Overview
- In a Republic TV interview, the Infosys founder urged young Indians to work 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, arguing that sustained effort drives national progress.
- He said people should “get a life and then worry about work-life balance” and cited the prime minister’s near 100-hour weeks as an example for youth.
- Online pushback focused on low pay, poor infrastructure and long commutes, with many calling for fair compensation and better conditions before longer shifts.
- Doctors and published research warned that very long hours raise serious health risks, including markedly higher stroke and ischemic heart disease mortality for those working 55 or more hours a week.
- Coverage also underscored uneven enforcement of China’s 2021 ban on 9-9-6 and noted Murthy made a similar extended-hours appeal in 2023, renewing a wider debate on productivity and worker welfare.