'Appreciate the true worth' of wives: Billionaire Sanjiv Goenka dig at L&T chairman over 90 hour work week remark

Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, the Chairman of the $7 billion RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, recently shared a sweet but succinct take on the ongoing 90-hour-week-workday debate. Taking to X, the billionaire dropped an adorable picture of himself with his wife Preeti and penned a mushy post.

“There is no one more precious than a wife!! Can keep looking at her endlessly... Feel sad for those who do not appreciate the true worth,” read his tweet.



Reacting to the post, one X user wrote, “ Practically one cannot keep looking at their partner endlessly. That’s not possible. Loving someone and caring for them is real and looking at the same person endlessly sounds stupid.”

Another user called him out for his past behaviour with cricketers KL Rahul and MS Dhoni. “Nice try riding the “good guy” wave, but some things can’t be erased. We’ll never forget how you treated KL and MS. Actions speak louder than trends!” read the comment. The user was referring to how Rahul was unceremoniously booted out of the Goenka-owned IPL group Lucknow Super Giants last year.

Rahul was secured by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction after LSH decided not to retain their captain, who led the franchise for three seasons. Dhoni was sacked as captain of the now defunct Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG), a team owned by Goenka, after they finished second from bottom in 2016.

India Inc’s toxic corporate culture became the talking point again after Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan suggested employees work up to 90 hours a week, including Sundays. His remarks, deemed insensitive by many, drew sharp criticism from industrialists, public figures, and netizens. Subrahmanyan expressed regret that L&T employees weren’t working on Sundays, stating, “If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays too.” He added a controversial remark: “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working.”

The backlash was swift, with critics calling his comments tone-deaf and dismissive of the importance of personal time. Many argued that such a culture of overwork disregards employee well-being and promotes unhealthy work practices.

In response, L&T issued an official statement clarifying Subrahmanyan’s remarks. The company framed his comments within the context of their mission of “nation-building.” They emphasized that the chairman’s intent was not to advocate for overwork but to highlight the importance of dedication and commitment in achieving organizational goals. However, the clarification did little to quell the criticism.

Subrahmanyan’s statements have ignited a broader national conversation about work-life balance and the boundaries of professional expectations. While hard work and dedication remain vital for success, many argue that excessive workloads are unsustainable and harmful to both physical and mental health. Advocates of balanced schedules assert that personal time is not a luxury but a necessity for a fulfilling life and sustained productivity.

The debate underscores the evolving dynamics of modern workplaces, highlighting the growing recognition of employee well-being as a critical factor in long-term organizational success. As industries strive to meet ambitious goals, the challenge lies in fostering an environment where efficiency and holistic health coexist harmoniously.