how the tech boom is killing India’s best coders

how the tech boom is killing India’s best coders

From kill switch by Kaleidoscope

March 18, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges faced by India's tech workers, including mental health issues and high competition.

India’s tech industry was supposed to be a ticket to the middle class, a way out of poverty. Instead, for many workers, it’s become something else: long hours, intense competition, and a growing mental health crisis. Dexter talks to journalist Parth MN about the mounting pressure inside India’s tech workforce, the rise in suicides among engineers, and how a system built for relentless growth leaves little room for failure.  Got something you’re curious about? Hit us up killswitch@kaleidoscope.nyc , or @killswitchpod, or @dexdigi on IG or Bluesky. Read + Watch:  Parth’s article, “Death of an Indian tech worker” - https://restofworld.org/2026/india-tech-workers-crisis-suicide/   VICE’s video, “ The Women Behind the Indian Farmers Protest” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knMUaiBiw4U   kill switch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@killswitch_pod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Dexter

Guest: Parth MN

Topics covered

  • tech industry
  • mental health
  • workforce pressure
  • suicides
  • competition
  • economic mobility

Keywords

  • India
  • tech boom
  • coders
  • mental health crisis
  • suicides
  • workforce
  • economic growth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kaleidoscope, VICE

Books & works: Death of an Indian tech worker

Places: India

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