A firestorm of controversy has erupted over remarks made by SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman of Larsen & Toubro, regarding the company’s expectations for work hours. During a recent interaction with employees, Subrahmanyan expressed his desire to have staff work on Sundays, sparking widespread criticism.
In a video clip circulating online, Subrahmanyan is heard saying, “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays.” He also raised eyebrows with his comment, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you look at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.”
Subrahmanyan Receives Backlash
Subrahmanyan’s comments have been met with fierce backlash, with many accusing him of promoting a culture of overwork and neglecting employees’ well-being. Bollywood actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone also weighed in on the controversy, sharing a post by journalist Faye D’Souza and writing, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters.”
Larsen & Toubro Clarifies
Larsen & Toubro has since responded to the controversy, stating that the Chairman’s remarks reflect the company’s commitment to nation-building and driving progress. A spokesperson told HT, “We believe this is India’s decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realize our shared vision of becoming a developed nation. The Chairman’s remarks reflect this larger ambition, emphasizing that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort. At L&T, we remain committed to fostering a culture where passion, purpose, and performance drive us forward.”
