Years can change a person’s life. They can bring dream jobs, bigger homes, and salaries that once felt impossible. But some memories refuse to fade, no matter how far life moves ahead.For Bengaluru-based software engineer Manu Agrawal, one such memory goes back to his college days, when arranging Rs 15,000 for a semester fee was beyond his family’s reach. In a now-viral LinkedIn post, he chose not to talk about the Rs 1.9 crore package he would one day earn at Microsoft. Instead, he wrote about the day his father sold his mother’s jewellery so he could continue his education.
The moment that stayed with him
Agrawal, who is currently a senior software engineer at Microsoft in Bengaluru, said his family was facing financial difficulties while he was pursuing his Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA).He wrote, “My father sold my mother’s jewellery to pay my BCA fees. ₹15,000 per semester. That’s all it cost. But we didn’t have it.”
He also recalled watching his mother quietly part with her jewellery.“I remember watching my mother hand over her gold bangles without saying a word. She didn’t cry. She just looked at me. I didn’t sleep that night.”
The phone call years later
Years later, while working at Microsoft’s Seattle office and earning an annual package of Rs 1.9 crore, Agrawal called his mother and told her she could buy whatever jewellery she wanted.Her response was simple.“Beta, tere aane se sab wapas aa gaya.”Reflecting on the journey, he ended his post with the words, “Some debts aren’t financial.”
The post resonated with many
Many LinkedIn users said the story reminded them of the sacrifices parents quietly make for their children.One user wrote, “This is deeply moving, Manu. Some debts truly transcend money, and the quiet sacrifices of our parents form the absolute foundation of our success.”Another commented, “Truly inspiring! Whatever our parents do for us is priceless and unexplainable… You have made your parents feel truly proud of you… just wow for you.”A third user said, “So deeply touched by your story!”Another remarked, “You remembered the sacrifice of your mother at the beginning of your life. This is the biggest gift for her (I think).”
His journey
According to his LinkedIn profile, Agrawal was raised in Jhansi. He joined Microsoft in 2017 after completing his master’s degree at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli. He worked in Redmond, Washington, until 2020 before returning to India. He later spent more than two years at Google in Bengaluru before rejoining Microsoft in July 2025.Disclaimer: This report is based on information shared by Manu Agrawal on LinkedIn, including his personal post and profile. The Times of India has not independently verified the personal experiences or career details mentioned. Thumb image: LinkedIn
