Raising a child in India is increasingly becoming a financial commitment, as highlighted by Chartered Accountant Paaras Gangwal. He estimates that initial expenses, including pregnancy and the first year, can range from ₹1 lakh to ₹4 lakh in metropolitan areas. Following this, monthly costs are projected at ₹18,000, which, over 18 years, can accumulate significantly. Gangwal warns that future expenses, particularly for higher education and marriage, could balloon to nearly ₹1.1 crore due to inflation. To mitigate these costs, he suggests starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) of ₹15,000 monthly, which could potentially yield a corpus of ₹1.1 crore over the investment period. The post has sparked discussions online, with some praising the financial foresight while others question the adequacy of the estimated monthly expenses, particularly in Tier-1 cities. Ultimately, the consensus is clear: effective financial planning is essential for prospective parents in India today.