Introduction

In recent years, India has garnered praise for maintaining a steady economy and outpacing most developed nations while managing the pandemic for its large population and confronting the sluggish economic growth of Western nations & its implications. India's achievements have received acclaim from institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and, of course, the United Nations.

Setting aside this recognition, let's shift our focus to our economy, specifically in relation to leaders in the IT industry. In a recent interview, N. R. Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, emphasized that young Indians should work 70 hours per week, highlighting the need to enhance work efficiency and dedication, comparing India to Germany and Japan.

When considering the population, diversity, and geographical size of India, Germany, and Japan, it becomes clear that a direct comparison between India and these two countries may not be apt. India boasts a population and land area that is 10 to 17 times greater than that of the other two nations. Despite having a smaller population, both Germany and Japan are ahead of India in terms of technology and the economy. While India is not far behind, it may take 5 to 10 years to surpass them economically. The question is whether this will be sufficient and whether we can sustain such significant growth for an extended period.

Even if we agree to work 70 hours a week, there are concerns, especially regarding women. As a developing nation, India has not made substantial progress in empowering women, both in rural and urban areas. Expecting them to work 70 hours a week while also managing family responsibilities could pose risks.

After Narayana Murthy's comments, IT industry leaders and political thinkers have expressed mixed opinions. Some support his views, while others compare them to a Draconian approach.

It is widely agreed that an imbalance between work and personal life can lead to health issues and reduce productivity, which, in turn, affects the economy. Looking at the new generation, employees are increasingly focused on maintaining good health and personal well-being. This awareness about self-care is commendable, but it's also essential to recognize the importance of work in one's life. Let's delve deeper into the economies of these three nations: India, Germany, and Japan. It's crucial to remember that both Germany and Japan have endured significant challenges, including the aftermath of World War I and World War II. Japan, in particular, faced the devastation of nuclear bombs but emerged stronger.

Let's take a look at the data points for working hours in various states of India.

According to a 2019 survey by "Time," individuals aged between 15-29 in rural areas work for over 7.2 hours a day, while in urban areas, it's 8.5 hours. Uttarakhand records 9.6 hours of work per day, which is still less than Murthy's recommended 11.5 hours for six days.

Now, let's examine annual working hours and labor productivity.

Assuming a five-day workweek culture in India, one would need to work 14 hours a day to meet the suggested 70-hour workweek. This leads to a critical question: Do long working hours directly contribute to growth, or should we focus on improving efficiency and productivity, whether in IT, sports, or administration?

Murthy also pointed out that India lags in work productivity, and improving efficiency is crucial for achieving greater heights, rather than merely working late into the night.

A comparison of post-World War II data reveals that Germany and Japan reduced their annual working hours significantly, while India's workforce has seen an increase from 2077 hours annually to 2122 hours, rather than a reduction. Meanwhile, labor productivity in Germany and Japan has consistently increased, while India's progress in this regard remains limited.

Considering the above data, it's evident that India has continuously increased working hours, but the corresponding improvement in labor productivity has been negligible. It's time to shift our focus from hours to productivity.

Why is everyone looking at India, and why are our leaders concerned about the future?

When we consider the youth population, Germany and Japan have approximately 20%, while India's youth population exceeds 50%. This youthful segment is expected to be more energetic and productive than the rest of the population. However, in the next two to three decades, this percentage will decline, making it challenging to sustain rapid growth. To secure India's future, we must work more efficiently and intelligently. As the PM has also mentioned On Independence Day we are in AMRITKAL, it is a golden period for us, and we must use it.

One advantage enjoyed by Germany, Japan, China, and other developed nations is their focus on increasing work efficiency. This has become a part of their culture, where people are self-motivated to work hard and efficiently. In Japan and China, it's considered normal for individuals to work long hours, and they have a tradition of great sacrifice for significant achievements. In contrast, India has yet to fully embrace the proverb, "Practice makes the man perfect," in its workforce.

One significant drawback in India is that 89% of the workforce is engaged in informal employment, in stark contrast to Germany and Japan, where only 4.2% and 8% are in similar situations. Given this vast difference in the nature of work, comparing the work culture of India, Germany, and Japan may not be viable.

Another issue is that a large section of our workforce pursues fields unrelated to their natural talents to earn money and secure a better life. While this may provide short-term benefits, it can lead to burnout and decreased productivity in the long run. the population must need to follow their passion if we are thinking about economic terms

Some leaders have likened the marathon race to "working passionately." From a distance, a marathon of 30 to 40 kilometers may seem unachievable, but people regularly undertake this challenge. Why? It's because they find like-minded companions and enjoy the journey. Unless we enjoy our work, we cannot put in extra hours. To achieve significant success, we need a marathon, not just a short relay.

A quote from Swami Vivekananda remains relevant: He compared Indians to the Leviathan, the giant sea creature that lies dormant in the depths of the sea. Once awakened, it can accomplish anything, akin to a god. Vivekananda believed that Indians are unaware of their potential and need to ignite that power.

In my opinion, Narayana Murthy's comments were intended to awaken the passion, dedication, and sincerity within us. These qualities are key factors for the development of the nation. As we are in the Golden era we must dedicate it to the economy.