Fri Jan 17 13:33:26 UTC 2025: ## L&T Chairman’s Controversial “Sunday Work” Remarks Defended as Misinterpreted
**New Delhi, India** – Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan’s recent comments suggesting employees should work on Sundays have sparked a major controversy. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, stepped in to defend Subrahmanyan, stating that the remarks were taken out of context and intended as a motivational message to encourage hard work and timely project delivery.
Subrahmanyan’s comments, made during an internal meeting and subsequently shared online, included questioning employees’ activities at home and suggesting they could spend less time with their families. This led to widespread criticism online, with many accusing Subrahmanyan of promoting a culture of overwork and poor work-life balance. The video, showing Subrahmanyan also referencing a 90-hour work week in China, went viral.
Kant, however, argued that India’s ambitious growth targets require significant dedication and cited examples of rapidly developing nations, such as post-WWII Japan, South Korea, and China, that achieved success through hard work. He insisted that while hard work is essential, it shouldn’t come at the expense of work-life balance.
L&T itself has defended Subrahmanyan, asserting that his remarks were misinterpreted and reflect the company’s commitment to achieving ambitious national goals. The company’s Human Resources chief echoed this sentiment. Despite this, the controversy highlights ongoing debates about work culture and expectations in India’s rapidly growing economy. Many online commentators pointed to L&T’s allegedly poor work-life balance and low salaries, particularly for entry-level employees, as evidence against the company’s claims.
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