BENGALURU — Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy recently told BJP MP Tejasvi Surya that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is perhaps the only person he knows who works 100 hours a week, praising the PM’s tireless work ethic during a candid two-hour conversation aboard a Mumbai-to-Bengaluru flight.
Surya, the Member of Parliament for Bengaluru South, shared highlights of their discussion on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) late Monday, describing it as a “masterclass” on leadership, ethics, and India’s future.
A Rare Glimpse Into Murthy’s Views on Leadership
During the flight, Surya joked about trying to match Murthy’s often-quoted 70-hour work week recommendation for young Indians. In response, the 77-year-old tech pioneer chuckled and said, “The only person I know who probably works 100 hours a week is Prime Minister Modi.”
The remark offers a rare insight into Murthy’s admiration for PM Modi’s work ethic and discipline, especially as discussions about youth productivity and national development continue to stir debate in India’s policy and business circles.
From AI to Ethics: A Two-Hour “Masterclass”
According to Surya, their conversation spanned a wide range of topics, including:
- The future of artificial intelligence
- The importance of urban planning and policy
- The upskilling of India’s youth
- The role of ethics and discipline in public life
- Challenges in domestic manufacturing
“It was a privilege to have a two-hour uninterrupted conversation with one of India’s greatest minds,” Surya wrote. “A true masterclass in nation-building.”
Murthy’s 70-Hour Work Week Remark — A Quick Recap
Murthy sparked nationwide discussion in October 2023 when he said India’s youth should work at least 70 hours a week to boost the country’s productivity and compete globally. While some praised the statement as a call to hard work and dedication, others criticized it for overlooking issues like labor rights, work-life balance, and mental health.
His latest comments appear to contextualize that controversial remark—placing PM Modi’s intense work schedule as a benchmark of national service.
Reactions Online
Surya’s post has drawn significant engagement online. Supporters praised both men for their vision and commitment, calling the exchange “inspiring” and “motivational.” Critics, however, renewed debates around overwork and burnout in India’s increasingly competitive job market.
Still, the post reinforced Narayana Murthy’s enduring influence in India’s public discourse and his role as a mentor-like figure to many in politics, business, and tech.
The Bigger Picture: Work Ethic as a National Value?
The reference to PM Modi’s 100-hour work week reflects a larger narrative promoted by the current administration—emphasizing discipline, sacrifice, and relentless service in governance. Whether in the corporate boardroom or Parliament, such values continue to resonate with India’s youth and leadership aspirants.
As India pushes forward with initiatives in digital transformation, AI development, and infrastructure growth, voices like Murthy’s play a crucial role in shaping the cultural mindset around work and leadership.
