Taxed on Popcorn: Startup Founder Calls on High Earners to Leave India , Deletes Viral Post

A Reddit post titled "Leave India! It’s High Time!" by a startup founder has ignited a passionate debate on the r/India subreddit. 

The post, now deleted, urged high-earning professionals, particularly innovators to consider leaving India for countries with better opportunities and governance. 

The founder, who graduated from a top Indian engineering institute and worked at a leading U.S. bank before starting a company in India, expressed disillusionment with the country’s socio-economic landscape.

The entrepreneur criticized India's regulatory environment, claiming it hindered innovation and that only bureaucrats, politicians, or celebrities could get things done efficiently. 

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He shared an example of his company helping police solve a fraud case, only for the investigation to stall due to demands for bribes. The founder also lamented India's high taxes coupled with poor public services, such as inadequate roads and hospitals. 

He described the situation as stifling, even joking about how popcorn was taxed because the government lacked ideas to grow India’s economy.

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Further frustrations were directed at the social environment in India. He spoke about regional discrimination and the pressure to display wealth to gain respect. 

In his view, without the appearance of affluence, individuals were treated poorly. Additionally the founder warned of an impending economic collapse and suggested professionals should relocate to countries like the UAE or Thailand for better work opportunities.

The post garnered over 300 comments, with mixed reactions. Some Reddit users agreed with the frustrations expressed, citing corruption, poor infrastructure and inefficient governance. Other however argued that the systemic change requires active involvement rather than simply leaving. 

The discussion reignite broader concerns about India challenges in fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.

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