Sat Mar 01 10:26:00 UTC 2025: ## India Needs a “Hard Work” Ethic to Achieve $30 Trillion Economy, Says G20 Sherpa

**NEW DELHI** – India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, has sparked debate by urging Indians to prioritize hard work over work-life balance to achieve the nation’s ambitious goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy. Speaking at a Business Standard event, Kant criticized the growing trend of downplaying the importance of long working hours, stating that “If your ambition is to move from a $4 trillion to a $30 trillion economy, you can’t do it through entertainment or by following the views of some film stars.”

Kant’s comments echo similar sentiments recently expressed by L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan (who suggested 90-hour workweeks) and Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy (who advocated for 70-hour weeks). He cited the strong work ethics of economically successful nations like Korea and Japan as a model for India to emulate.

While acknowledging the importance of work-life balance, Kant argued that it’s achievable even with long hours, suggesting individuals allocate just 1.5 hours daily for personal time. He countered the notion that working long hours is incompatible with a balanced life, stating, “I work every day, I exercise, I play golf, and I still manage to work hard.”

Kant’s stance contrasts sharply with the recent criticism faced by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for his comments about 120-hour workweeks at his Department of Government Efficiency. While Musk argued that such dedication provided a competitive edge, his statement drew considerable backlash.

Kant’s call for a renewed emphasis on hard work has ignited a national conversation about the ideal balance between professional ambition and personal well-being in the context of India’s economic aspirations.

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