This is what Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said about 70-hour workweek
In response to the ongoing debate sparked by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy's call for a 70-hour workweek, spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said working longer hours doesn't guarantee better results, unless it's supported by mental clarity, energy, and balance.The spiritual leader stated the importance of rest and mental presence at work, suggesting that quality, not quantity, should define our professional contributions.advertisement'Work-life balance is very important,' he said in an exclusive interview with India Today's Sneha Mordani,.
"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 added.His comments come months after Murthy, at an event in November 2024, reiterated his belief that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to help the country grow economically."I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave,' Murthy had said.But Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar offered a different perspective."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. That kind of work needs quality time and attention," he said.advertisementUsing a vivid analogy, he explained that just as a car needs to pause and refuel to keep moving, people too must take time to recharge."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," he said.He added that taking deeper rest can actually make a person more productive: '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 that being smart about work involves recognising your own energy limits. "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.Must Watch
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The Wire
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