Chandigarh teacher defends KBC kid Ishit Bhatt, says behaviour stems from 'six-pocket syndrome'. What is it?

The contestant’s run on the show ended abruptly when he failed to answer a Rs 25,000 question.

After 10-year-old Ishit Bhatt from Gujarat became the subject of widespread online criticism for his perceived “overconfidence” on "Kaun Banega Crorepati 17", a Chandigarh-based entrepreneur has appealed for empathy, arguing that the child’s conduct reflects a broader parenting concern known as the “Six Pocket Syndrome”.

Bhatt, a fifth-grade student, gained national attention after his episode with host Amitabh Bachchan aired earlier this week. Viewers shared clips showing the young contestant asking the host to skip certain explanations and move directly to the next question, remarks that many interpreted as dismissive. While some found his behaviour inappropriate, others questioned the wave of personal attacks directed at a child.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the teacher named Shekhar Dutt explained that Bhatt’s demeanour might be a product of “Six Pocket Syndrome” — a term describing a situation where one child is brought up by six adults, typically parents and grandparents, who cater to every request.

In his post, Dutt said that such an upbringing can foster overindulgence and entitlement, as children grow up surrounded by affection but without sufficient boundaries. He suggested that Indian families are now witnessing the same dynamic observed in China two decades ago, where smaller family structures led to similar behavioural outcomes.

“Indian kids are now going through what Chinese children went through two decades ago — raised by six pockets, surrounded by affection but lacking discipline,” he wrote, adding that Bhatt may simply be “an innocent victim” of this environment rather than an arrogant child.

His post prompted debate among users about changing parenting patterns in urban India.

why we should stop trolling that KBC kid 🙏

pic.twitter.com/IHcuPcCy9d

— Shekhar Dutt (@DuttShekhar) October 13, 2025

The discussion drew mixed reactions. Some users endorsed Dutt’s argument. Others, however, considered the explanation too sweeping.

“He was overconfident. Probably because that’s how his parents have nurtured him. He learnt a lesson which he won’t forget for his life. Big B was extremely graceful in the entire event. Time for the internet to move on. The kid has enough trauma for his childhood,” wrote an X user.

"Most kids are naturally focused on their own thoughts and feelings. it’s a part of growing up. As they mature, they gradually learn the beauty of listening to others with patience and respect. It’s all a journey of emotional growth, not a flaw," another user remarked.

A user commented, "Agree to some extent, but people in developing economies will have fewer kids according to lifestyle and finances."

Another user urged restraint in public commentary, reminding others that Bhatt is a child who is still learning social boundaries. Several users also criticised the online mockery, saying it risked harming his confidence.

Bhatt’s behaviour on "KBC 17" became a trending topic soon after the episode aired. His manner of addressing the host and insistence on moving through questions swiftly was widely discussed, with memes and opinion threads emerging within hours.

Clips circulated online showed Bhatt requesting Amitabh Bachchan to skip rule explanations and directly proceed with the quiz. Many interpreted the exchange as rude, while others saw it as an expression of youthful enthusiasm.

The contestant’s run on the show ended abruptly when he failed to answer a Rs 25,000 question, leaving the programme without any winnings. The moment intensified online chatter, turning what began as light commentary into sustained criticism of both the child and his parents.

“Very satisfying ending! Not saying this about the kid, but the parents. If you can’t teach your kids humility, patience, and manners, they turn out to be such rude overconfident lot. Not winning a single rupee will surely pinch them for a long time,” a user wrote.

As the debate expanded, more social media users began urging restraint and empathy, noting that online shaming of a ten-year-old was disproportionate. Some reminded others that the experience itself might serve as a learning moment for Bhatt and his family.