Bengaluru, India — A senior software engineer at Microsoft, Manu Agrawal, has captivated thousands online by sharing the profound family sacrifices that paved the way for his impressive career, which now includes an annual salary of ₹1.9 crore.
Agrawal's journey began with humble origins in Jhansi, where his family faced significant financial hurdles. He recounted a pivotal moment during his Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) course when his family struggled to afford even ₹15,000 for a single semester's fees.
A Mother's Sacrifice for Education
"My father sold my mother's jewellery to pay my BCA fees. ₹15,000 per semester. That's all it cost. But we didn't have it," Agrawal revealed in a heartfelt LinkedIn post.
He described the lasting impact of witnessing his mother quietly part with her gold bangles, a sacrifice that underscored the family's unwavering commitment to his education. Years later, while working at Microsoft's Seattle office and earning a substantial salary, Agrawal called his mother, offering to buy back any jewelry she desired. Her response, "Beta, tere aane se sab wapas aa gaya (Son, you came and I got back everything)," highlighted the immeasurable value she placed on his success over material possessions.
From Jhansi to Global Tech Giants
Agrawal's career trajectory is a testament to perseverance and hard work. After completing his BCA from Bundelkhand University, he pursued a master's degree from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. This academic foundation led to a coveted internship at Microsoft, eventually securing him a full-time position in the United States.
His professional path includes significant stints at some of the world's leading technology firms. He initially joined Microsoft in 2017, working in Redmond, Washington, until 2020. Following this, he spent over two years at Google in Bengaluru before rejoining Microsoft in Bengaluru in July 2025.
Beyond Financial Debts: Working for a Dream
Agrawal's reflections extend beyond financial milestones. He recalled his Microsoft internship days, often working until 1 AM, not because of external pressure, but out of an intrinsic drive. "Nobody asked me to. No manager pushed me. No extra pay," he wrote. "I wasn't working late for Microsoft. I was working late for the boy from Jhansi who had no business being there." This dedication ultimately secured him a pre-placement offer.
He also shared insights into his experiences at Google and Microsoft, noting that "Google gave polish, Microsoft gave depth." He perceives Google as a company with a strong focus on culture and brand, while Microsoft offered greater ownership, ambiguity, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. He concluded that both companies offer unique developmental paths for their employees.
Agrawal's inspiring story serves as a powerful reminder that some debts, particularly those of sacrifice and unwavering support, transcend monetary value.