NEW DELHI — As the controversy raged over L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan’s
suggestion to employees to work 90 hours a week, leading startup founders and
investors on Saturday said that young India doesn't want to be told what to do
and we should respect them.
It does not mean that they are working less because young
Indians get "switched on in different ways".
"I think we all know that you need to be a rounded
person, otherwise you can't perform. So hard work is very important but the
definition of hard and definition of work are different things to different
people, and I think we need to respect that individuality," serial
entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala told IANS during the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders
Dialogue 2025’ event here.
Oyo co-founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal told IANS at the
event that the concept of hours for working is "not the right
concept".
"The right concept for work says that you should
work with a full heart. Everyone is working wholeheartedly towards the
developed India mission. Some people can be productive in just 4 hours a day,
while some people may take 8 hours. Everyone can have their own way and path
towards work," he said.
Agarwal further stated that there is a huge opportunity for
young Indians ahead.
“If you have an idea to make the country 'developed
India', then you can share it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many excited
founders will share their stories. I want to wish all the youth best wishes for
this opportunity,” Agarwal noted.
According to Screwvala, the key point is diversity and
that's what India is all about.
"We look at youth in a very manner of raw energy,
passion, fresh ideas, freshness or diversity," Screwvala added.
The Department of Youth Affairs is organising the 'Viksit
Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' from January 10-12 at Bharat Mandapam here.
The event, which is a reimagination of the National Youth
Festival, aims to provide a unique platform for youth to present innovative
solutions for 'Viksit Bharat'.
It offers young leaders an opportunity to engage directly
with policymakers, and national and global icons while contributing their ideas
for shaping the nation's future.
