A man earning an annual salary of ₹50 lakh recently took to social media to express that, despite his high income, he doesn’t feel “rich enough” to shop at luxury stores inside airports. His post quickly went viral and ignited a widespread discussion about the meaning of wealth and financial comfort in modern urban life.
The incident took place at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. Seeing rows of premium international brands like Dior, Swarovski, and The White Crow, the man snapped a photo and shared it on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption:
“Even with a 50 LPA+ CTC, I don’t feel rich or confident enough to shop at these airport stores.”
His honest statement resonated deeply with many young professionals, reflecting a growing sentiment that even a high salary doesn’t necessarily equate to financial freedom or luxury.
The post triggered a flood of reactions. One user commented, “Airport shops aren’t meant for common travelers; they cater to a very specific class frequent international flyers and the truly wealthy.” Another wrote, “A high income doesn’t make you rich; as income rises, so do expenses EMIs, rent, child education, and taxes leave little room for indulgence.”
Another observer added, “These stores are designed to create a psychological impression of luxury so that even if you don’t buy anything, you still feel your status is lower.”
Experts suggest that this viral post highlights a real psychological divide among India’s middle and upper middle class. Despite economic success, many people continue to feel financially insecure due to rising living costs, competitive social standards, and the pressure of maintaining a “luxury lifestyle” image.
Ultimately, the man’s simple remark raises a deeper question: What does it really mean to be rich? Is wealth just about earning more money, or is it about financial comfort, freedom, and peace of mind? For many urban professionals like him, that question remains hauntingly relevant.
