Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram has criticized Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy for expressing disappointment over India’s transition from a six-day workweek to a five-day workweek in 1986. Murthy, who has consistently advocated for a 70-hour workweek, believes that India’s progress demands hard work and sacrifice, not leisure.
During a recent event, Murthy highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reputed 100-hour workweeks as an example. “When PM Modi is working that hard, the only way to show our appreciation is by working just as hard,” he said. The 78-year-old shared insights into his own work ethic, recounting how he worked 14-hour days, six and a half days a week, throughout much of his career. “I’m proud of it,” he remarked.
Chidambaram, however, disagreed, arguing that longer hours are “meaningless” and that the focus should instead be on “efficiency.” “Daily life is already a struggle due to inefficient infrastructure and amenities. Work-life balance is crucial for maintaining social order and harmony,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He went further, suggesting that India should transition to a four-day workweek, humorously proposing hours from “12 noon on Monday to 2 pm on Friday.”
Chidambaram’s comments follow similar disagreements voiced by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, who also opposed Murthy’s stance. On December 4, Gogoi emphasized the importance of work-life balance, highlighting the value of family responsibilities and shared domestic duties. “What is life but caring for your children, teaching them, supporting elderly parents, and being there for friends in need? These roles are just as much a man’s responsibility as a woman’s,” Gogoi wrote. He added that working women often lack the luxury to separate life from work, a privilege historically afforded to men.
Murthy, defending his remarks earlier this month, reiterated the need for hard work to propel India forward. “At Infosys, we aimed to compare ourselves with the best global companies. If we aspire to be like them, we must set high goals and work tirelessly. With 800 million Indians relying on free rations, it’s clear poverty is rampant. If we don’t work hard, who will?” he asked during a conversation with RPSG Group chairman Sanjiv Goenka.
Murthy also cited a claim that Chinese workers are 3.5 times more productive than Indians. “It’s easy to remain complacent and accept a life of poverty and mediocrity. My appeal is for everyone to dedicate themselves to realizing their full potential,” he added.
