India, June 16 -- In a post that's resonating across professional networks, data scientist Monish Gosar has sparked widespread conversation by challenging the commonly held belief that the middle class is a victim of the financial system. Instead, he argues, they are "willing participants".

Gosar opens his viral LinkedIn post with a bold claim: "Unpopular opinion: The middle class is not a victim of the system. They're willing participants." Drawing on a personal anecdote, he describes a friend earning Rs.15 lakh annually who opted for a Rs.10 lakh new car over a more affordable Rs.3 lakh used vehicle. "I deserve it," the friend had said, "I work hard."

But Gosar points out this very mindset is what keeps banks in business. "And that's ...