Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has sparked discussions yet again by championing a 70-hour workweek for India’s younger generation. Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s centenary launch in Kolkata, alongside RPSG Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka, Murthy emphasized the importance of hard work in lifting the nation out of poverty and striving for global excellence.
Hard Work: The Key to India’s Transformation
Murthy urged Indians to raise their aspirations, citing the stark reality of 800 million people relying on free rations, a testament to widespread poverty. He highlighted that achieving global benchmarks requires dedication and resilience, stating, “If we are not ready to work hard, who else will work hard for India’s progress?”
Murthy’s comments reflect his belief that hard work, innovation, and global competitiveness are crucial for India’s transformation into a developed nation.
Lessons from the West: A Turning Point
Sharing his personal journey, Murthy recounted his time in Paris during the early 1970s, which profoundly shaped his perspective. Witnessing efficient systems, timely trains, and widespread prosperity in the West contrasted sharply with India’s challenges, including poverty and corruption.
His encounter with the French Communist Party leader left him convinced that economic progress hinges on job creation and disposable incomes, not state-run initiatives. “The government has no role in entrepreneurship. It is entrepreneurs who create wealth, jobs, and tax revenues, which ultimately build infrastructure and uplift a nation,” he explained.
Entrepreneurship as Nation-Building
Murthy underscored the transformative role of entrepreneurs in driving growth, emphasizing, “Entrepreneurs build a nation by creating jobs, generating wealth for investors, and paying taxes. Capitalism is the path to building good infrastructure and achieving prosperity.”
Kolkata: A Cultural and Intellectual Hub
He also expressed admiration for Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage, describing it as “the most cultured city in India,” and fondly referenced luminaries like Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Amartya Sen.
A Call to Action for India’s Youth
Murthy’s message to India’s youth was a call to responsibility and ambition. He urged them to think beyond personal comfort and contribute to national progress. He articulated a compelling vision: “Performance leads to recognition, recognition brings respect, and respect fosters power. India must earn global respect through its performance.”
Drawing a comparison with China, he remarked, “A Chinese worker is reportedly 3.5 times more productive than an Indian. We cannot afford complacency if we aim to compete on the world stage.”
Shaping a Prosperous Future
Murthy’s speech serves as a powerful reminder of the effort and determination required to uplift India. His insights resonate as a wake-up call for individuals and policymakers alike, urging collective action to build a prosperous and respected nation.