its national character.
A Call to Action for the Youth
One of Murthy’s most powerful messages was aimed at the youth of India. He urged young people to take responsibility for the future of the country, stating, “Human beings can think and express. When God has given us the ability to think, this behoves us to think about people less fortunate than us.”
Murthy highlighted that India’s global respect comes from performance. He believes that if India can raise its standards of productivity and innovation, the country will earn the respect it deserves on the world stage. Performance leads to recognition, recognition leads to respect, and respect leads to power, he said.
This mindset, which emphasises performance as the ultimate measure of progress, is something Murthy has always believed in. It’s about moving away from excuses and focusing on outcomes. His call for action is not just a philosophical plea—it’s a practical framework for personal growth and national advancement.
Overcoming Challenges: Embrace the 70-Hour Workweek Philosophy
The crux of Murthy’s message is the 70-hour workweek philosophy. While controversial, Murthy defends this approach as essential for progress. It’s not about working endlessly for the sake of it; rather, it’s about maximising productivity and working smarter. The challenge is to balance work and personal life while ensuring that the work done contributes meaningfully to one’s goals.
In a world where distractions are plenty, Murthy advocates for deep focus and commitment to one’s craft. For him, it’s about the sacrifice needed to reach the pinnacle of success. And, in the context of India’s growth, he believes that embracing a rigorous work ethic will ensure the country reaches its full potential.
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Photo credit: Mint
