Harsh Goenka, billionaire chairman of the RPG Group, has come under fire on social media after sharing advice that many considered unrealistic. On the platform X (formerly Twitter), Goenka suggested that people should aim to save ₹600 daily, read 20 pages, and walk 10,000 steps as part of building good habits. The focus of his message was on cultivating small, consistent actions that lead to long-term success. However, his suggestion to save ₹600 daily — equating to ₹18,000 monthly — sparked outrage.
The proposed savings figure struck a chord with many social media users who questioned how the average Indian could manage to save such an amount. One user highlighted that 90% of Indians do not earn ₹600 per day, making it nearly impossible to save that amount. Others pointed out the significant wealth disparity in the country, with one user saying, “Wealth disparity at its finest. Wherein India’s 76th richest man due to generational wealth, gives advice to other Indians to save more than India’s average income.”
Saving Rs 600 per day = Rs 2,19,000 per year
Reading 20 pages per day = 30 books per year
Walking 10,000 steps per day = 70 marathons per yearNever underestimate the power of small habits.
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) September 18, 2024
Corporate employees were among the first to dismiss Goenka’s suggestion, with some questioning whether he was aware of the financial realities of India’s working class. One user noted, “Tell that to a labourer with four mouths to support with a daily wage of Rs. 600-700.” Many expressed frustration, accusing the billionaire of being disconnected from the struggles faced by the majority of Indians.
Some social media users turned their attention to Goenka’s own company, CEAT Tyres, part of the RPG Group, asking if he had checked the salaries of his employees. The criticism underscored a larger point about income inequality and the disconnect between the advice offered by the ultra-wealthy and the realities of everyday workers in India.
As the criticism mounted, Harsh Goenka responded with an attempt at humor, which was not well received. When journalist Man Aman Singh Chhina asked how many Indians could afford to save ₹18,000 per month, Goenka quipped, “Obviously you are not well paid,” adding a smiley face emoji. This response, perceived by many as dismissive and condescending, only fueled the backlash. One user remarked, “Obviously HE is well paid and assumes everyone else is, sir. Mary Antoinette complex. Sad.”
Goenka’s lighthearted reply did little to quell the anger on social media. Many users felt that his response reflected the very disconnect they were criticizing. “That’s so insulting, but it’s exactly what they think about all of us in private,” commented another user.
The exchange highlighted the growing divide between the ultra-wealthy and the common people, particularly in India, where wealth disparity continues to be a major issue. While Harsh Goenka’s initial message was intended to inspire positive daily habits, the overwhelming reaction suggests that his advice, particularly around finances, may have struck the wrong chord with an audience grappling with very different financial realities.
