A recent LinkedIn post by Tushar S, CEO of Bengaluru-based AI startup Vaani Research Labs, has sparked a heated debate over hustle culture in India’s fast-growing tech sector. Tushar’s post highlighted the gruelling work schedule of his co-founder, Abhinash Khare, who reportedly works up to 18 hours a day with minimal breaks. The post quickly went viral, receiving both admiration and sharp criticism.
Inside the Startup Grind: 18-Hour Workdays
In his now-deleted post, Tushar described how Abhinash’s daily routine starts at 8 AM and stretches well into the early hours of the next morning. What caught the attention of many was Tushar’s remark that Abhinash’s bed is just three feet away from his computer, allowing him to jump straight into work as soon as he wakes up.
“It’s been nearly seven months of coding until 2 AM, waking up at 8 AM, and diving right back into research and development,” Tushar wrote. While the post was intended as a tribute to Abhinash’s dedication, it quickly became a topic of controversy, with many questioning whether such intense work habits should be glorified.
Backlash Against Toxic Work Culture
While the post initially garnered thousands of likes, the critical responses soon outweighed the praise. Several LinkedIn users expressed concern that Tushar was promoting a toxic work culture, where long hours and unhealthy work habits are celebrated.
One user commented, “This kind of grinding is a toxic work culture, and I don’t see any point in praising it publicly. Sustainable growth should be the priority, not overworking to the point of exhaustion.”
Another added, “A well-rested mind and body can do wonders. As a co-founder, you should try to reduce the workload, even if Abhinash is willing to take it on. Long-term success requires a sustainable approach.”
Tushar’s Response to the Criticism
Facing mounting backlash, Tushar removed the post and later clarified his intentions. In a follow-up statement, he acknowledged that his post might have sent the wrong message but explained the harsh realities of running a bootstrapped startup with limited resources.
“We didn’t intend to glorify an unsustainable work ethic, but when you’re bootstrapping a startup, sometimes you have no choice,” Tushar explained. “We’re grateful for the concern about our health and well-being, and we’re doing our best to find a balance.”
The Ongoing Debate About Startup Culture
Tushar’s post has reignited a broader conversation about the work culture in India’s startup ecosystem. The pressure to succeed often pushes founders and employees to work long hours, blurring the line between dedication and burnout. As India’s tech industry continues to grow, this debate raises important questions about the cost of success and the need for a healthier work-life balance.
What’s your take on this issue? Do you believe hustle culture is necessary for startup success, or is it leading to burnout?
