Shark Tank’s Anupam Mittal on Indians, money, and Diwali: ‘It’s Lakshmi, not loot’

Anupam Mittal has once again blended wit, wisdom, and desi charm in a viral LinkedIn post that’s got everyone nodding in agreement this Diwali. The Shaadi.com founder reflected on how Indians have a uniquely emotional relationship with money — one that’s rooted not in greed, but in gratitude. And as he put it, while the world debates capitalism versus socialism, we’re busy lighting diyas for Maa Lakshmi — and maybe manifesting a little abundance on the side.

The Shark Tank India judge said Indians are perhaps the only people who actually worship money. He joked about how strange it would be to imagine an American lighting candles for the dollar or a German doing an aarti for the euro. But, he added, that’s exactly what sets us apart — the West chases wealth, while we consecrate it.

According to Mittal, Indians don’t see money as just a goal to achieve. We treat it like a guest — one that stays only when treated with respect. That, he said, is why our culture calls it Lakshmi, not loot. For him, wealth isn’t the outcome of greed; it’s the fruit of karma. It’s about doing the right things, with the right intention, and letting prosperity follow.


Wrapping up his post with his trademark playful tone, he wrote that while the rest of the world argues over economic ideologies, Indians simply bow to Lakshmi Devi — and “manifest" it. A line that perfectly captures how modern ambition and ancient belief coexist in India’s Diwali spirit.

Internet reacts

Many users flooded the comments with their own thoughts on Anupam Mittal’s take. One person pointed out that Indian culture doesn’t just revere money, but also celebrates knowledge, power, and nature — from Goddess Saraswati and Durga to the basil plant and the cow. Another user reflected that the essence of Lakshmi goes beyond material wealth, symbolising values, effort, and virtues that lead to prosperity.

Some even highlighted how people often mistake Lakshmi for literal money, when in truth, she represents deeper forms of wealth like wisdom, peace, and liberation — always balanced by Lord Vishnu, the preserver of dharma. Many admired Mittal’s post for its thoughtful message, especially his line about how Indians “consecrate wealth instead of chasing it,” calling it a beautifully poetic reflection of how we view prosperity.