Ex-Microsoft Indian Techie Sweeps Streets in Russia for ₹1 Lakh Monthly Amid Tech Slowdown

• Mukesh Mandal, a 26-year-old former Microsoft AI engineer, is now a street cleaner in St. Petersburg, Russia.
• He earns approximately ₹1.1 lakh per month, along with free accommodation, food, and transport.
• Mandal moved due to global tech slowdown, layoffs, and limited opportunities in India.
• He is part of a pilot project recruiting 17 Indians to address Russia's labor shortage in municipal services.
• Mandal views his work with dignity, stating, "For us, no work is small. Work is like worship to God."

Why It Matters: An Indian ex-Microsoft techie found dignity and better pay sweeping streets in Russia amidst a tech slowdown.