Sudha Murty on Narayana Murthy’s work hours remark: “Passion requires time, no magic wand”

Author, philanthropist, and Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty has shared her perspective on Narayana Murthy’s 70-hour work-week suggestion, emphasizing that passion demands time and commitment. Speaking on NDTV’s 'India Through the Eyes of Its Icons', she reflected on her husband's work ethic and how their personal and professional lives evolved alongside his vision for Infosys.

Ms. Murty explained that when Narayana Murthy set out to build Infosys with no money but dedicated colleagues, long working hours were inevitable. She credited hard work, luck, and timing for the company’s success, adding that there was no "magic wand" to make Infosys what it is today.

Discussing how this impacted their personal lives, she said that when her husband was deeply engaged in building the company, she chose to focus on the family. "I told him to take care of Infosys, and I looked after the family," she said. Instead of complaining about his absence, she found her own path, balancing teaching, writing, and eventually leading Infosys Foundation.

She further remarked that it wasn’t just entrepreneurs who worked long hours—journalists, doctors, and professionals across industries often put in 90-hour work weeks. Over time, as her children went abroad, she immersed herself in philanthropy, and now works more than her husband. "When Murthy was working, I supported him. Now that I am working, he supports me. That’s life," she said.

Reflecting on time management, she pointed out that everyone gets the same 24 hours, whether rich or poor. The key, according to her, is how one chooses to utilize it. If someone is passionate about their work, their partner should offer support rather than conflict, she said.

Narayana Murthy’s original comment, made in October 2023, sparked widespread debate. He had suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to improve national productivity, comparing it to the work culture in Germany and Japan after World War II. While his remarks divided opinions, Sudha Murty’s response highlights a broader perspective on balancing ambition, family, and mutual support in relationships.