Shantanu Deshpande, founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, shared a clear reflection on the Indian work culture in a recent LinkedIn post. His blunt critique touched on the realities of the labor force, wealth inequality, and the deeply rooted “hard work” ethos that had driven economies for centuries.
“If financial security was guaranteed, 99% wouldn't show up for work the next day,” he said, challenging the basic motivations that fuel the nation's workforce. From gig workers to government employees, Deshpande observes a universal unhappiness, saying, “The story is the same. 19-20 ka farak.
Deshpande did not hold back when discussing wealth distribution, highlighting how just 2,000 families control 18% of India's wealth but contribute far less than 1.8% of the country's taxes. “That's crazy,” he cried. He questioned what is the morality of a system where the majority work endlessly to support their families while the few benefit disproportionately.
Reflecting on work's historic role, he noted, “For 250+ years, we have accepted the norm of working tirelessly, often for weeks, from dawn to dusk, with the promise of a paycheck. Nations are built on this, so let's do it. ” However, he candidly admitted that even stock-builders like him are guilty of perpetuating the “work hard and rise to the top” narrative because “we don't know any other way”.
The post provoked strong reactions. One commentator argued that jobs provide more than financial stability, “A job keeps the mind active. Without it, people may waste time scrolling through social media. Another pointed out that nations thrive on the labor of farmers, teachers, health workers, and merchants, who continue to work even if they are guaranteed sustenance.
Others questioned the feasibility of providing financial security to billions, while some delved into philosophical perspectives, equating life's struggles with themes in the Ramayana and Mahabharata.