A LinkedIn post by Cleanrooms Containments CEO Ravikumar Tummalacharla has stirred a storm online after he criticized India’s “excessive” holidays for hampering productivity.
Citing over 10 holidays in April alone, Tummalacharla argued that frequent breaks are stalling work and denting India’s global business reputation.
“Too many holidays, no file movement! Work has come to a standstill,” he wrote, urging a national rethink of India’s holiday culture and calling on PM Modi and the Labour Ministry to act.
He compared India with China, saying, “China is 60 years ahead because they prioritise economic momentum,” and called for a shift from comfort to contribution.
His post, however, drew backlash, with many users defending the need for work-life balance and pointing out he lumped in optional holidays and weekends. Some called the comparison with China “misplaced” due to vastly different political systems.
Doubling down in a follow-up post, Tummalacharla responded:
“We chase comfort and still complain. India needs contributors, not just critics.”
He also dismissed AI as a fix-all, saying, “AI can’t build roads or treat patients. India still runs on people who work so others can rest.”