CEO’s Holiday Comment Sparks Online Backlash

India’s Work Culture Under Scrutiny: CEO’s Holiday Comment Sparks Nationwide Debate

India’s evolving work culture has once again come under the spotlight, following a contentious post by Ravikumar Tummalacharla, founder and CEO of Cleanrooms Containments, who took to LinkedIn to voice his frustration over what he termed an “overload of public and optional holidays” in the country. His comments, suggesting that India’s generous holiday calendar is stalling productivity and damaging the work ethic, have sparked a flurry of responses across social media platforms and boardrooms alike.

Using April 2025 as a case in point, Tummalacharla claimed that more than ten holidays — when combined with weekends — have paralysed workflow across many offices. “Too many holidays, no work moving!” he wrote. “The overload of public and optional holidays, combined with weekends, often brings work to a standstill. In just April 2025, we’ve had 10+ holidays, and most offices are seeing no file movement for weeks.”

The Hyderabad-based entrepreneur raised alarms particularly for the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, which he said cannot afford frequent operational disruptions. “India’s extensive holiday list is destroying the work culture and productivity of workers,” he warned, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Ministry of Labour to revisit the national holiday structure.

Tummalacharla drew a sharp comparison with China, stating that it was “60 years ahead” because of its relentless focus on economic momentum. “In India, we often migrate abroad in search of smoother systems and faster processes. It is time to rethink our holiday culture and strike a better balance,” he stated. While he acknowledged the cultural and religious significance of festivals, he argued that these should not come at the cost of national productivity.

His remarks, however, were not received well by a large segment of the professional community. Many LinkedIn users accused the CEO of painting an exaggerated picture by including optional holidays and weekends in his tally, and criticised him for overlooking work-life balance.

But Tummalacharla remained firm. “Once you run an organisation, your lens shifts. Our elders fought for food and shelter. We chase comfort and still complain. We say there are no jobs, yet when there are, how many respect time and the 8-hour workday? I’m not saying work 70 hours. But too much ease dulls potential. Growth comes from challenge and purpose,” he asserted.

He also dismissed suggestions that technology could bridge productivity gaps caused by holidays. “AI can’t build roads, guard borders or treat patients,” he said, emphasising that many sectors still depend on human effort — often from people who work through holidays so others may rest.

In closing, Tummalacharla challenged his readers with a rhetorical reflection: “Are we overdoing holidays? Do we reflect on the values behind them, or just enjoy long weekends? Let’s ask not just ‘what do I get?’ — but ‘what do I give?’ India needs more contributors, not just critics.”

This is not the first time a high-profile figure has waded into the debate over work hours. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy previously called on young Indians to commit to a 70-hour workweek, citing it as key to addressing the country’s productivity challenges and poverty. Though he later clarified that his call was aspirational, not mandatory, it stirred a wide-ranging discussion.

Similarly, L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan faced backlash after suggesting a 90-hour workweek and expressing his preference for employees to work on Sundays — remarks that were quickly met with public resistance.

However, not all voices in India’s corporate landscape share the same view. Business leaders such as Anand Mahindra and Harshavardhan Goenka have advocated for a more balanced approach. Both have consistently emphasised the importance of quality over quantity and the need for employees to have time for family and personal rejuvenation.

As the country stands on the cusp of economic transformation, the debate over working hours and holiday policies reflects deeper tensions between ambition and wellbeing. Whether India will tilt towards a more rigorous work regime or continue to defend its festivals and rest days as essential cultural touchstones remains a question that policymakers and boardrooms alike must reckon with.