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Indian Woman’s Emotional Struggle Over Diwali Work Policy

An Indian woman recently expressed her frustration on social media, revealing that she became emotional during a meeting with her manager when she was obligated to work from the office on Diwali. She shared her experience in a Reddit post, stating that she is employed by an American multinational corporation in a hybrid work arrangement.

The post said, “At the end of the day, we are merely perceived as inexpensive labour, but it is disheartening to think that organisational policies do not reflect our humanity.” She highlighted the disparity in vacation policies, noting that employees in America and Europe are able to enjoy extended breaks during significant holidays like spring break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Additionally, she noted that all her team members were required to work from the office during Diwali, with only 1-2 individuals absent on different days. The woman revealed her hope of returning to her hometown to work remotely that week.

“However, I was informed that I could not go because there needs to be someone present in the office. We have worked throughout the year, saving our days off for this special occasion, but now management insists we must be onsite,” she expressed.

She also recounted a heated discussion she had with her senior manager regarding her situation. “I ended up having an emotional argument with my senior manager, passionately insisting that I needed to return home. This is my only chance to do so,” she shared.

Moreover, she mentioned a colleague who opted to cancel their planned leave to attend work, believing that this would minimise the repercussions they would face.

Fellow Reddit users resonated with her experience, stating that the culture in Indian MNCs often operates around a 24/7 framework. Many shared similar experiences of working under demanding managers.

One commenter stated, “This is essentially the norm in Indian MNCs. While I sympathise with your situation, it is unlikely that you will find any relief here, as everything operates on a round-the-clock basis.”

Another user added, “Most Indian managers do not focus on optimal resource utilisation or timely project execution. Instead, they boast about the constant deployment of resources, which seems to be a futile exercise.”

“It is not a reflection on you; rather, it is about the approach taken by your managers. I am an Indian working in Germany, and our small team in Pune is often praised by management for their dedication to working during weekends and holidays,” a user commented.

“Work can always be postponed, but family time is irreplaceable. I often use the analogy of an airplane, indicating that both the captain and first officer must understand each other; without the manager’s support, the team could face serious consequences,” another user remarked.

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Gurugram’s Infrastructure Crisis: A Sharp Critique by Suhel Seth

Gurugram, despite being home to some of India’s wealthiest enterprises, is described as having “slumlike” infrastructure. Author and entrepreneur Suhel Seth expresses a direct critique regarding the country’s civil engineering standards, referring to them as “the worst.” This statement was made during a podcast with ANI, where Seth did not shy away from voicing his concerns.

Critique of Civil Engineering in India

According to Seth, India’s civil engineers have severely underperformed. He maintains that technology has been largely disregarded within civil planning and infrastructure, indicating an alarming lack of concern for progress and innovation.

A Comparative Insight with China

Seth contrasted India’s approach with that of China, recalling an experience with the British Airways advisory board during a trip to Beijing before the Olympics. He noticed a significant portion of the airport was already being developed, planned for completion in 2040, in stark contrast to India, which he argues still relies on outdated planning methodologies established in 1947.

Focus on Gurugram: A City of Contrasts

Seth specifically targeted Gurugram as a representation of the failures in India’s infrastructure. He pointed out that major corporations such as Coca-Cola, EY, Hero MotoCorp, Apollo, Max, and Fortis have their headquarters there. Yet, the city fundamentally lacks even the most basic infrastructure features. Seth describes it as surreal that some of the wealthiest individuals live in poorly constructed environments.

The Myths Surrounding Gurugram’s Growth

He criticized the narrative surrounding Gurugram’s development, claiming it did not arise from strategic government policy but rather from corporate growth and back-office operations initiated by GE and Genpact. The city’s rise was not a result of urban planning but rather a corporate spillover.

Ongoing Criticism of the NCR

This is not the first time Seth has directed criticism at the National Capital Region (NCR). In a recent post on X, he humorously commented on the persistent flooding issues in the area, likening it to “two Venices” existing next to each other—Gurugram and Delhi. He branded Gurugram as “a shame on this country” during a discussion panel hosted by The Indian Express.

