In a whirlwind of online discourse, a recent LinkedIn post crafted by Tushar S, the visionary CEO of Vaani Research Labs, has ignited fervent discussions regarding the pervasive hustle culture that permeates the startup ecosystem. Aimed ostensibly at lauding his co-founder, Abhinash Khare, for his indefatigable commitment within their Bengaluru-based AI venture, Tushar’s words, while seemingly commendable, have drawn a cacophony of critique for potentially endorsing detrimental work practices.
In candid detail, Tushar detailed Abhinash’s ardor for work, noting that he frequently burns the midnight oil, his bed a mere three feet from his workstation. The narrative unfolds with Abhinash launching into his coding marathon promptly at 8 AM—sacrificing any semblance of a morning ritual for the sake of productivity. “For nearly seven consecutive months, the grind doesn’t cease until the clock strikes 2 AM,” Tushar revealed. “Awareness of our skewed priorities exists, certainly; it’s not a glorification of hustle, rather an acknowledgment of the stakes involved.”
Yet, what began as a tribute quickly spiraled into an avalanche of backlash. Critics assailed Tushar for ostensibly propagating a “toxic work culture,” one that pressures budding professionals and valorizes detrimental working habits. While the post initially garnered an enthusiastic response—thousands of likes and supportive comments—the tide of discontent soon overshadowed the initial praise.
“This sort of relentless grind epitomizes a toxic environment, and public commendation of it feels misplaced,” remarked one user. Another echoed the sentiment, emphasizing, “This serves as a banner for toxic culture. A mind and body that are well-rested can orchestrate brilliance. As a co-founder, you bear the responsibility to alleviate some of that burden, even if he’s all in.”
In the face of mounting criticism, Tushar opted to delete the original post, acknowledging it may have sent a misguided signal. He articulated a sincere reflection, clarifying that the intention was never to glorify unsustainable work patterns, but merely to express the realities of launching a startup amid scarce resources. “We appreciate your genuine concern for our health and work-life equilibrium,” Tushar wrote in a follow-up statement. “None of us relish the prospect of non-stop work; however, the challenges at hand sometimes dictate such a path.”
As the conversation continues to evolve, it raises profound questions about the balance between ambition and well-being, as well as the values at play in a rapidly transforming tech landscape.
