Indian Professional in Canada Says Parents Want ₹25 Lakh Education Cost Repaid, Sparks Debate Online
Indian Professional in Canada Says Parents Want ₹25 Lakh Education Cost Repaid, Sparks Debate Online
28 July, 2026: A Reddit post by a 22-year-old Indian professional working in Canada has gone viral, triggering a wider discussion on family finances, parental expectations, and the financial pressures faced by young Indians living abroad.
In the post, the user claimed that despite sending around ₹70,000 every month to support his family in India, his parents have asked him to repay nearly ₹25 lakh, which they say was spent on his education.
According to the Reddit user, he transfers ₹70,000 home each month believing it will cover household expenses. However, he alleged that his parents invest ₹50,000 of the amount into local “kameti” (chit fund) schemes, with ₹25,000 contributed in each parent’s name. As a result, only around ₹20,000 is reportedly used for day-to-day expenses, leading to repeated requests for additional money to manage household needs.
The young professional described the arrangement as “forced savings”, arguing that the money remains locked in the chit fund for about a year and cannot be accessed during emergencies. He claimed that this has left him under financial strain, as he is often required to send extra money despite already making regular monthly remittances.
He further shared that on one occasion he had to transfer an additional ₹25,000 over and above the usual ₹70,000 to help meet household expenses, making it difficult for him to manage his own living costs and savings in Canada.
According to the post, whenever he questioned the financial arrangement, his parents reminded him that they had spent nearly ₹25 lakh on his education and expected him to repay the amount, describing it as an investment in his future.
The Reddit user said he has no intention of stopping financial support for his family but is finding it increasingly difficult to balance his responsibilities abroad with the growing financial expectations back home. He turned to the online community seeking advice on whether others had experienced similar situations.
The post received hundreds of responses, with users expressing differing opinions. Some advised him to reduce the amount he sends home and prioritise building an emergency fund and personal savings. Others felt his parents were attempting to secure the family’s long-term financial future through disciplined savings, although the strategy was creating immediate financial pressure.
Several commenters also suggested allowing the current chit fund cycle to conclude before discussing alternative financial planning with the family. Others argued that parents should not expect immediate repayment of educational expenses from children who are still in the early stages of their careers.
The claims made in the Reddit post have not been independently verified. The discussion reflects the personal experiences and opinions of social media users and should not be treated as verified facts.
