Sayli Gadakh

For most middle-class Indians, Rs 1 crore is a retirement milestone — but it may not be enough Bharat, 35, has a stable job, a growing income and a clear plan for the future. Discussing retirement with a friend, he says, “If I have Rs 1 crore by the time I retire, I’ll be financially secure.” For many middle-class Indians, Rs 1 crore remains a major financial milestone. But Bharath is not retiring today. If he retires at 60, his target is 25 years away, and inflation could significantly...

When you cast your vote, you choose more than a political leader—you choose who will be entrusted with managing public money. Bharat, a 28-year-old software engineer, walked into a polling booth to cast his vote with confidence. He followed political debates, watched campaign speeches, and regularly discussed current affairs with friends. But when someone asked him where his taxes went, how the government funded welfare schemes, or what rights he held as a taxpayer, he had no clear answer....

Education is a nation's premier capital investment. Its return is realised only when a degree translates into a pay cheque or a successful startup. Imagine Bharath, a graduate from a middle-class Indian family. His parents spent their life savings on his degree. The government supported his journey through subsidised schooling, public university infrastructure and scholarships. Upon graduation, Bharath expected to begin earning, support his family and contribute to the national economy....