Dr Rajiv Mathur
Partner, MIGS Global Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
In recent times, the debate around long workweeks has sparked conversations across India. When industry stalwarts like N. R. Narayana Murthy and S. N. Subrahmanyan suggested extended work hours, and Hon’ble Union Minister Piyush Goyal urged startups to aim higher, their words were not meant to be taken literally. Instead, they serve as a clarion call for young entrepreneurs to embrace hard work, innovation, and resilience. Before, we pass our judgement on their statements; let us learn a bit about them:
India stands at the cusp of a transformative era. With aspirations to become a $5 trillion economy and the third-largest global power, the road ahead demands more than just effort – it requires vision, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The spirit of hard work
Narayana Murthy’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance. From humble beginnings, he built Infosys into a global IT giant. His call for a 70-hour workweek is not about overburdening employees but about fostering a culture of dedication and ambition. It’s a reminder that success often demands going the extra mile.
Similarly, S. N. Subrahmanyan’s leadership at L&T showcases the importance of pushing boundaries. His advocacy for a 90-hour workweek reflects his own commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, L&T has executed some of the most challenging infrastructure projects, setting new benchmarks for the industry.
A vision for the future
Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent remarks at the Startup Mahakumbh resonate deeply with India’s entrepreneurial spirit. By urging startups to move beyond grocery delivery apps and focus on high-tech sectors like AI, robotics, and semiconductors, he is challenging the nation to think big. His message is clear – to lead the world, India must innovate and invest in cutting-edge technologies.
Goyal’s vision is not about dismissing the achievements of existing startups but about inspiring them to dream bigger. His emphasis on deep-tech innovation aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global leader in technology and sustainability.
The path forward
The essence of these leaders’ messages lies in their shared belief in India’s potential. They are not advocating for unsustainable work practices but are encouraging a mindset of continuous improvement. Their words are a call to action for young entrepreneurs to rise above complacency and strive for greatness.
Narayana Murthy:
Known as the ‘Father of the Indian IT Sector,’ Mr. Murthy co-founded Infosys in 1981. Under his leadership, Infosys became a global leader in IT services, pioneering the Global Delivery Model. His vision and ethical leadership have inspired countless entrepreneurs. He has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Shri.
S. N. Subrahmanyan:
As the Chairman and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro, Mr. Subrahmanyan has been instrumental in transforming L&T into a global engineering and infrastructure powerhouse. With a background in civil engineering and business management, he has led iconic projects like the Statue of Unity and the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
Piyush Goyal:
A seasoned politician and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal has played a pivotal role in India’s economic reforms. Known for his strategic vision, he has spearheaded initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and the Startup India Desk to support entrepreneurs.
As India marches towards its ambitious goals, the youth must embrace this spirit of hard work and innovation. The journey to becoming a global powerhouse will not be easy, but with the right mindset, it is achievable.
The debate around long workweeks and the push for innovation is not about numbers or hours – it’s about attitude. It’s about believing in the power of dreams and the strength of determination. As Narayana Murthy, S. N. Subrahmanyan, and Piyush Goyal have shown through their own journeys, success is not a destination but a continuous process of growth and learning.
How does this represent India’s Private Security Industry?
India’s private security sector stands as evidence to resilience, scale, and the indispensable role of human vigilance. Despite the rapid convergence of technology and innovation in recent years, manned guarding continues to dominate the industry landscape, employing nearly 10 million security personnel across the nation. This workforce, operating 24/7, forms the backbone of countless institutions – ensuring safety, order, and peace of mind.
Behind the scenes, the operational machinery of the industry is constantly in motion. Security teams – especially on the operations side – often stretch beyond standard work hours, remaining on high alert to swiftly respond to emerging challenges. Their unwavering commitment and agility are vital in an environment where threats can be unpredictable and the margin for error is minimal.
Yet, while human presence remains critical, India is also experiencing a remarkable surge in technological innovation in private security. From AI-powered surveillance systems and advanced identity authentication tools to risk intelligence platforms and mobility monitoring solutions, the country is embracing a new era of smart security. What’s particularly notable is that many of these cutting-edge technologies are being developed domestically, signalling India’s growing self-reliance and expertise in this domain.
The fusion of manpower and machine is shaping the future of private security in India. With a robust workforce and a burgeoning tech ecosystem, Bharat is not just securing its present – but also redefining how it safeguards its future.
India’s Private Security Startups: Challenges and the road ahead
India’s security landscape is evolving rapidly, with startups playing a crucial role in strengthening industrial and homeland security. From AI-driven surveillance to autonomous defence systems, Indian innovators are developing cutting-edge solutions to address emerging threats. However, while progress is evident, there are challenges that must be overcome to ensure sustained growth in this sector.
The rise of security startups in India India has witnessed a surge in security-focused startups, driven by government initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and the push for Atmanirbhar Bharat. Companies like idea Forge, Optimized Electrotech, Sparsh CCTV, and Big Bang Boom Solutions are pioneering drone technology, AI-powered surveillance, and defence automation.
Additionally, cybersecurity startups are addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, financial systems, and digital platforms. With India’s growing reliance on digital networks, securing sensitive data and preventing cyber threats has become a national priority.
Challenges hindering growth
Despite the promising advancements, security startups face several hurdles:
● Funding constraints: Unlike fintech or e-commerce, security startups struggle to attract private investments due to long development cycles and high R&D costs.
● Regulatory barriers: Complex compliance requirements and slow approval processes hinder innovation and deployment.
● Limited collaboration: Startups often lack access to government contracts and partnerships with defence agencies, restricting their ability to scale.
● Talent shortage: The demand for highly skilled engineers in AI, cybersecurity, and defence technology exceeds supply, slowing progress.
What needs to be done?
To accelerate innovation and ensure India’s security startups thrive, the following steps are essential:
● Stronger government support: Streamlining procurement policies and offering tax incentives can encourage more startups to enter the sector.
● Increased private investment: Venture capital firms and corporate investors must recognize the long-term potential of security startups and provide funding.
● Enhanced collaboration: Encouraging public-private partnerships will help startups integrate their solutions into national security frameworks.
● Skill development initiatives: Universities and research institutions should focus on AI, cybersecurity, and defence tech training to bridge the talent gap.
India’s industrial and homeland security startups are on the rise, but sustained growth requires strategic investments, policy reforms, and talent development. With the right support, these startups can revolutionize India’s security infrastructure, making the nation self-reliant and globally competitive.
Let this be a moment of inspiration for every young entrepreneur in India. The future is bright, but it requires effort, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. Together, let’s build a nation that not only achieves its economic goals but also becomes a beacon of innovation and progress for the world
What’s needed now is action!