The Reality of Urban Living in Gurugram

Seth elaborated on the living conditions in Gurugram, alluding to the annual flooding faced by residents. He remarked that the city often resembles a waterlogged paradise without any governmental assistance during these events. He pointed to striking issues like rubbish accumulation and the disturbing fact that liquor shops outnumber functioning traffic signals in the city.

The Call for Action

Seth proposed a “non-hostile takeover” aimed at reinforcing basic governance and accountability within Gurugram. He lamented that India has turned into “a country of suffering and sufferers,” urging for innovative leadership and a crucial renovation of urban planning in the nation.

Bengaluru Traffic Woes

Bengaluru’s traffic mess continues to plague its residents, transforming daily commutes into frustrating experiences. As ongoing metro construction lingers and permanent diversions sprout throughout the city, the already stressed road network struggles to cope, making every trip feel more like a struggle than a simple journey.

Commuter Experiences Highlight Traffic Challenges

A recent post from a social media user illustrated the severe traffic issues they faced while trying to reach their office in Bengaluru. The individual shared that a journey typically taking 40 minutes stretched to approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes due to heavy traffic.

The user expressed frustration about considering a move to Hyderabad, citing the unbearable traffic as a motivating factor.

Bengaluru’s traffic issues are overwhelming. Due to unforeseen permanent diversions, my usual 40-minute commute to the office turned into a 1-hour and 50-minute ordeal. It’s time to relocate—I plan to move to Hyderabad within a year. Hyderabad’s weather is only hot for three months, making it almost like Bengaluru afterwards.

Public Reaction to Traffic Concerns

The post ignited a debate among netizens, with some expressing sympathy for the commuter and others cautioning against relocating to Hyderabad.

Traffic congestion in Bengaluru is a real issue. I had to attend a conference just 4 km away from my accommodation, and it took me 90 minutes to get there, causing me to miss the beginning.

More individuals should consider moving or working remotely. Bengaluru is becoming overcrowded and isn’t equipped to accommodate everyone living here.

Hyderabad may have better traffic conditions, but its weather mirrors Bengaluru’s for only a short while before turning hot.

Hyderabad is also facing congestion issues, but the proportionate advantage is the Outer Ring Road, which allows for predictable travel either clockwise or anti-clockwise. The airport commute is manageable, and housing prices tend to be more affordable. For a smoother journey, one should head to the office before 8 am and, if the work environment allows, leave after 3 pm and work from home for the remaining hours. It’s advisable to find accommodation in good gated communities to mitigate any class differences.

Kuala Lumpur: A Tourist’s Honest Experience

An Indian tourist recently shared his genuine experiences while visiting Kuala Lumpur through a post on Reddit. In this post, the tourist indicated that his vacation to Kuala Lumpur was spontaneous.

He expressed sympathy for the foreigners who travel to India for holidays and non-resident Indians (NRIs) who must visit for reasons beyond tourism. He also emphasised the noticeable lack of civic responsibility in India and the minimal expectations people have from their government.

The user commented that they embarked on a spontaneous trip to Malaysia after cancelling their plans to visit Vietnam due to severe weather. They admitted to having minimal expectations. Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, they expressed that their previous views about Indians settling abroad were challenged, expressing concern for foreigners visiting India or for NRIs returning for various reasons.

The user further observed that Kuala Lumpur appeared significantly better organized and structured in comparison to Indian cities, noting that locals were exceptionally kind towards visitors.

“The KL city appeared to be very well designed and managed, devoid of potholes, absent of political posters or banners, maintaining cleanliness in every corner, showcasing high civic sense, offering superior quality of life, providing clean air and demonstrating generosity among its citizens. There is a sense of shame in realising that we seem to have somewhat surrendered to our governmental bodies, having lowered our expectations considerably,” the user elaborated.

