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The Google employee shared that displaying his picture with his mother on a giant billboard in Times Square was his way of thanking her for all the sacrifices she made to raise him
The man shared that his mother raised him single-handedly and made sure he got the best possible education
The happiness of an Indian man, who now works for Google, knew no bounds as he watched his mother’s face light up after seeing her son on a giant billboard in New York’s Times Square, which also featured her.
The clip has touched hearts after the techie surprised his mother with a special tribute honouring the sacrifices she made while raising him.
The video was shared by Abhijay Arora Vuyyuru on Instagram. In it, he was seen video-calling his mother and then showing her the massive billboard displaying their picture. After seeing their photo at Times Square, she broke into a smile and was visibly moved by the unexpected gesture.
Abhijay shared that the billboard was more than just a display. It was his way of expressing gratitude to the woman who sacrificed so much for him and helped make him successful. “This was the most special day of my life, I featured my mom on a New York Times Square Billboard to express my gratitude for all her sacrifices!” he wrote in his post.
He then explained that the road to success was anything but easy. He revealed that he was born in Panchkula and raised single-handedly by his mother, who ensured he received the best education possible despite her own financial constraints.
“We come from humble beginnings. I was born in a then town called Panchkula, where my mom raised me single-handedly. She ensured I went to best schools, but she herself had studied using second-hand books,” he explained.
Abhijay then recalled a particularly difficult chapter in his life when he failed to clear the IIT entrance examinations in 2012. He added, “I still remember 2012, when I failed IIT. I saw her cry. That was when I told her, one day, time will change. One day, I would make her proud. I decided to work even harder, and harder I worked, luckier I got.”
What followed was a journey marked by persistence and resilience. Abhijay graduated in 2016 without a job and spent years working while preparing for future opportunities. He won a hackathon in 2017, repeatedly took the GMAT and faced a string of setbacks, including business school rejections in 2021.
Despite being advised by consultants to give up on his dream of studying in the US, he persevered. “2022: Harvard said yes! 2025: Google US said YES! Let this video be a reminder to never give up, and be grateful to those who allowed you to pursue your dreams by sacrificing theirs. Believe in yourself! “ he wrote.
The heartfelt tribute resonated with many users who praised Abhijay’s gesture.
“Aree Waah, an incredible journey bro, way more to go,” said one user.
Another person commented, “You have achieved everything, brother, if your mother is smiling.”
Someone else said, “What an incredible journey, brother.”
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