A celebration marking HCLTech’s 50th anniversary in Chennai took an unexpected turn when employees began chanting, “We want hike,” as CEO C. Vijayakumar appeared on stage.
A video of the moment has gone viral on social media, leading to a wider discussion about salary hikes, employee expectations and corporate work culture.
What Happened At The HCLTech Event?
The incident reportedly happened during a private HCLTech event organised for employees as part of the company’s golden jubilee celebrations.
When the CEO of HCL came on stage, employees started chanting, “We want a hike!” pic.twitter.com/hty1tNGp26
— Nandkishor (@devops_nk) July 27, 2026
The company has been holding events in different cities to mark its 50-year milestone. The Chennai celebration also featured a live performance for employees.
As C. Vijayakumar arrived on stage, the audience initially welcomed him with cheers.
Soon, however, a section of employees began chanting, “We want hike!”
The chant became louder as the CEO greeted the gathering, creating an unexpected scene during what was supposed to be a celebratory event.
Viral Video Sparks Online Debate
A video capturing the moment was shared on social media and quickly attracted attention.
The unusual scene particularly caught the attention of employees and professionals from India’s IT sector.
For some viewers, the chant appeared to reflect employee frustration over salary increases. Others felt that concerns about compensation should be discussed through proper workplace channels.
Why Are Employees Asking For Salary Hikes?
Salary hikes remain an important issue for employees across the technology industry.
Employees generally expect compensation to grow as their experience, responsibilities and contribution to a company increase.
When hikes do not match expectations, discussions about employee satisfaction and workplace morale can become stronger.
However, the viral video alone does not establish the individual reasons behind the employees’ chant or whether all employees shared the same concern.
Internet Reacts To ‘We Want Hike’ Chant
The video divided social media users.
Some users supported the employees and said workers should be able to express concerns about pay when they feel their demands are not being heard.
Others criticised the timing and manner of the demonstration, arguing that salary-related issues should be raised through formal internal processes.
The phrase “corporate way of begging” also appeared in online reactions, adding another layer to the discussion.
A Debate About Corporate Culture
The incident has also started a conversation about how employees communicate dissatisfaction in large companies.
One side believes that workers need safe and effective ways to raise concerns about compensation and workplace policies.
Another view is that public events are meant for celebration and that professional concerns should be handled through established company channels.
The contrasting reactions show how differently employees and employers can view workplace communication.
What The Viral Moment Says About Employee Expectations
The popularity of the clip also highlights how salary-related topics can quickly connect with working professionals online.
For many employees, annual hikes are not simply about additional income. They can also be seen as recognition of performance, responsibilities and career growth.
At the same time, individual compensation decisions can depend on several factors, including company performance, role, experience and internal policies.
HCLTech’s 50-Year Milestone
HCLTech’s Chennai event was part of celebrations marking five decades of the company.
The company has built a significant presence in India’s technology industry, employing a large workforce across different locations.
The unexpected chant during the anniversary event therefore attracted attention beyond the venue, particularly among people familiar with India’s corporate and IT sector.
Why The Video Is Getting So Much Attention
The combination of a major corporate celebration, the presence of the CEO and employees openly chanting for salary hikes made the moment unusual.
Social media users quickly turned the short clip into a discussion about workplace expectations.
The incident has also encouraged people to share their own experiences and opinions about salary hikes and corporate life.
Conclusion
The HCLTech anniversary event in Chennai became an unexpected talking point after employees were heard chanting “We want hike” as CEO C. Vijayakumar took the stage.
While some online users saw the moment as employees expressing genuine concerns about compensation, others questioned whether such demands should be made during a company celebration.
The viral video has ultimately opened up a larger conversation about salary expectations, employee satisfaction and how workplace concerns are communicated in India’s IT industry.
FAQs
What did HCLTech employees chant at the Chennai event?
A section of employees was heard chanting, “We want hike,” as CEO C. Vijayakumar appeared on stage.
Where did the incident happen?
The incident reportedly took place during HCLTech’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Chennai.
Why did the video go viral?
The unusual moment of employees publicly chanting for salary hikes during a company celebration attracted significant attention on social media.
Did all HCLTech employees demand a hike?
The reported video shows a section of employees chanting. It does not establish that every employee at the event shared the same demand.
What was the online reaction?
Reactions were mixed. Some users supported the employees, while others criticised the way the concern was expressed and suggested using formal workplace channels.