A blast from the past has ignited a conversation about the early days of India’s IT industry. A viral video showing the Infosys canteen in Bengaluru during the 1990s has prompted an ex-employee, Param Arunachalam, to share his experiences working at the company during that era.
The video, shared on X with the caption, “Footage from Infosys canteen, Bengaluru in 1990s. Almost everyone in this is probably a multi-millionaire and settled abroad today,” resonated with many online. One user commented on the perceived healthier lifestyle and simpler work environment, reminiscing about “genuine laughs and cross-cultural friendships.”
However, Arunachalam offered a more candid perspective, acknowledging that while the early IT generation may not have been as health-conscious as today’s workforce, the long hours were a defining characteristic of the time. He shared, “We slogged like hell. A 15-hour workday was routine. I spent 50+ hours in the office once.” He emphasized that despite the demanding schedule, it was a “great time to work” due to the nascent stage of the industry and the ample opportunities it presented.
Arunachalam also fondly recalled his time at Infosys Mangalore, where he was part of the first 20 employees. He described the team as being “tight-knit and fun,” differentiating their experience from that of their big-city counterparts.
The ex-employee’s authentic insights quickly garnered attention, sparking discussions about the evolution of work-life balance and the intense dedication that fueled India’s tech boom. Many users expressed appreciation for his genuine reflection, highlighting the hard work of the 90s IT professionals in shaping the country’s technological future.
