Anupam Mittal, Shark Tank Judge and Shaadi.com Founder, Joins the 70-Hour Workweek Debate In a recent social media post, Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com and a well-known judge on the popular television show Shark Tank, shared a picture alongside his fellow judges, accompanied by a statement that read, “After all these years, still working 70-hour weeks.” This statement from Mittal has further ignited the ongoing debate sparked by Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy’s controversial suggestion that India’s youth should work 70 hours a week.
Mittal’s declaration not only draws attention to the strenuous work culture in the Indian business and entrepreneurship sectors but also adds a significant voice to the discussion surrounding work hours and productivity. His statement underscores the commitment and dedication required to excel in the competitive world of startups, where entrepreneurs often wear multiple hats and put in long hours to turn their dreams into reality.
The debate around the 70-hour workweek gained momentum when Narayana Murthy, a respected figure in the Indian IT industry, publicly endorsed the idea of young professionals working 70 hours per week. He argued that it was necessary to boost the nation’s economic growth and maintain India’s competitive edge in the global market. Murthy’s comments sparked a polarizing response, with some applauding his stance as a call to hard work and others criticizing it for potentially leading to burnout and negatively impacting work-life balance.
Notably, other prominent figures have also expressed support for Murthy’s views on the matter. Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola, one of India’s leading ride-sharing platforms, and Sajjan Jindal, the Chairman of JSW Group, a major conglomerate with interests in steel, energy, and infrastructure, are among those who have voiced their agreement with Murthy. These endorsements from influential figures in the Indian business landscape underscore the influence of Murthy’s perspective.
The debate surrounding the ideal workweek duration has broader implications for the Indian workforce, particularly the younger generation entering the job market. It prompts critical discussions about work ethics, work-life balance, and the extent to which long work hours are necessary for career success. Some argue that a 70-hour workweek is unsustainable and detrimental to employees’ physical and mental well-being, while others maintain that it’s an essential component of building a strong economy and remaining globally competitive.
As the discussion continues to unfold, it remains a subject of considerable interest for both professionals and policymakers. Finding the right balance between productivity, personal well-being, and national economic growth is a complex challenge that requires careful consideration of various perspectives and the evolving nature of work in a digital age. Anupam Mittal’s statement, along with the support from other influential leaders, has reignited this debate and is sure to generate more conversations on the topic in the future.
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