CEO’s Viral Reflection on Middle-Class Upbringing

A LinkedIn post by Sameer Maheshwari, founder and CEO of HealthKart, has captured widespread attention, igniting a conversation about the influence of a middle-class upbringing in India. Maheshwari, an IIT Delhi and Harvard Business School alumnus, shared personal reflections that have resonated deeply with professionals across the country.

Gratitude for Middle-Class Foundations

In his post, Maheshwari expressed sincere gratitude for his middle-class background, highlighting the lack of “legacy, advantage, or a safety net.” He poignantly stated, “If we didn’t perform, there was no fallback option.” This sentiment reflects a common reality for many middle-class families in India and has struck a chord with readers.

Lessons from a Middle-Class Life

Maheshwari argued that while material advantages were scarce, they were compensated by “strong values, hunger to achieve, and resilience to face any hardship.” He shared an anecdote about waiting months to earn his own cricket bat as a reward for consistent effort. This story served as a metaphor for the lesson that “anything worth having must be earned.”

Five Key Lessons from Middle-Class Living

The HealthKart CEO outlined invaluable lessons from his upbringing that no textbook could teach: –

Value of Money:

Every Rupee can go a long way.
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Need vs. Want:

Eating out is a treat, not a routine.
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Saving First:

You never spend ahead of yourself.
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Gratitude:

Appreciate what you have rather than dwell on what you don’t.
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Comparison:

Learn to convert peer pressure into internal strength.

Enduring Influence of Middle-Class Mindset

Despite his success, Maheshwari admitted that the “middle-class OS still runs deep,” influencing his spending habits and decision-making. He reflected on how hardship shaped his journey: “The grind gave me direction. The friction built resilience. It made me entrepreneurial long before I even knew what that word meant.” He emphasized that being middle class is more than an economic label; it’s a mindset he remains grateful for.

Community Engagement and Shared Experiences

The comments section of Maheshwari’s post has become a lively forum where individuals share their experiences and echo his sentiments. Many have praised his honesty and the reminder of core values often nurtured by such upbringings.