Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy is standing by his explosive 70-hour workweek advice, doubling down on what he really meant—productivity over hours. Speaking to India Today, the 77-year-old made it clear that he has zero regrets about his statement that ignited a fiery national debate back in October last year.
“I used to clock in 85-90 hours a week until I retired,” Murthy revealed. “Many of us in India have benefitted immensely from government subsidies, scholarships, and taxpayer money. So, we have an enormous responsibility to work harder and uplift the underprivileged. I stand by that.”
For those fixated on the hours, Murthy had a sharp clarification—it’s not about the number, it’s about productivity. He drew parallels with post-war Germany and Japan, nations that rebuilt themselves through relentless work ethics. “We owe it to the poor to work hard and improve their quality of life,” he asserted.
His initial comments, made on ex-Infosys CEO Mohandas Pai’s podcast The Record, covered everything from nation-building and governance delays to Infosys’ rise and India’s tech future. But it was his 70-hour remark that sparked outrage and admiration alike, dividing India into two camps—those who saw it as a wake-up call and those who dismissed it as unrealistic.
Murthy, however, remains unfazed by the backlash. He claims that many “good people” and NRIs resonated with his views. As India moves into the next decade, he believes boosting productivity is non-negotiable. Whether you love it or hate it, Murthy’s message is clear—India’s future depends on how hard its people are willing to work.