‘Luxury’ in India or basic necessity abroad? Man's bold claim takes Internet by storm

As India climbs the global economic ladder, a growing conversation is emerging about the real meaning of luxury and affordability within the country. A viral video featuring a man in his mid-30s, who has lived both in India and abroad, brought this discussion into the spotlight. In the video, he highlights how several goods and services—ranging from domestic help to food delivery—are far more accessible and affordable in India than in Western nations.

The man, who said he travelled abroad frequently, underlined some "luxuries" Indians allegedly took for granted -delivery of newspapers in the morning, cheap cable TV service, quick delivery apps that provide groceries within 15 minutes, quicker and more prompt medical service, etc.

These conveniences, often considered luxuries elsewhere due to high costs, are part of everyday life for many in urban India, largely due to lower labor costs and a generally more affordable cost of living.

However, the video didn’t go unchallenged. Another individual responded by drawing attention to the other side of the coin—the lack of access to basic necessities that should ideally be universal. He pointed out that in many parts of India, essentials such as clean air, safe drinking water, quality food, and well-maintained pedestrian pathways remain out of reach for a significant portion of the population. For them, these necessities still feel like distant luxuries, underscoring the contradictions within the broader narrative of economic progress.

The conversation quickly widened, touching on systemic issues like poorly maintained roads, insufficient public transport, low levels of public safety, and weak government accountability. These are areas where many developed countries have established reliable infrastructure and governance, making such services a standard part of life. In contrast, their absence or limited availability in India contributes to a daily struggle for millions, despite the nation’s economic strides.

This debate comes at a pivotal moment. The NITI Aayog recently confirmed that India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a GDP now standing at $4 trillion. The announcement, supported by International Monetary Fund (IMF) data and shared by CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, indicates that India may soon overtake Germany as well.

While this achievement is being celebrated as a landmark in India’s development journey, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges that persist beneath the surface. For many, it’s not just a moment of national pride but also a call for deeper introspection. The “State of Inequality in India” report from 2022 revealed that earning just ₹25,000 a month places an individual among the top 10 percent of wage earners, emphasizing the vast income disparities that continue to define the social fabric of the nation.