Billionaire Harsh Goenka's 'save Rs 600 a day' tweet sparks debate on income inequality in India

Chairman of $3.6 billion RPG Enterprises, Harsh Goenka.

Industrialist Harsh Goenka’s recent tweet about the power of small habits has ignited a lively debate on X, as users dissect the practicality of saving Rs 600 a day and maintaining daily self-improvement routines.

In his tweet, Goenka, a billionaire, wrote, “Saving Rs 600 per day = Rs 2,19,000 per year, reading 20 pages per day = 30 books per year, walking 10,000 steps per day = 70 marathons per year. Never underestimate the power of small habits.”

While Goenka’s message was meant to inspire positive change through consistency, and several people agreed, countless X users quickly pointed out the challenges of such habits for the average citizen in India, who struggles to earn a decent income.

Saving Rs 600 per day = Rs 2,19,000 per yearReading 20 pages per day = 30 books per yearWalking 10,000 steps per day = 70 marathons per yearNever underestimate the power of small habits.
Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) September 18, 2024

Others shared more philosophical reflections, with one user referencing the popular book ‘The Power of Habit’: “Realised it when I read the book. Sometimes you may skip a couple of days due to other priorities, but don’t stress that you missed it.” Another added, “The magic of compounding is also invisible in this counting. A habit done with a lot of consistency gives a lot more than linear results.”

Some users backed the industrialist’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of discipline. One tweet noted, “Investing that daily Rs 600 could grow to over Rs 2.26 lakh annually with interest. Small habits, big rewards!”

However, the conversation underscored a broader societal concern: the widening gap between the aspirations promoted by wealthy individuals and the financial reality of the majority of Indians. “From the moment you are born till you reach heaven, everything is taxed. Is there anything left to save in between?” lamented another user.

Another said that while in theory the tweet is fine, after office, chores and other responsibilities she does not find any time to read a book or pursue a hobby.

"Saving ₹600/day in a country where the average daily income is around ₹270," another wrote, criticising the tweet.

Goenka, the Chairman of RPG Enterprises, has 1.8 million followers.