Harsh Goenka Supports 70-Hour Work Week, Sparks Debate

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] April 07: In recent months, big names like Narayana Murthy and SN Subrahmanyan stirred the pot by suggesting 70 to 90-hour work weeks. Harsh Goenka, chairman of the RPG group, supported them and said they were not asking people to work more literally, but to think differently. He said India needs a mindset that believes in effort over ease. These views have divided opinions, but they’re not new. The idea of hard work building a nation has roots in our freedom fighters too, who gave up comfort to build India’s future.

Why Harsh Goenka Defended Piyush Goyal

Union Minister Piyush Goyal had pointed fingers at young Indian billionaires for building cookie and ice cream brands instead of focusing on innovation. Harsh Goenka backed him too. He said Goyal’s views were not an insult but a push to dream bigger. Instead of running after comfort and quick profits, India should think of AI, deep tech, or clean energy. Goenka reminded people that it’s not about selling sweets, but creating something strong that will help India stand tall globally.

It’s Not About Burnout, Says Goenka

Many people online criticised these ideas, saying they ignore the need for rest and balance. In response, Harsh Goenka said the idea isn’t to glorify overwork or burnout. He believes in working both hard and smart. He posted, “This is not about killing your life at work. It’s about giving your best and building a better India.” His message was about direction—not forcing people to work 90 hours but motivating them to give their full effort. For many young Indians, this struck a chord as they juggle dreams and deadlines.

Remembering the Past to Build the Future

Goenka’s words may seem tough today, but India has always valued hard work. In post-Independence India, engineers, teachers, and farmers worked beyond hours to bring growth. The IT boom in Bengaluru happened because people worked long nights, building what we now proudly call India’s Silicon Valley. Harsh Goenka seems to ask—if they could do it, why can’t we do it again in today’s world of startups and technology? His views carry a pinch of challenge and a spark of hope for tomorrow’s India.

What This Means for Young India

The real question is—what are we building? Goenka says if India wants to match countries like the US or China, we must think beyond comfort. It’s not enough to create brands; we need to create bold ideas. Yes, rest is important, but so is ambition. The youth of today might not work 90 hours a week, but they can give their 100% in whatever hours they choose. His message isn’t a strict rule—it’s a wake-up call to dream bigger, work better, and build India’s future with pride.