Latest news with #Shrivastava
News18
7 hours ago
- General
- News18
Are Indians The Most Overworked People On Earth? Netizens Debate Over Viral Post Claim
Last Updated: His observation, made in response to a conversation about reservation and employment, has sparked wide-ranging responses online A viral post on social media platform X has reignited discussions around work culture, education pressure, and social mobility in India. The comment, made by user named, Akshat Shrivastava, claimed that 'Indians are the most overworked people on earth. Not by choice. But, by system." His observation, made in response to a conversation about reservation and employment, has sparked wide-ranging responses online — from agreement to criticism, and everything in between. In a detailed post, Shrivastava outlined why he believes this pattern of overwork is deeply embedded in Indian society. He wrote: 'Kids studying for IITs would easily study 10-12 hours/day. This ability to 'slog" continues at work. This habit to 'slog" continues in adult life… While their European colleagues would have 'down time", Indians would sacrifice their sleep, family and health, to serve their company." Shrivastava pointed to the pressures young Indians face early in life, stating that the drive to overwork often stems from a lack of options and economic security. 'What's the root cause of all this? Well, it comes down to building survival instincts from a young age. Many hardworking kids have no choice but to slog. Build merit–> build a better life. That's their only option to a better life." His post was a reply to another user, Ravi, who had commented on the reservation system, stating that general category students do not lose seats to reserved category applicants, but to other general category candidates. Shrivastava's response quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of reactions. Some users supported his perspective, agreeing that Indian society encourages relentless effort from a young age. 'Indians don't hustle out of ambition. They hustle because the system taught them there's no safety net, only grind or fall," a comment read. 'Glorifying 'slogging' as the only path feels like accepting a broken system. Isn't the real tragedy that survival depends on such extremes?," another user responded. Others, however, pushed back against the idea that overwork should be normalised. 'Hard work is not a problem. Mindset is. Indians need to know: hard work isn't always the key to success — leverage is." 'Indians are often trapped in a cycle of relentless hard work, chasing middle-class stability without questioning the true return on investment for their efforts. The grind for IIT or NIT can open doors, but why does the pressure to top the class start so early, robbing teens of their youth?," another added. One user sharply criticised Shrivastava for lacking social insight, despite his strong grasp of financial matters: 'I've never seen someone so brilliantly astute when it comes to financial literacy and that part of the horizon and then be a completely oblivious illiterate when it comes to social aspects. just fascinating that someone can be this knowledgeable and this ignorant at the same time."
NDTV
8 hours ago
- General
- NDTV
X User Says "Indians Are The Most Overworked People On Earth", Sparks Discussion
Akshat Shrivastava, a finance advisor and a content creator, has sparked a debate online after saying that Indians are the most overworked people on earth, not by choice, but because of systemic pressures ingrained from a young age. Taking to X, Mr Shrivastava cited the example of children studying 10-12 hours a day to prepare for competitive exams. This ability to "slog", he argued, carries over into adulthood. "Many hardworking Indians migrate abroad. While their European colleagues have downtime, Indians sacrifice their sleep, family and health to serve their company," he wrote. The content creator attributed this pattern to a survival mindset that begins from a young age. "What's the root cause of all this? Well, it comes down to building survival instincts from a young age," he said, adding: "Many hardworking kids have no choice but to slog." "Build merit - build a better life. That's their only option. They work silently, putting in hours. Right from the time they are 12-13-year-old kids. Why? because working hard is 100x better than entitled begging," he wrote. [1] Indians are the most overworked people on earth. Not by choice. But, by system. Example: kids studying for IITs would easily study 10-12 hours/day. This ability to "slog" continues at work. [2] This habit to "slog" continues in adult life. Example: many hardworking… — Akshat Shrivastava (@Akshat_World) June 19, 2025 Mr Shrivastava's post has triggered mixed reactions on social media. While several users agreed with him, others shared their critical perspective. "Indians are often trapped in a cycle of relentless hard work, chasing middle-class stability without questioning the true return on investment for their efforts. The grind for IIT or NIT can open doors, but why does the pressure to top the class start so early, robbing teens of their youth?" questioned one user. "Indians don't hustle out of ambition. They hustle because the system taught them there's no safety net, only grind or fall," expressed another. "It's not hustle culture, it's survival culture. For many Indians, hard work isn't ambition-it's the only way out," commented a third user. "India's work ethic is rooted in survival, not passion. From competitive exams to corporate cubicles, the system teaches us that hard work is the only escape from poverty and mediocrity. This mindset-while admirable-often rewards burnout, not brilliance. Children sacrifice play for tests, adults sacrifice health for targets," said another. However, one user wrote, "Hard work is not the problem. Mindset is. Indians need to know: hard work is not the key to success - leverage is." "If you are born among 1.5 billion people in a 3rd world country, Hard work and Struggle are inevitable," expressed another.
