Bombay Shaving Company CEO Shantanu Deshpande Highlights Wealth Disparity and Work Culture in India | Read

In a thought-provoking statement, Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, has sparked a debate on India’s work culture and wealth disparity.

Deshpande recently shared his insights on LinkedIn, claiming that 99% of people would not show up to work if they were provided with financial security. He emphasized that the primary reason many Indians continue to work is for financial sustenance.

Deshpande’s comments have drawn attention to the significant wealth gap in India. He pointed out that just 2,000 families control 18% of the nation’s wealth, yet their contribution to taxes is disproportionately low, at less than 1.8%123. This disparity, he argued, underscores the inequities in the current economic system.

Reflecting on the work culture, Deshpande noted that many people are dissatisfied with their jobs, spanning across various sectors from blue-collar workers to government employees and even those in seemingly employee-friendly startups. He likened the work culture to a “dangling carrot,” where individuals are compelled to work long hours away from their families for the promise of a paycheck.

Deshpande concluded his post by urging those with resources to be kind and generous, and to help uplift as many people as possible. His remarks have resonated with many, sparking discussions on the need for systemic changes to address these deep-rooted issues.