What Social Media Users Had to Say

The post received considerable attention on Reddit, with various users supporting the observations made by the tourist while others shared their own recommendations.

“KL is reputed to be one of the more chaotic cities. You should visit Tokyo to truly understand what cleanliness means, even with its dense population,” noted one user.

“KL is a world-class city, undoubtedly one of the finest in Asia. It is not fair to compare Indian cities with it. We are easily three decades behind,” remarked another.

“I travelled to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh, and Da Nang during a 1.5-month backpacking trip in 2022. While some Indian cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi offer better job prospects compared to certain Southeast Asian cities (excluding Singapore and Hong Kong), in all other aspects, they are significantly ahead,” commented another Reddit user.

“Even Sri Lanka is cleaner than India. They have their issues, including corruption and past civil strife, yet their cities do not resemble a dump like ours,” a fourth user observed.

Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap Separate After Seven Years of Marriage

Star badminton player Saina Nehwal has officially announced her separation from fellow badminton player Parupalli Kashyap after nearly seven years of marriage. Both renowned in the Indian badminton community, the couple tied the knot in 2018 after a long-term relationship. Nehwal shared the news through an Instagram post on Sunday, 13 July, indicating their decision to part ways.

This unexpected announcement has taken many by surprise, particularly because of their prominence in the sports world. Saina and Parupalli, who both trained at the esteemed Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad, have been significant figures in Indian badminton, with Nehwal earning an Olympic bronze medal and Kashyap securing a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Details of the Separation

In her Instagram message, Saina expressed, “Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We’re choosing peace, growth, and healing—for ourselves and each other. I’m grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time.” As of now, Parupalli has not made a public statement regarding the separation.

The Evolution of Their Relationship

Saina and Parupalli’s relationship dates back well before their marriage, having been together for over a decade. Their partnership extended into their professional lives, with Parupalli taking on a coaching role to support Saina during the later years of her career.

While together, Saina and Parupalli exhibited a strong connection both on and off the badminton court. Kashyap played a crucial role in Saina’s training, particularly when she was working to make a comeback after injury setbacks following the 2016 season. Over the years, his role evolved from that of a sparring partner to a strategic mentor.

Performance Under Coaching

In 2019, Saina showcased remarkable performance under Parupalli’s mentorship, particularly highlighted by her victory over PV Sindhu in the National Championships. His constant availability and tactical guidance during both domestic and international tournaments showcased the dynamic support they provided each other.

While the announcement signifies an end to their marriage, Saina and Parupalli’s shared experiences have made a lasting impression on Indian badminton. Saina last participated in a professional tournament in June 2023, while Parupalli has continued to dedicate himself to coaching.

A recent post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has sparked considerable backlash after it relegated Indian regional languages such as Kannada and Tamil as “not worth learning.” This statement has provoked outrage, especially in southern cities including Bengaluru and Chennai.

The now-famous post reasoned that learning Japanese or Chinese is practical when relocating to Japan or China, while it purported there is “no point” in studying Kannada or Tamil when moving to Bengaluru or Chennai.

“If someone moved to Japan, they would learn Japanese. If someone moved to China, they would learn Chinese. If someone moved to Bangalore, they would prefer to speak English. If someone moved to Chennai, they would prefer to speak English,” the post claimed.

If someone moved to Japan, they would learn Japanese. If someone moved to China, they would learn Chinese. If someone moved to Bangalore, they would rather speak English. If someone moved to Chennai, they would rather speak English. No point in learning languages of poorer economies and poorer quality of life.
— Toka (@TokaTakes) July 11, 2025

The phrase “no point in learning languages of poorer economies and poorer quality of life” attracted immediate criticism, with many social media users describing the sentiments as elitist, ignorant, and dismissive towards regional cultures. Residents from southern states emphasised the rich historical, cultural, and literary significance of these languages, many of which are recognised as classical languages in India.