India Today
15 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Struggling to Focus? Meditation might help—All you need to know
In today's fast-paced world, where everything happens in a flash, people's attention spans are shorter than ever. Studies indicate that attention spans are rapidly shrinking, with individuals struggling to maintain focus on tasks that demand even moderate effort. The primary culprits are stress, constant digital distractions, and the overwhelming volume of information we are exposed to daily. India Today spoke with her to get deeper insights on how meditation impacts focus in the age of distraction. By Mrs. Aditi Shrivastava, Senior Teacher of Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Academic Advisor for Consciousness at Maharishi University of Information Technology (MUIT)advertisementWHY MEDITATION IS THE ANTIDOTE TO DISTRACTIONMeditation is a valuable tool for enhancing concentration and mental function. It helps individuals become mindful, present, and better equipped to manage the work at hand. As pressures from contemporary living rise, the capacity to concentrate becomes a key driver of productivity, making meditation a crucial skill for both personal and professional HIDDEN COST OF MULTITASKINGWith most people juggling multiple tasks, multitasking is often mistaken for efficiency. However, research shows that it reduces productivity by nearly 40%. Stressful environments compound this, leading to anxiety, fatigue, and mental blockages. Meditation, by contrast, allows the mind to reset and operate from a calm, expansive state—making deep focus more natural. Meditation isn't just a spiritual or ancient ritual—it is backed by neuroscience. It activates the prefrontal cortex, responsible for critical thinking and attention. It also increases grey matter in regions that handle learning and memory. Studies from Harvard have shown that nearly 47% of a person's day is spent distracted—something meditation helps dramatically reduce by anchoring awareness in the BENEFITS OF MEDITATION FOR IMPROVING CONCENTRATIONadvertisementMeditation enhances focus by quieting internal distractions. It boosts alpha wave activity, which is linked to a calm yet alert mind. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones and promoting a relaxed state conducive to concentration. With regular practice, it also helps regulate emotions like frustration and anxiety, allowing mental clarity to emerge. Over time, meditation improves neuroplasticity, empowering the brain to focus better and adapt to challenges.'Meditation allows the mind to transcend the noise and settle into stillness, which is where true concentration is built,' says Shrivastava. 'It clears away the mental clutter, giving rise to natural alertness.'HOW TO INCORPORATE MEDITATION INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINEStarting a meditation practice doesn't have to be overwhelming. Begin with a short, consistent routine. Choose a style that resonates—be it mindfulness, visualisation, focused attention, or Transcendental Meditation (TM). Understanding the impact of meditation in your daily life can fuel your motivation to continue.'The key is consistency, even if it's just for a few minutes a day,' says Shrivastava. 'It's about choosing a practice that aligns with your mind's nature. TM, for instance, is effortless and deeply restorative.'ALTERNATIVE PRACTICES FOR BETTER FOCUSBesides meditation, complementary practices like yoga asanas, mudras, and pranayama can improve memory and concentration. Simple habits—like mindful walks or short meditation breaks between work—can prevent burnout. A balanced lifestyle involving good sleep, nutrition, and mental wellness further supports sharper cognitive concentration is more essential than ever in our distraction-heavy lives. Meditation trains the mind to experience deeper awareness, expanding its potential for productivity and peace. Whether you choose TM, guided visualisations, or breath-focused practices, a daily routine is key to unlocking long-term benefits.'Concentration is a learnable skill, and meditation is the training ground to cultivate the mind's infinite capabilities,' Shrivastava Watch
Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
‘Indians are the most overworked people on Earth': YouTuber's viral post sparks discussion
