Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy is unfazed by the backlash he received for suggesting that youngsters should work 70 hours a week to boost productivity and increase India’s competitiveness. Murthy, who himself worked long hours when setting up Infosys, defends his comments by stating that hard work and a strong work ethic are essential for a country to become prosperous. He believes that India, with its low per-capita income, needs to focus on these values to escape the cycle of poverty. Murthy’s own dedication to working long hours throughout his career speaks to his belief in the benefits of hard work and perseverance.
Murthy’s work ethic was instilled in him at an early age by his parents, who taught him that hard work was the only way to overcome poverty. Growing up in a modest family, Murthy understood the importance of maximizing one’s productivity and putting in the hours necessary to achieve success. He studied electrical engineering at Mysore University and later pursued computer science at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur. Murthy’s commitment to working long hours remained constant throughout his career, and he even worked 85 to 90 hours a week when the company had a six-day workweek.
In a recent podcast with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, Murthy expressed his concerns about India’s work productivity being among the lowest in the world. He emphasized that India has a long way to go to become a middle-income country and that it will require significant effort and time. Murthy believes that this can only be achieved through hard work, discipline, and a focus on the community’s interest rather than personal gain.
Murthy’s stance on the importance of work ethic and honesty is rooted in his personal experiences and observations of successful nations. He firmly believes that hard work and dedication are vital for a country’s economic growth and prosperity. He advocates for individuals to prioritize honesty, discipline, and strong work ethic to elevate themselves and contribute to their country’s development. Murthy’s own success and the growth of Infosys stand as testaments to the benefits of hard work and perseverance.
In conclusion, NR Narayana Murthy defends his belief that youngsters should work 70 hours a week to boost productivity. He supports his argument by highlighting his own dedication to long working hours throughout his career and the values instilled in him by his parents. Murthy asserts that hard work, discipline, and a focus on the community’s interest are crucial for India to escape poverty and become a prosperous nation.
