Infosys Narayana Murthy triggers controversy again

Exactly a year ago, Software giant Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked a huge debate all over the country when he proposed that millennials in India should adopt a 70 hour workweek culture for better future and productivity. His opinion received mixed reactions with the majority of the professionals from software and other fields didn’t agree with the idea as it would take an excessive toll on mental and physical health on them. Those who believed in stronger work ethics seconded with him.

Once again, Narayana Murthy is at the centre of controversy with his latest statement during a recent global summit. Besides reaffirming his support for a six-day work which he feels will act a stimulus to the economic growth of the country, Narayana Murthy sparked another debate when he said he doesn’t believe in work-life balance at all. Murthy also expressed disappointment over India’s shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek in 1986, a change he says he’s always opposed.

Speaking at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, he stated, “I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave.” He believes that dedicated work is crucial and essential for the progress of the nation on various fronts. Taking Prime Minister Modi’s reputed 100-hour workweeks as an example, he said “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,”

Murthy also shared how he worked 14-hour days, six and a half days each week, often arriving by 6:30 a.m. and leaving around 8:40 p.m. from his office. He says he is very proud of it.

Just like how his proposal for six working days with prolonged hours received a severe backlash from all quarters, his latest statement that there is no need for work-life balance also triggered a strong negative feedback because lack of proper balance between work and life in the present generation is leading to so many health and mental issues.