‘Eh dabba koi ni phankega’: Ex-Google MD shares father’s priceless reaction to MacBook gift

A former Google managing director has left the internet amused after sharing a light-hearted moment involving his father. The anecdote, posted on X, quickly caught attention for its relatable humour and cultural nuance.An ex-Google MD posted about gifting his dad a MacBook, but the father insed the box must not be discarded. (X/@parrysingh)(Also read: Ex-Google MD relives childhood memories after stopping an ice cream van in Singapore: ‘Tastes like childhood’)Taking to the platform, Parminder Singh wrote: “Gifted my dad a MacBook Neo laptop. As we unpacked, he ignored the notebook, grabbed the box, and declared, ‘Eh dabba koi ni phankega.’”The remark, loosely reflecting a sentiment common in many Indian households about not discarding useful packaging, struck a chord with users online.Take a look here at the post:Internet relates to ‘dad logic’The post has garnered more than 143,000 views, with several users chiming in to share similar experiences and humorous takes. Many found the father’s reaction both nostalgic and deeply relatable.One user wrote, “This is peak Indian parenting energy, the box is always more important.” Another commented, “Laptops come and go, but the dabba stays forever.” A third user added, “My dad still has boxes from 10 years ago, just in case.”Others joined in with witty observations. “That box will now store important documents, wires and probably nothing useful,” one user joked, while another said, “Every Indian home has a secret stash of such boxes.”Some users also highlighted the practicality behind the habit. “Honestly, they are not wrong. Those boxes come in handy more times than we admit,” one comment read. Another user wrote, “Parents see value where we don’t, and that is a lesson in itself.”More than just humourWhile the post is being widely shared for laughs, it also reflects a generational mindset shaped frugality and resourcefulness. For many, especially in Indian households, items like boxes are rarely discarded and are often repurposed for storage or future use.




