We Indians have glorified hustle culture and overworking to such an extent that we have forgotten what a normal and sustainable work-life looks like. This started way back in school when we used to get certificates and medals for 100% attendance. And now, we take pride in not missing work for even a day and are celebrated for it.
Here’s an example. A man in Uttar Pradesh, Tejpal Singh, who works for a company named Dwarikesh Sugar Industries Ltd has taken only 1 leave in his 26 years of service. He took the day off that one day for “personal commitments” for his brother’s wedding, reported Moneycontrol. He has secured a spot in the India Book of Records.
His company allows 45 days of leave annually. Tejpal Singh lives in Bijnor with his wife and four kids. His two younger brothers also live with them. Despite living in such a huge family, who may have demanded him to stay at home during festivals, Singh’s dedication towards his work made him spend even festivals and Sundays at the office.
UP Man Sets Records By Taking Only 1 Leave in 26 Years of His Service#Bijnor #UP #Work #Employee #Leave #TejpalSingh #NewsMo pic.twitter.com/oJtsUAmRl0
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) March 12, 2024
Upon watching the above video, people online thought that Infosys founder Narayana Murthy would cry tears of joy if he gets to know about Singh! Soon, X was flooded with hilarious reactions. Have a look:
Aise log pure office ka mahol kharab karte hai. https://t.co/i4L3pp3R37
— Godman Chikna (@Madan_Chikna) March 13, 2024
Ye kabhi Narayana Murthy se mila to vo isko gale laga ke pappi de dega https://t.co/StlkDp1D0K
— chacha monk (@oldschoolmonk) March 13, 2024
Narayan Murthy's favourite employee https://t.co/Uhv5aQo0Kv
— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) March 14, 2024
Narayana murthy while reading this https://t.co/xEqQhG7j7N pic.twitter.com/bdCw3wO24X
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) March 12, 2024
That leave encashment credited message will hit differently.. https://t.co/sEbsLwuiu2 pic.twitter.com/89N1l2Abst
— Pandemic Pep™️ (@afc_anubhav) March 12, 2024
The lengths men go to avoid spending time with their wives 🤣 https://t.co/uWWqkiTQf1
— wagie is out of the cagie! (@whatthisbehav) March 13, 2024
Inko Narayan Murthy naamak award do re koi. Bahut menhati insaan hain ye.
— Lord Satwick (@LordSatwick) March 13, 2024
meanwhile Narayan Murthy pic.twitter.com/YTrHKqJexp
— Tanmay⚡ (@tanmay_speaks) March 13, 2024
However, there were also people who criticized the celebration of such “dedication” towards ones work because they thought it wasn’t healthy and that there would be no time for people to spend time with their families or practice their hobbies if they had to work this way.
This not achievement I really feel bad for his team , his peers and most importantly his family !! Not an achievement or a behavior which to be celebrated !!
— whattheX (@X_what_the) March 12, 2024
This is not an achievement if you can’t take out time for yourself ,family , friends.
— Rana (@RanaVijayPratap) March 12, 2024
Hero of the Boomer Generation.
So proud of neglecting his health, having no interests or hobbies outside of his job, not giving enough time to wife and kids, friends and family.
Working a job isn't bad, but making it your entire life, is. https://t.co/me4zbf8Epy pic.twitter.com/heGOw9jOKN— Cogitare (@cogitare_01) March 13, 2024
To be frank it's his personal decision which should be respected. But had I been in his place there would have been nothing to be proud because it's family which pays the cost for such things. No. of family events which would have been missed etc. https://t.co/Kj0d1rHBWC
— J.Sanjay Kumar,IRTS (@Sanjay_IRTS) March 14, 2024
While a personal decision not to take leave deserves its place, but taking leave to attend to the family, to travel and for recreation is essential. Even in the armed forces, availing of leave by soldiers is monitored. Taking a break from work is related to mental health. #Leave https://t.co/MHbRDzwzGF
— Ananth Rupanagudi (@Ananth_IRAS) March 14, 2024
I did that for the first 3 or 4 years, taking max 2 to 3 days leave a year and realised that it sheer stúpidity to work that way. Nobody literally cares
I would suggest to leverage all the leaves, focus on your hobbies, relaxation and family. https://t.co/wDdzPXVfKp
— 𝕲𝖆𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖍 * (@ggganeshh) March 12, 2024
well congrats or whatever to him but not inspired 26 yrs of family time won't come back https://t.co/st139yoE9V
— Shubh (@VK18Shubh) March 14, 2024
What a loser. Had he quit, he would have been replaced in a day/week. The only W in this is that he is healthy and didn't fall sick. https://t.co/THfIHAWjvD
— Koṅkaṇasuta🚩 (@raizada55) March 13, 2024
Bad bad bad n wrong narrative being set…wat about family? People should balance life between home n office. https://t.co/tAKK10wHqp
— Madhu (@DiwedyMadhu) March 12, 2024
What do you think about such a work life? Tell us!