Nishit Kumar, MD of the Communication Center for Social and Behavioral Change, a Section 8 non-profit corporation, has given a strong defense of the work ethic that built modern India.

Responding to criticism of a 90-hour week suggestion by L&T chairman SN Subrahmanyan, Kumar urged younger generations to rethink their stance on hustle culture and recognize the sacrifices of those who came before them.

Addressing Millennials, Gen Z and Gen A in a powerful post, Kumar wrote, “You can laugh all you want at Mr. Subrahmanya’s statement. You were not born in India where he and I were born . You have no idea what it took to build institutions.”

He painted a vivid picture of the challenges facing a slower, pre-digital India.

“In 1984 I applied for a landline; in 1992 I received a letter sanctioning my landline”, he said. It highlighted the relentless determination of a generation that worked on weekends and holidays to create opportunities for the future.

“It was our generation that paved the way for Indians to grow in IT and medicine worldwide. You laugh at people like Narayana Murthy and Subrahmanya who built and maintained world-class institutions. Let’s see where it takes you India,” Kumar commented.

While acknowledging the importance of work-life balance, Kumar criticized the lack of context when he dismissed the earlier work ethic.

“It is no one’s wish that a rush culture be the norm. Work-life balance is excellent and worth ensuring. But to laugh at a work ethic that built the great institutions of the country shows little understanding of what India was 30 years ago.”

Kumar cited amazing examples of commitment and efficiency. Reliance’s Patalganga plant was completed in half the expected time and Delhi’s ITC Maurya was built in less than 12 months.

He also referenced Ratan Tata’s reflection on India’s work ethic: “In India, my senior team wouldn’t come home for a week during a crisis. But in the West you can’t get anyone to work after lunch on Friday.

He concluded with a pointed observation: “Before you laugh at our senior professionals, think for a moment. And remember, the workers who build the roads, subways and shopping malls you love don’t get the luxury of a 5-day week either.”