IIM alumnus travels to Pune to hand over first salary in cash to parents, their reaction melts internet

An emotional video shared by an IIM graduate has gained widespread attention on social media after he travelled to Pune to personally hand over his first salary after completing his MBA to his parents in cash.

Ashwajeet Kamble posted the video on Instagram, explaining that the gesture was inspired by a conversation with his father about first salaries and how changing technology has altered the experience of sharing such milestones with family.

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A post shared by Ashwajeet Kamble (@ashwajeet.live)

Inspired by father's memories

According to Kamble, his father recalled handing over his first salary to his own parents in cash many years ago. Their discussion later turned to how digital payments and bank transfers have replaced many traditional experiences associated with receiving a paycheck.

While electronic transactions have made payments more convenient, Kamble felt they lacked the emotional impact of physically presenting a first salary to one's parents.

Surprise visit to Pune

After receiving his first salary following graduation from IIM, Kamble decided to recreate the experience his father had described.

Instead of transferring the money digitally, he withdrew the entire amount in cash and travelled to Pune to surprise his parents in person.

In the video, Kamble asks his parents to close their eyes before placing bundles of cash in front of them. When they open their eyes, both appear visibly surprised by the gesture.

His mother, in particular, is seen repeatedly looking at the money and then at her son as she takes in the moment.

"What I am is all because of them," Kamble wrote while explaining the reason behind the surprise.

A text displayed in the video read: "Giving my first salary after IIM to my parents."

Gesture resonates with viewers

The video quickly struck a chord with social media users, many of whom described the moment as the result of years of effort by both Kamble and his parents.

Several viewers said the gesture highlighted the sacrifices families often make to support a child's education and career aspirations.

Social media users praise thoughtful act

The post received thousands of reactions, with many commenters focusing on the sentiment behind the gesture rather than the amount of money involved.

One user wrote, "It's good that you choose cash over transfer, feel, touch of money not everyone will understand."

Another commenter described the moment as "Peak male happiness."

A third user wrote, "Every Son waiting for this moment when he knows earning is not easy."