In a subsequent post, the user asserted that discussions surrounding regional languages are frequently “overrated” and recommended that major companies curb their investments in cities like Bengaluru and Chennai to stop what they called “language-based harassment of migrants.”

This proposition incited even more fervent reactions, with critics accusing the user of attempting to undermine the importance of local languages in Indian urban settings and workplaces.

Social media has been flooded with diverse responses, ranging from academics highlighting the global relevance of Tamil and Kannada to tech professionals in Bengaluru who insisted that embracing local languages promotes inclusivity rather than division.

“Languages do not define economic status — they define identity, history, and belonging,” one user stated.

Another user commented, “Indians: We mastered your language for survival; you ridiculed ours to feel superior, yet your world still struggles with ‘Namaste’, while ours once whispered the Vedas to the stars. A wealthy person who scorns a language is still impoverished in thought, for even gold requires a language to be appreciated.”

“You speak like a privileged traveller who has seen everything, but you are merely another online commentator in a setting where real progress hasn’t even arrived. Parading English as a status symbol doesn’t establish superiority, it merely exposes profound insecurity,” another comment stated.

Warning for Indian Students Moving to Australia

An Indian community organisation in Australia has released a significant alert for potential students intending to relocate, highlighting escalating living costs, a serious rental crisis, and difficulties in securing part-time employment.

In a recent Reddit post, the “Indians in Australia” group mentioned an increase in inquiries from newly arrived students facing financial difficulties. “This is not to deter anyone,” the group explained in a statement, “but to assist you in planning realistically before making such a substantial move.”

Students should brace themselves for a monthly expense of at least AUD 2,000 — approximately Rs 1 lakh — covering essential living costs such as rent, food, and utilities. While part-time employment may alleviate some of these costs, it often falls short of addressing steep tuition fees.

Master’s programmes generally cost between Rs 40-50 lakh, while bachelor’s degrees can reach Rs 70-80 lakh. Even though scholarships are available, they typically only cover 10-20% of the total fees, which means that assistance from parents or bank loans is likely necessary.

Serious Rental Crisis

The advisory highlighted a “serious rental crisis” in Australian cities, particularly in student hotspots like Melbourne and Sydney. Many students encounter high upfront costs for Airbnbs or shared accommodations, with more affordable options often situated 30 to 45 minutes away from university campuses.

The group also advised caution when considering transitions to lower-cost colleges as a cost-cutting measure. “Changing schools can impact your visa status or lead to significant complications,” it stated, referencing recent policy changes that have eliminated many loopholes.

Job Hunting Takes Time

Contrary to popular belief, part-time positions are not readily available for many newcomers. “Numerous students are taking as long as three months to secure their first job,” the administrators observed, urging prospective applicants to prepare for at least six months of living expenses prior to arriving.

Essential Recommendations

Potential students are strongly encouraged to:

• Thoroughly investigate the total cost of their degree
• Maintain a financial cushion for a minimum of six months of living expenses
• Be mentally prepared to live on a budget, share living spaces, and remain persistent in their job search

This advisory arrives as Australia continues to be a favoured study destination for Indian students, despite the increasing costs and stricter visa regulations.

Overcoming Cultural Barriers in Studying Abroad

In a nation where obtaining an education overseas is often viewed as a significant achievement, the experience of a young woman highlights obstacles that are seldom discussed — primarily family control, cultural norms, and an education system that frequently overlooks personal aspirations.

A 25-year-old, with over five years of experience in a creative sector, saw her dream becoming attainable. Although she lacked formal qualifications, her strong skill set earned her a place at the world’s second-ranked university in London for her field, enrolling in a Master’s programme set to begin in September 2025. Remarkably, she also secured an 80% scholarship — a distinction few achieve — which reduced her loan amount to a manageable ₹15-20 lakh.

However, her ambitions quickly began to fade.

