Narayana Murthy’s 100-Hour Workweek Remark Sparks New Discussion on Leadership and Hustle Culture

During a casual chat on a flight from Mumbai to Bengaluru, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy told BJP MP Tejasvi Surya that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi works 100 hours a week. The remark, though light-hearted, has reignited conversation around work ethic, leadership, and the ever-controversial 100-hour workweek that Murthy has previously endorsed—especially in the Indian context, where young professionals face growing pressure to hustle harder.

What Was Said on the Flight
According to Surya, the two shared a brief but insightful conversation during their journey. When the topic of hard work came up, Murthy reiterated his admiration for PM Modi’s dedication, saying he’s probably the only person in the country who genuinely puts in 100 hours a week.

The statement was not framed as a criticism or demand—but it served as a subtle extension of Murthy’s earlier view that young Indians should work longer hours to help build the nation.

A Recap of the 100-Hour Debate
Murthy’s earlier comment suggesting Indian youth should work 70–100 hours a week had triggered widespread debate last year. While some admired the call for discipline and sacrifice, others criticised it for promoting a work culture that could lead to burnout and ignore systemic issues like lack of work-life balance and mental health support.

For salaried professionals, particularly in Tier 2 cities where job opportunities often come with rigid hours and low pay, the 100-hour benchmark can feel unrealistic or exploitative.

Indian Work Culture: Aspiration vs Reality
The Indian work ethic has long been shaped by stories of self-made success and hard work. But the reality for many employees, especially in smaller cities, includes long commutes, outdated HR practices, low flexibility, and very little upward mobility.

Murthy’s admiration for PM Modi’s schedule reflects a belief in individual effort driving large outcomes. However, critics argue that without structural reforms in education, employment, and labour rights, asking everyone to work 100 hours is neither fair nor sustainable.

Conclusion
Narayana Murthy’s praise for PM Modi’s work ethic once again puts the spotlight on what we expect from leaders—and from ourselves. While hard work remains a respected value, the larger question remains: can India grow not just through longer hours, but also smarter, more inclusive workplaces? As the hustle culture conversation continues, young Indians must weigh ambition against well-being—and decide what success really means for them.