Every year, thousands of engineering students dream to study in IIT, get a high paying job abroad and build a good career abroad. For many, that is the ultimate definition of success. But a story that has gone viral on the Internet reminds people that sometimes, the biggest decisions in life aren’t made — they’re made at home.Meeting Vivek SharmaThe IIT Bombay Computer Science gold medalist reportedly turned down a $240,000 (roughly Rs 2.9 crore) annual offer from a San Francisco-based startup before moving to the US. Because it wasn’t better pay or other opportunities. It was his parents.Today, instead of living in Silicon Valley, he runs a small grocery store in the basement of his house in Kanpur, teaches writing to poor children and says something that has struck a chord with readers: “My parents are my biggest company.”
The IIT dream that his parents helped build
Vivek’s journey began in a low-class family in Kanpur.His father worked as a railway clerk, while his mother studied to supplement the family’s income. Like many Indian parents, they put everything they had into their child’s education. According to the viral post, the money was gone, the jewelery was sold and every rupee was carefully planned for Vivek to study in Kota before being admitted to IIT Bombay.The sacrifices paid off.Vivek not only graduated in Computer Science, but also received a gold medal. In his final year, he received what many engineering students would describe as a dream – a position at a startup in San Francisco with an annual package worth about $240,000, complete with visa and relocation assistance.It seemed like years of hard work had come together.Then life suddenly changed.
A decision that also defined success
Just before leaving for the US, Vivek’s father reportedly suffered a heart attack. At the same time, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.Suddenly, the excitement of international work changed to the hospital, surgeries, chemotherapy and uncertainty.He was faced with a decision that no school setting prepared students for.Should he go to another country and look for the opportunity that he seized to make more money, or live with two people who gave up everything for him?He chose to stay.According to the post, Vivek canceled the visa interview and rejected the offer.Many people doubted what he did. Others say they told him he was deeply affected. Others felt they were giving up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.But for Vivek, the answer was simple.His parents wanted him more than any other company.
From IIT Bombay to Sharma General Store
After returning, Vivek started a software project in Kanpur. As his financial responsibilities increased, he opened a small grocery shop under his house—Sharma General Store.At first, it seemed like an unlikely place for the IIT Bombay gold medalist.However the store became more than a business.It helped the couple navigate one of the most difficult times of their lives and allowed Vivek to remain close to his parents.Over time, according to the viral story, his mother’s health improved and his father’s condition stabilized. Along with running a grocery store, Vivek started teaching coding to underprivileged children and working as a freelancer at night.A few years later, his story reached the same international company which he rejected. At this time, instead of asking him to move, they asked him to help with an educational project.Today, Vivek continues to balance technology, teaching and family – all without leaving the city he thought he would leave forever.
Why his story affects thousands of people
The story has caused quite a stir online, with many experts saying it challenges their definition of success.Others shared similar experiences of returning home to care for elderly parents, even when it meant putting a good job on hold. Others felt that what he has achieved cannot always be measured by salary, job titles or outside activities.One commentator pointed out that success is subjective – for some, it means creating a global career; for others, it means standing by the family when they need you most.Another wrote that life is not a race with a single finish line. Everyone has different roles, different situations and different times, making comparisons unfair and incomplete.For students chasing entrance exams, placements and dreams, Vivek’s journey provides an important reminder.Academic success can open doors.Good work can create opportunities.But sometimes, it’s more difficult—and perhaps braver—to choose people than fame.Whether one agrees with Vivek’s point of view or not, his story has sparked a wide-ranging conversation about ambition, responsibility and what it means to be successful.Perhaps that’s why one line from his journey continues to resonate with readers:“My parents are my biggest company.”Disclaimer: This article is based on social media posts and online discussions. TOI Education has not independently verified the personal information, educational information, work history or activities described. This article is provided for informational and motivational purposes only and reflects what was said in the original post and public responses.