Not his bank balance or demat portfolio. Gurgaon financial expert shares his 'meaning of happiness' amid parenthood vs wealth debate

In a time when financial planning, rising costs, and lifestyle choices dominate urban conversations, a simple image has managed to shift the focus back to something deeply personal. A Gurgaon-based finance professional has sparked reflection online after sharing what he believes truly defines happiness, cutting through discussions around money, savings, and long-term security. His perspective arrives amid an ongoing debate about whether modern city life is quietly pushing couples to rethink parenthood.

Gurjot Ahluwalia, a Senior Manager at an IT firm, as per his LinkedIn bio, took to X to share what he described as the true meaning of his life. Instead of numbers, portfolios, or financial milestones, he pointed to a moment spent with his daughter by the beach, suggesting that this brought him more happiness than anything else.

His post stood out not just for its simplicity but also for its timing. It came as a response to a widely discussed claim about a growing trend in Indian cities, where more couples are choosing not to have children. The argument framed it as a concerning shift, suggesting many might regret the decision later.




That broader conversation had already gained traction after a report by NDTV highlighted a Gurgaon-based couple earning a combined annual income of Rs 36 lakh. Despite their financial stability, they had decided against having a child, citing the rising cost of living in urban India.

According to the report, the couple follows a double-income, no-kids lifestyle, often referred to as DINK. Their reasoning centred on affordability, from housing challenges to the projected monthly cost of raising a child, including education expenses that could add tens of thousands to their budget.

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Internet reacts

Internet reactions reflected a mix of perspectives. Some users appreciated the sentiment while emphasising that choosing not to have children is equally valid and a matter of personal choice, not obligation. Others called moments with family the real form of wealth, far beyond bank balances. A few parents shared how becoming a father changed their lives in ways that are hard to put into words. Several also highlighted that while careers and money matter, priorities differ, and each path is equally valid.