Ankur Warikoo’s ‘Don’t Take Money From Dad’ Advice Triggers Debate on Education Loan Stress

A viral post by entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo has reopened questions around debt, privilege and mental health. The episode highlights the harsh realities faced by young Indians burdened with high education loans.

Viral Advice on Education Loan Stress Sparks Online Backlash

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo faced backlash in December 2025 after advising a 25-year-old with a ₹40 lakh education loan not to take financial help from his father.

The controversy began after Warikoo shared an email he received from a young professional struggling under severe financial pressure. The post, shared on X, quickly went viral and triggered a wider debate on whether such education loan advice ignores structural realities faced by young borrowers.

What Is the Issue: When Motivation Meets Financial Reality

According to Warikoo, the email came from a 25-year-old who completed a master’s degree in the US in 2022 but returned to India in mid-2025 after failing to secure a sponsored job. Back in India, the individual joined a media firm in Pune but earned only ₹56,000 a month.

The borrower detailed expenses including a ₹40 lakh education loan, a ₹45,000 EMI, ₹12,000 rent and additional living costs. He admitted that his father contributes ₹20,000 monthly to help him survive. Warikoo’s response, advising him to stop taking money from his father and “figure it out”, drew criticism for being insensitive and dismissive of mental health concerns. This education loan advice divided public opinion sharply.

Main Story: Why the Advice Drew Strong Reactions

Warikoo argued that hardship builds resilience and that external support delays personal growth. However, critics countered that such education loan advice overlooks wage realities, high overseas education costs and limited job mobility.

Borrower’s Monthly Financial Snapshot

Social media users pointed out that even disciplined budgeting cannot bridge such a gap. Mental health advocates also objected to Warikoo’s comment that emotional distress was a “privilege”, calling it tone-deaf.

News coverage:

• Hindustan Times report:
  https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/indian-gen-z-with-rs-56-000-salary-has-rs-45-000-emi-after-us-college-ashamed-helpless-101765449175448.html
• Economic Times topic coverage on Warikoo and personal finance debates:
  https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/ankur-warikoo

Previous Developments: Rising Education Loan Stress in India

The backlash comes amid growing concern over education loan burdens. According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report, June 2024, published on 28 June 2024 and available at rbi.org.in → Publications → Financial Stability Report, retail loan stress has increased among younger borrowers, especially in unsecured and education-linked credit.

RBI data also shows that overseas education loans have grown faster than domestic ones, driven by higher tuition costs and rupee depreciation. Repayment risks rise when expected foreign employment does not materialise.

Education Loan Reality for Young Borrowers
 

Financial planners say rigid motivational messaging often fails to acknowledge these systemic risks.

For borrowers seeking structured guidance, this LoansJagat resource explains education loan management and borrower rights:

What Stakeholders Are Saying

Mental health professionals argue that shaming borrowers worsens anxiety and discourages help-seeking. Finance experts stress the need for practical restructuring options, income-based repayment and transparent counselling rather than blanket advice.

Warikoo has not retracted his statement, but the episode has triggered broader discussion on responsible influencer communication.

Conclusion

The controversy shows how education loan advice can quickly turn divisive when it ignores economic realities. For young borrowers, empathy and practical solutions matter as much as motivation.
 

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