She had navigated the entire application process independently, handling everything from statements of purpose (SOPs) to interviews and funding inquiries without asking her family for assistance. Yet, her father refused to co-sign her education loan, as shared in a post on Reddit. His refusal didn’t stem from financial concerns or doubts about her ability to repay — as she had a stable income and a solid repayment strategy — but rather from a belief that “no one in the paternal family would be okay” with her studying abroad.

After weeks filled with emotional turmoil and pleading, she reached out to a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) that ultimately agreed to grant her a loan without a co-applicant. However, delays in the loan disbursement resulted in her missing the university’s deposit deadline, and with it, her scholarship was forfeited.

While the university exhibited understanding, the scholarship had already been allocated to another deserving student.

Currently, she finds herself in the process of repaying the loan and relinquishing her admission — a dream cut short that could have significantly propelled her career.

This account does not depict a scenario of financial constraints or academic failures. Instead, it unveils a narrative of systemic control and the silent, overwhelming influence of “no” — not from strangers, but from those who are traditionally expected to provide support.

“It was never about the money. It was always about control,” was shared in her post.

Now, she is seeking legal emancipation from her family, aspiring to reapply next year without the necessity of a co-applicant. Even though the process is gradual, her determination remains unyielded.

Skyrocketing School Fees: A Major Concern for Indian Families

Skyrocketing school fees have become a pressing issue for families in India, as highlighted by Rajat Bhardwaj, Co-founder of CoinSwitch. He pointed out that education has transformed into the largest financial burden for many families, compelling parents to opt for EMIs even for nursery education. In a recent LinkedIn post, Bhardwaj portrayed the harsh realities faced by middle-class families as school costs continue to rise disproportionately compared to their incomes.

Concerns About Rising Fees

Bhardwaj expressed his concerns with alarming statistics: “30% fee hike. If this isn’t theft, what is?” He initiated discussions regarding educational expenses for his daughter and was taken aback by the increasing costs. In Bangalore, parents are now required to pay ₹2.1 lakh for a third standard education, and this is not for an international institution, but a standard CBSE school. A parent even pointed out that the ₹2 lakh fee for Class 3 is more than the cost of an engineering degree.

Annual Fee Increases

Additionally, Bhardwaj noted that this is not an isolated incident, as fee hikes of 10-30% occur yearly. In contrast, middle-class salary growth has only seen a measly 0.4% CAGR over the past ten years. Education expenses now account for 19% of total household income, with annual school costs for Class 4 in Ahmedabad reaching ₹1.8 lakh. Parents are now facing the dilemma of saving for college amidst the reality of taking EMIs for nursery fees.

The True Cost of Education

Despite official data claiming an education inflation rate of merely 4%, the reality tells a different story. Bhardwaj pointed out the dissonance faced by parents, stating, “try telling that to the mom comparing 5 school brochures or the dad calculating basic expenses.” The situation is not just a matter of inflation; it represents a significant erosion of savings and family aspirations. The notion that “education is the great equalizer” is now overshadowed by the reality that it has become the greatest monthly liability for families.

Appeal to Fintech Community

Bhardwaj made a direct appeal to builders, founders, and policymakers in fintech, urging them to understand their users—parents who are silently struggling, making sacrifices yet striving to provide for their children. He encouraged innovation to help these families find ways to succeed.

Responses from the Community

The post elicited many responses from internet users sharing their experiences. One user suggested that homeschooling could be a viable alternative, arguing that schools are exploiting parents due to the lack of alternatives. They emphasized the need to address the core issues in government school education, which has fueled the private school boom.

Another user shared their experience, stating, “I can show you the actual fee receipts for my daughter from 1st, 2nd, and her current 3rd standard.” They expressed frustration at the exorbitant fees charged by even average schools, indicating that prestigious institutions naturally demand more.

A third user echoed the sentiment advocating for homeschooling, arguing that the education value does not justify the high fees and donations demanded, while parents exhaust themselves ensuring their children meet academic standards. They concluded that homeschooling might offer a better solution, free from the burden of exorbitant fees.