A story shared by an employee at a Noida-based IT firm has sparked a wider conversation about how interns and fresh graduates are often undervalued in Indian corporate culture. Posting on r/IndianWorkplace, the employee described an incident involving a newly joined group of interns from “low-level Tier 1 and good Tier 2 colleges” who were still settling into the work environment.
During an informal chat with the company’s CEO, the interns casually suggested installing a coffee machine in the office. What followed, however, stunned everyone.
According to the post, the CEO brushed off the request with the shocking remark: “In 50,000, I can buy two interns. Why should I spend that much on a coffee machine?”
The insensitive statement quickly circulated within the organisation and eventually made its way online. The employee said the moment reflected “the exact mindset” prevalent in many Indian companies, where young workers are treated as expendable rather than being nurtured.
Outrage poured in on the subreddit, with users reacting sharply. One person commented, “Another day, another bizarre Indian company story.” Another wrote, “No doubt we are so behind in the tech world compared to the US and China.”
Adding a layer of sarcasm, a user noted, “Maybe the CEO prefers to drink coffee that comes from the interns.”
Many commenters went on to discuss the broader issue of Indian IT firms depending heavily on low-cost intern labour—expecting long hours and high productivity while offering minimal facilities. Others argued that such attitudes only push talented professionals to move abroad or leave the sector entirely.