New Delhi: Parents who graduated from prestigious IITs and IIMs are questioning whether their children need to follow the same path, saying they would rather see them enjoy life, develop practical skills and choose their own careers.
A recent post by entrepreneur Abid Hassan on X has sparked a debate about academic pressure, parental expectations and whether an elite degree is essential for success. In his post, Hassan shared a conversation with a friend who graduated from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA).
The friend stated that he did not want his children to feel compelled to attend IIT or IIM and would instead be happy if they chose to enjoy life. Hassan suggested that reaching a stage where professional success and academic credentials no longer dictate life choices could be the real self-actualization goal of attending such elite institutions.
Another IIMA graduate shared a similar outlook, arguing that a prestigious degree should not be a prerequisite for success. Pointing out that many MBA graduates eventually become entrepreneurs, they questioned whether an MBA is truly necessary to build a business and stressed the importance of developing practical skills and real-world experience.
The discussion has highlighted a broader shift in how some parents view education and achievement. While IITs and IIMs remain highly sought-after institutions, some graduates believe their children should not have to replicate their own academic journeys to build fulfilling lives.
Other users noted that financial security can play a role in giving people the freedom to pursue creative, intellectual and unconventional interests. The conversation also drew reactions from people welcoming greater attention to children's physical and mental well-being, contrasting it with earlier parenting approaches that often discouraged play.
The debate is not necessarily about rejecting formal education or elite schools. Instead, it questions the idea that a particular degree must define a child's future, with some parents choosing to prioritize the freedom to choose an individual path.