- By Srishti Pandey
- Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:34 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Larsen & Toubro's chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, has come under fire for his recent comments suggesting employees should work on Sundays. The remarks have sparked widespread backlash, with actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone adding her voice to the criticism.
Deepika Padukone, known for her advocacy for mental health, shared her reaction on Instagram Stories. She reposted a journalist's post about Subrahmanyan's comments and wrote:
"Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters."
During an employee interaction, Subrahmanyan addressed the company's six-day workweek policy. He expressed regret over not being able to extend workdays to Sundays. A video circulating online shows him 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."
HAVE A LOOK:
Image: Deepika Padukone's Instagram Story (Source: Instagra
His comments took a controversial turn when he questioned employees' downtime at home, stating:
"What do you do sitting at home? How long can you look at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working."
These remarks have fueled debates on work-life balance and workplace culture, with many criticizing the tone and implications of his statements.
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for Larsen & Toubro released a statement emphasizing the company's commitment to nation-building:
"At L&T, nation-building is at the core of our mandate. For over eight decades, we have been shaping India's infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities.
"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."
Deepika Padukone has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in India. After opening up about her own experience with depression, she founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015. The organization works to destigmatize mental health issues, provide resources, and train professionals to address mental health needs effectively.
Through campaigns like "You Are Not Alone," the foundation educates students and teachers on mental health, sparking essential conversations about well-being. Deepika’s efforts continue to encourage society to prioritize mental health and seek help without fear of judgment.
Subrahmanyan's comments have reignited discussions on the importance of work-life balance, especially in high-pressure corporate environments.