A viral post by finance YouTuber and content creator Akshat Shrivastava has reignited debate over India's deeply ingrained culture of overwork, a pattern he attributes not to personal choice, but to systemic pressures ingrained from a young age. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shrivastava wrote, 'Indians are the most overworked people on earth. Not by choice. But, by system,' citing the example of children preparing for competitive exams like the IIT-JEE who often study 10–12 hours a day. This early conditioning to 'slog,' he argued, carries over into adulthood. (Also Read: 'Narayana Murthy must be dancing': Karnataka's 12-hour workday proposal triggers meme fest) 'This habit continues in adult life,' he wrote. 'Many hardworking Indians migrate abroad. While their European colleagues have downtime, Indians sacrifice their sleep, family and health to serve their company.' He attributed this pattern to a survival mindset that begins in adolescence: 'Many hardworking kids have no choice but to slog. Build merit → build a better life. That's their only option.' The post has sparked a flurry of responses on social media, with many echoing the sentiment and others offering critical perspectives. One user commented, 'Yet despite longer working hours, overall productivity remains so low that it cancels out the extra effort.' Another noted, 'Glorifying slogging as the only path feels like accepting a broken system. True merit should value sustainable effort and well-being.' Others questioned the social cost of this relentless pursuit of success. 'Why does the pressure to top the class start so early, robbing teens of their youth?' asked one user. While Shrivastava's take struck a chord with many, it also triggered introspection. As one user summed it up, 'Hard work is not the problem. Mindset is. Indians need to know: hard work is not the key to success — leverage is.' (Also Read: 'Work 50-60 hours a week, most weekends': Virginia man on harsh reality of life after college)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Akshat Shrivastava on exam race in India: 'There is life outside IIT/ UPSC/ CAT/ NEET. Your talent could be used to...'
In a country where academic milestones like IIT , UPSC , CAT , and NEET are often valued more, a growing chorus of voices is urging young Indians to look beyond entrance exams for validation and purpose. Financial educator Akshat Shrivastava recently sparked a thought-provoking conversation on LinkedIn , highlighting the often-unspoken reality of India's exam-centric culture — and the personal toll it takes on countless aspirants. Shrivastava recounted meeting a student who had spent four years preparing for the UPSC, only to fail. The same student then invested two more years chasing the CAT dream — and failed again. After nearly six years of relentless preparation and crushing setbacks, he is now struggling to rebuild his confidence and career. But instead of blaming the student, Shrivastava pointed to a deeper systemic flaw. In his view, the odds today are so steep that even talented, hard-working individuals are being filtered out, not because they lack merit, but because the competition is brutally disproportionate. With limited seats, the presence of reservations, and millions chasing a handful of spots, these exams are no longer a true measure of capability, according to him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Godrej Majesty | Luxurious 3 & 4 BHK Homes at ₹2.39 Cr* Godrej Majesty Learn More Undo — Akshat_World (@Akshat_World) He believes there's a better path: using that same energy to build real-world skills, start small ventures, learn on the job, or explore emerging career paths that don't require beating impossible odds. Shrivastava argues that preparing endlessly for exams is not the only—or even the most reliable—route to success. His message is clear and empowering: You're not a failure if you don't clear an exam. Your value isn't tied to a rank. There is life and success beyond IIT, UPSC, CAT, and NEET. Netizens react Several users resonated deeply with the message that preparing for an exam is not a job. One pointed out how government exams today are incredibly competitive, with lakhs of applicants vying for a handful of vacancies. Coupled with systemic issues like reservation complexities, corruption, and scandals such as the SSC scam, many felt it was not worth spending years chasing such uncertain outcomes. Another user highlighted a broader concern — not just an exam crisis, but an imagination crisis. They argued that the current system rewards rote memorisation and punishes those who don't succeed with lifelong shame, even though the real world values adaptability and innovation over academic ranks. Many agreed that the focus should shift from just passing exams to building real, market-ready skills. Others emphasised the importance of developing practical capabilities. The modern job market , they said, no longer favors toppers alone, but rather those who can problem-solve, create, communicate, and execute. In a world driven by results, resumes packed with marks matter less than demonstrable skills and real-world impact.
