India (Commonwealth Union)_ Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy recently advised Indian youngsters to engage in 12-hour workdays to bolster India’s competitiveness against economies that have made significant strides over the past 25-30 years. Speaking to former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai on a 3one4 Capital’s podcast, The Record, Murthy stressed that India’s work productivity ranks low globally. To match the progress of nations like China, he urged Indian youth to invest additional work hours, similar to what Japan and Germany did post-World War II.
Shifting from his socialist roots to embrace compassionate capitalism, Murthy addressed topics ranging from institution building to the advantages of economic liberalization and India’s productivity during the conversation. He emphasized the importance of the younger generation in cultivating better work habits for the country’s benefit, stating, “Somehow our youths have the habit of taking the not so desirable habits from the West and not helping the country.”
Expressing concerns about governmental corruption and bureaucratic delays, Murthy highlighted that unless these issues are addressed, India will struggle to compete with nations that have made remarkable progress. He urged the youth to adopt a nationalistic approach, stating, “This is my country. I want to work 70 hours a week.” Drawing a parallel to how German leaders ensured extra work hours to rebuild the country, Murthy emphasized the pivotal role of a nation’s culture in its government’s efficiency.
Murthy underscored the imperative for India’s growth by recounting two illustrative instances. Firstly, he reflected on the diminishing international mention of India, noting that five years ago, discussions in London’s banking sectors had shifted focus from India to China. Similarly, during a recent intellectual discourse in Europe, the absence of India’s reference highlighted its marginalization in global conversations.
Additionally, Murthy recalled Infosys’s journey, pointing out a shift in perception regarding the company. Initially overlooked by college graduates, Infosys later became a preferred employer for 18% of students within five years, demonstrating how the founders’ dedication and hard work effectively enhanced the company’s visibility. Narayana Murthy’s insights stress the importance of hard work, dedication, and a collective sense of responsibility among Indian youth to propel the nation’s global standing and economic progress on an increasingly competitive world stage.
