Narayana Murthy reiterates support for 70-hour workweek, pointing out that 800 million Indians benefit from free food rations.

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy emphasized the importance of hard work and entrepreneurship in building a nation. He spoke at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s centenary launch in Kolkata, saying that Indians should strive for excellence and be willing to work long hours, even 70 hours a week. He attributed his own entrepreneurial success to his parents’ emphasis on education and his own experiences working abroad, where he was struck by the contrasts between India’s poverty and the prosperity of other countries. Murthy emphasized the role of entrepreneurs in creating jobs, wealth, and infrastructure, and urged young people to focus on their values and contribute to the nation’s progress. He also praised Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage and called for greater responsibility and productivity from individuals, citing a comparison with Chinese workers who are 3.5 times more productive than Indians. Ultimately, Murthy’s message is one of individual responsibility and the importance of hard work and entrepreneurship in achieving India’s potential.