Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has reiterated his stance on the 70-hour workweek during a recent visit to Kolkata. Describing the city as “the most cultured place in the entire country,” Murthy urged young Indians to work hard and contribute to making India the number one nation globally.
Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s centenary launch event alongside RPSG Group chairman Sanjiv Goenka, Murthy stressed the importance of ambition and hard work, citing the country’s challenges.
“At Infosys, I said we will compare ourselves with the best global companies. When we do that, it becomes evident that we Indians have a lot to do. With 800 million Indians receiving free rations, which means they are in poverty, who else but us will work hard to uplift our nation?” Murthy remarked.
Murthy shared personal anecdotes that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, admitting he once leaned towards Leftist ideologies during Jawaharlal Nehru’s era. He praised the establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology and recalled the optimism of the time.
However, his perspective shifted after working in Paris during the 1970s. “I saw a stark contrast between the poverty and corruption in India and the prosperity and efficiency in the West. I met the leader of the French Communist Party, but his answers didn’t satisfy me,” he said.
This experience led Murthy to conclude that creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship were the only sustainable ways to combat poverty. “The government has no role in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs create jobs, generate wealth for investors, and pay taxes. Embracing capitalism is essential for a country like India,” he explained.
He emphasised the concept of “compassionate capitalism,” blending the principles of capitalism with the humanitarian aspects of liberalism and socialism. “This approach ensures India remains a shining example of inclusive growth,” he added.
Murthy urged the youth to take responsibility for fulfilling the vision of India’s founding fathers. “A Chinese worker is 3.5 times more productive than an Indian. It’s easy to complain and remain wretched, filthy, and poor. But to earn respect and power globally, India must prioritise performance,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of India’s rich cultural heritage, which he described as over 4,000 years old. “When I think of Kolkata, I think of stalwarts like Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Amartya Sen. This city symbolises the cultural pride of our nation,” he noted.
Murthy’s remarks highlighted the importance of hard work, productivity, and a sense of purpose among Indians to drive national progress. “Performance leads to recognition, which leads to respect and, ultimately, to power. Let’s dedicate ourselves to realising our full potential,” he concluded.
Also Read: Ahmedabad: Airport Cops Detain Woman Carrying Jewellery Worth Rs 50 Lakh
