Grim IIT-B placement report sparks debate: 'Dolly Chaiwala, Vada Pav Girl earn Rs 5 lakhs/day, while IIT grads get 4 LPA?'

IIT Bombay's recent placement report has stirred up a conversation online, with the average package pegged at Rs 23.5 lakhs and the lowest at a surprising Rs 4 lakh per annum. As these figures circulate, social media users can't help but compare them to the earnings of internet sensations like Dolly Chaiwala and the Vada Pav girl, who rake in lakhs daily through social media fame and podcast appearances, regardless of their educational background. This stark contrast raises an intriguing question: In today's world, what is the true value of a formal education?

For context, the IIT Bombay's placement report had the following information:

Credit: campus.placements.iitb.ac.in | IIT-B Annual Placement Report 2023-24

Now, consider this: Dolly Chaiwala and the Vada Pav girl, both of whom have become viral sensations, are raking in substantial earnings despite their humble ventures.

Credit: Instagram

Dolly Chaiwala, a tea vendor from Nagpur, gained fame after a video of him serving tea to Bill Gates went viral.

He reportedly earns between Rs. 2,450 and Rs. 3,500 daily, selling 350 to 500 cups of tea priced at just Rs. 7 each, with a net worth exceeding Rs. 10 lakh.

Credit: Instagram | Dolly Chaiwala

Similarly, Chanderika Dixit, known as the Vada Pav girl, runs the 'Mumbai ka famous Vada Pav' stall in Delhi, pulling in an impressive Rs. 40,000 per day, amounting to Rs. 1.4 crore annually.

Credit: Food Bowls

Even Bharat Jain, dubbed the 'world's richest beggar,' earns Rs. 2,000-2,500 per day, begging at key locations in Mumbai.

These stories challenge conventional beliefs about education and success, prompting us to ask: What role does a formal education really play in achieving financial success today?

How relevant is formal education in today's world?

A Reddit discussion brought up contrasting views on the value of a formal degree versus viral fame. Some argue that fame is fleeting, but a degree is for life and ensures steady employment.

A serious discussion is also needed. No fighting.
byu/raghavgos inindiasocial

As one user put it, "IIT ki degree zindagi bhar kaam aayegi aur yeah chai Wale ko tab tak hi paise milege jab tak trend me rahega."

Others counter that viral successes like Dolly Chaiwala can earn in a few years what many corporate professionals make in their entire careers.

One perspective reads, "What if I tell you, it doesn't matter you are from IIT or a tea shop, all you need is good vision of where you wanna be and implementing it is what matters."

On LinkedIn, Abhinav Goel, co-founder of Revrag.ai and an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, gave a reality check: "How many vada pao sellers are even able to earn ?40k a month? How many tea sellers are even able to earn a basic living?"

He adds that top professionals in law, medicine, and finance make far more than Rs 1.4 crore a year.

Goel advises not to undervalue formal education, saying, "Don't let these clowns question your formal education. If you think yourself as an average person then it's good to take inspiration from them otherwise..... keep chasing your goals."

He emphasises, "Comparing the success of these 2 people with your education is so irrelevant and pathetic."

What is your opinion on this debate? Let us know in the comments below.

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