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Updated 14:20 IST, January 21st 2025

Narayana Murthy Clears Air on 70-Hour Workweek Remark Amid Outrage

Murthy clarified his stance, emphasising that no one can demand long hours at work and that such decisions should be left to individuals discreetly.

Reported by: Digital Desk
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N R Narayana Murthy
N R Narayana Murthy | Image: PTI

Bengaluru: Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recently found himself at the centre of a heated debate after suggesting that young professionals should work 70 hours a week. His remark sparked widespread outrage and discussions about work-life balance.  

In response, Murthy has now clarified his stance, emphasising that no one can demand long hours at work and that such decisions should be left to individuals discreetly. 

Murthy said that his advice was based on his own experience of working long hours during his time at Infosys. He shared that he used to arrive at the office at 6:30 AM and leave at 8:30 PM, putting in over 70 hours a week for 40-odd years. However, he stressed that these are personal choices and should not be imposed on others.

Murthy's clarification comes amid a broader conversation about work culture, especially after L&T Chairman S N Subrahmanyan's recent remarks advocating for a 90 hour workweek. Murthy urged young professionals to introspect and understand the need for hard work, but also to balance it with their personal lives and well-being. 

Murthy Bats for AI 

Veteran also emphasised the need for using advanced technologies, including Artificial intelligence (AI), in India, stating that technology is a "great leveller".

Technology can help reduce the gap between the well-to-do and the not-so-well people, Murthy said while speaking at the centenary celebration of the Indian Chamber of Commerce here.

"Technology is about reducing cost. It's about increasing revenues and profitability. So technology has a lot of value. It also does something that most people don't realise. Technology is a great leveller. So we need technology in India if we want to reduce the gap between the well-to-do and the not-so-well. That's what financial inclusion has done," he said.

"My personal view is there are areas where we cannot do without AI," Murthy said.

He said AI can be used in areas like automatic cars, precision operations, disease detection and hazardous operations in which human beings may be exposed to high risk.

Murthy stressed the need for hard work and performance to earn respect for oneself and for the country.

"I urge the youngsters to understand that we have a great responsibility to fulfil the pledge of our founding fathers (of the nation). We have greater responsibility as enunciated by scriptures. We have to show fairness and justice to create opportunities for the less fortunate one. That is why we have to work hard," he said.

Murthy also asked entrepreneurs to embrace "compassionate capitalism" which is practising capitalism while combining it with the best aspect of liberalism and the best aspect of socialism. 

With Agency Inputs

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Published 13:05 IST, January 21st 2025