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The Journey of Gratitude: A Story of Success and Mother's Sacrifice

Monday, June 8, 2026
5 min read
The Journey of Gratitude: A Story of Success and Mother's Sacrifice

That feeling of happiness, for an Indian guy now working at Google , it just hits you. He watched his mother’s face light up. She saw him on that giant billboard, hanging up in Times Square in New York, right there with her.

It wasn't just a picture. It was a huge moment.

The whole thing got shared on Instagram by Abhijay Arora Vuyyuru. He video-called his mom, showed her the massive billboard, and you could see the shift. That smile. She was just visibly moved by the unexpected gesture.

He posted it, talking about why he did it. He said it wasn't just some flashy display. It was about gratitude . It was his way of saying thank you to the woman who sacrificed everything just to make him successful.

"This was the most special day of my life," he wrote. "I put my mom on a New York Times Square Billboard to show my thanks for everything she gave up."

He went on and talked about the road. It wasn't easy, that’s the thing. He was born in Panchkula. Raised totally by his mom. She made sure he got the best education, even when they were scraping by.

"We come from humble beginnings," he explained. "Panchkula. My mom raised me by herself. She studied using second-hand books just to make sure I got the schooling."

Then there was that tough time. The failure.

He brought up 2012. Failing the IIT entrance exams. He remembered seeing her cry. That was when he made a promise. "One day, time will change. I will make her proud." He decided he had to work harder, just harder, and luckier.

It was a long grind. Graduating in 2016 without a job. Years spent just working while chasing the next thing. He hit some milestones, won a hackathon in 2017. Then the GMAT tests, the rejections from business schools in 2021.

People told him to quit. To just give up on the US dream. But he kept pushing.

"2022: Harvard said yes! 2025: Google US said YES!" He wrote that. He told everyone to remember that part. Don't quit. Be grateful for the people who let you chase those dreams by sacrificing theirs. Believe in yourself.

The reaction online was immediate. People just flooded the comments.

One user said, "Aree Waah, an incredible journey bro. Way more to go."

Another one hit differently. "You have achieved everything, brother, if your mother is smiling."

Someone else just kept it simple. "What an incredible journey, brother." It just hung there. A real, raw feeling.

Written by Gree News Team — Senior Editorial Board

Gree News Team covers international news and global affairs at Gree News. Our collective of senior editors is dedicated to providing independent, accurate, and responsible journalism for a global audience.

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