Reflection of larger ambition: L&T backs chairman SN Subrahmanyan's remark calling for working Sunday

During an interaction with employees, Subrahmanyan was addressing why employees of multi-billion-dollar conglomerates have to work even on Saturdays.

In a video which went viral on social media, the chairman was heard saying, "I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays."

He continued, "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you look at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working."

After his remark sparked an online debate over the work-life balance with several prominent personalities including Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone, RPG Enterprises chairman Harsh Goenka slamming the call, the L&T has jumped to a sort of damage control mode.

The company spokesperson said in a statement, "Nation-building is at the core of our mandate. For over eight decades, we have been shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities. We believe this is India’s decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realise our shared vision of becoming a developed nation."

"The chairman's remarks reflect this larger ambition."

Reactions

Calling out Subrahmanyan, Deepika wrote in an Instagram story, "Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #mentalhealthmatters."

"Its only because of poor labor law in India, L&T Chairman has the guts to say he regret not able to work employees on Sunday. Such a shame. He clearly doesn't have any personal life. And want others to not have either," posted Sahil Bhadviya on X.

Not just online users, but Subrahmayan has received brickbats from his own fraternity.

RPG Enterprises chairman Harsh Goenka hit out at Subrahmanyan saying, "90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential. Well, that’s my view!"

One X user with name Ganesh wrote, "L&T Chief wants his employee to work on Sundays so that he/she can stare at others wife/GF than own wife in home. These so called Chiefs take salary in 8 digit pay 5 digits to employees and expect them to work 90 hours so that the chief can add an extra zero in his pay grade."

Journalist Nidhi Razdan said, "His comments are problematic not only because he wants to enforce slavery but also because they reflect a deeper misogyny. Does L & T not employ women? The comments also reflect disrespect for a wife or partner. Shameful."

Quite similar to what Subrahmanyan said, Infosys co-founder and former CEO, Narayan Murthy had created a debate after proposing a 70-hour work per week for the economic growth of the country.

Murthy had underlined that he used to work for 85-90 hours every week till 1994.

The Infosys co-founder said he doesn't believe in work-life balance claiming "hard work" is more important than "work-life balance".