Engineering Student Chooses Lower Stipend Internship at Bengaluru Startup, Sparking Debate

Ritesh, a final-year engineering student from Bihar, chose to join Bengaluru startup Matiks for a Rs 5,000 monthly stipend, foregoing a previous Rs 25,000 internship, prioritizing mentorship and hands-on experience. Matiks co-founder Sudhanshu Bhatia highlighted Ritesh's dedication and learning focus, noting his commitment despite long hours. The story sparked debate online about startup work culture, with supporters praising the learning opportunity and critics raising concerns over low pay and workload. Ritesh defended his choice as voluntary and growth-oriented.