Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Responds to Narayana Murthy’s 70-Hour Workweek Call

In the wake of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s recent statement advocating a 70-hour workweek for young Indians, spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar offered a contrasting viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity, rest, and work-life balance over sheer hours worked.

Murthy, who made headlines with his call for a 70-hour workweek as a means to boost India’s economic growth, has maintained his stance firmly, stating, “I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave.” However, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlighted that working longer hours alone does not guarantee better results unless one is mentally present and energized during those hours.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explained, “If you keep driving the car without oiling it, it’s bound to break down. It’s not about how many hours you put in, it’s about how mentally present you are during those hours.” He stressed the vital role of rest and mental presence in boosting productivity and ensuring quality work.

Pointing out that many people spend long hours at the office but lack focus, the spiritual leader remarked, “Many people are present in their offices, but their minds are elsewhere. Even drafting a simple letter takes them 2-3 hours because they are not fully present.” He suggested that true productivity comes from focused attention rather than merely clocking hours.

Using a relatable analogy, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar compared humans to cars needing refueling, saying, “You have to stop the car, fill petrol, and then start again. If you say, ‘I don’t have time to refuel,’ you’ll end up stuck in the middle of the road.” This highlights the necessity of taking breaks and recharging energy to sustain long-term performance.

He added that taking adequate rest can make a person far more productive, explaining, “If you have good energy and you’re dynamic, then whatever job someone does in 7–8 hours, you can do in 3–4 hours. It’s about what you accomplish, not how long you sit at your desk.”

The founder of the Art of Living Foundation stressed the importance of working smart rather than just working hard. “It’s one thing to work hard, but to work smart, you need to see your energy level. The quality of work will suffer if you don’t take time for yourself,” he said.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s response offers a reminder that while dedication is important, mental clarity, balance, and rest are equally critical to achieving sustainable success — a perspective that adds nuance to the ongoing debate about work hours and productivity in India today.

IT.