Not gold or property: Here's what Radhika Gupta calls real inheritance from the previous generation

Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, said that the biggest inheritance passed down by earlier generations was not wealth in the form of property or gold, but the values they lived by.

Gupta posted on the social media platform X, highlighting that parents of the previous generation instilled principles such as working hard, respecting family, taking responsibility for loved ones, and understanding the importance of value for money—often summed up in the phrase “sasta, sundar, tikau”. These, she said, continue to influence financial and life choices long after material assets are spent.

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“They gave us the best values. Working hard, respect for and responsibility towards family, value for money (Sasta Sundar Tikau),” She said.

She also observed that judging past generations using today’s standards ignores the realities they faced and is unfair. With limited resources and fewer opportunities, they focused on stability, discipline, and long-term thinking—traits that helped families endure uncertain times.

She added that despite the greater opportunities available today, she would consider it a success if she could live up to the example set by her parents. For Gupta, becoming the kind of parent her own parents were would be a matter of pride, even in a world with far more choices and advantages.

Her remarks underline a broader message: while financial assets may change with time, values remain a constant foundation across generations.

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This post by Gupta came in response to a post by a user who reflected on how older generations made the best financial choices they could, given limited options—buying homes, gold, and LIC policies for security. These choices provided stability, education, and opportunities for their children to thrive in modern India. Today’s younger generation often criticises these “traditional” investments, forgetting the context and struggles of the past. The message: respect and acknowledge the efforts and wisdom of previous generations.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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