L&T Chairman and Managing Director SN Subrahmanyan has been in the controversy after strong backlash over his infamous statements regarding working hours, one of whichwas a social media sensation: “How long can you look at your wife? How long can the wives look at their husbands?” He even instructed employees to put in 90 hours a week, Sundays included.
Subrahmanyan had termed the remark as a “casual answer” which was given in a state of high-pressure situation as a result of the delays in the project and client anxiety. He did not know that he was being taped when he uttered the statement. “In hindsight, I could have answered differently,” he added. He also made it known that his wife was irritated at the manner her name was brought into the controversy.
He said that five or six top clients had personally approached him with complaints regarding project delays, and his remarks were a mirror reflection of the impatience and frustration prevalent in the company at the time.
The Origins of the Controversy
This incident sparked a larger debate regarding India’s workplace culture which started with Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s comment supporting young professionals’ willingness to work 70 hours a week in order to increase productivity and the country’s development. Murthy was met with both praise and backlash for proposing employees must get used to longer, more exhaustive working hours.
Following Murthy’s remarks, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal came out in public support for the proposal, challenging the necessity of weekend holidays in India by saying that the practice of Saturday-Sunday off was “brought from the West” and Indians needed to work harder.
During a discussion at a panel session, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan joined this argument by underlining the importance of productivity and hard work in Indian industries, endorsing Murthy’s demand for a strong work culture.
Check out: Only PM Modi Works 100 Hours A Week, Says Narayana Murthy In Conversation With BJP MP Tejasvi Surya
Anand Mahindra and Harsh Goenka’s Comments
The public outcry over Subrahmanyan’s comment invited strong reactions from other senior business leaders:
Anand Mahindra, Mahindra Group Chairman, provided a witty but insightful response on social media. “My wife is beautiful; I love staring at her,” he said, pointing out a humorous perspective on work-life balance while establishing the value of quality over quantity in working hours. Mahindra emphasized that it should be about how well one works and not merely about time spent.
Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Group, tried his best to keep it light during his company’s townhall by taking a reference to the L&T chairman’s words. Goenka posted a light-hearted message on Twitter saying he never talked about working on Sundays or looking at spouses, famously labeling the “day off” a mythical notion in a tongue-in-cheek remark. He upheld the requirement for work-life balance as well as long-term work habits.
The Bigger Debate: Work Ethic vs. Employee Welfare
The controversy resonates with India’s changing corporate culture, echoing conflicting perceptions on hard work, productivity, and the welfare of employees. Where some leaders believe in longer working hours to propel national growth at key moments, there are others who highlight the risk of burnout and the need for individuals’ well-being.
The public response has been divided, with valued candor by leaders but also serious alarm at mental health and sustainable working conditions. The scandal is hot on the heels of other high-profile debates, such as the tragic loss of staff members from work-related stress, bringing renewed scrutiny to corporate responsibility.
Check out: Karnataka Govt. to Implement 12-Hour Workday For IT Employees
Conclusion
SN Subrahmanyan’s honesty has led to a larger conversation about the future of work in India, raising questions on societal aspirations, cultural truth, and economic objectives. Together with Narayana Murthy, Bhavish Aggarwal, Anand Mahindra, and Harsh Goenka’s voices, this continued conversation indicates that India’s professionals and leadership are consciously struggling to strike the correct balance between aspiration and well-being within a rapidly transforming economy.
As India’s industries expand, such debates are redefining expectations and may eventually result in more equitable and productive workplaces in the coming years.
