Degrees, Dowries, and Dependence: India’s Toxic Cycle of Fake Pride

For far too long, many Indians have found comfort in the wealth of their parents, the security of their in-laws, and the illusion of a last name that carries weight. It’s a generational inheritance—not just of money, but of dependency. We grow up believing that our surname, our degrees, or the money passed down to us is enough to define our worth. But here’s the harsh truth: if your pride is built on anything but your own effort, you are setting yourself up for an eventual fall.

The Legacy Trap

A staggering number of young Indians still rely on parental wealth to dictate their lifestyle. Expensive weddings, foreign degrees, luxurious homes—many of these are funded by parents who believe they are ‘securing’ their child's future. But is it security or disguised slavery? When your self-worth is dependent on someone else’s financial stability, you are not independent—you are just an extension of their wealth.

The same goes for in-laws. In many cases, marriage in India is not just about companionship but about "who brings what to the table." Sons-in-law expect dowry, daughters-in-law expect financial support, and families are more concerned about securing alliances than nurturing ambition.

And then there’s the degree illusion—where people believe that just because they hold an IIT, IIM, or Ivy League certificate, they are superior. But let’s ask ourselves: does that degree create value if all you do is flash it as a badge of pride while someone else foots your bills?

The Harsh Reality of Borrowed Pride

History has shown us that borrowed pride never lasts. Businesses crumble when the next generation assumes entitlement instead of responsibility. Relationships turn into silent battles when financial dependency becomes a burden. And the worst of all—personal growth stagnates when people refuse to struggle, fight, and build something of their own.

A surname can only take you so far. A degree is just paper unless backed by skill and grit. Inheritance is fleeting. The real test of a person’s worth is their ability to stand on their own, without the crutches of family wealth or status.

The True Meaning of Independence

To be independent is to be free—not just financially, but mentally. True independence means:

1. Earning your own money – No matter how rich your family is, relying on yourself is the ultimate power.
2. Building skills, not just resumes – A degree without skill is as useless as a sword in the hands of a coward.
3. Breaking the cycle of entitlement – If you have inherited wealth, invest it wisely, don’t waste it. If you have inherited a legacy, strengthen it, don’t hide behind it.
4. Making choices based on courage, not convenience – Marry because you want a partner, not a financier. Work because you want to create impact, not just to keep a title.
5. Acknowledging that nothing belongs to you except your actions – Money, name, and privilege can disappear overnight. What remains is what you have built with your own hands.

A Final Thought

If you strip away your father’s money, your in-law’s support, and your degree, who are you? If you cannot answer that without stuttering, you are in trouble. The world belongs to those who are independent not just in their wallets, but in their minds. The longer you depend, the harder you fall.

So the next time you feel proud of your last name, your degree, or the money in your bank (that isn’t yours), ask yourself: Are you truly successful, or are you just well-packaged?

Because eventually, life will strip away everything fake—and only the real will remain standing.