Shankar Sharma’s Advice to His Guard: A 20-Year-Old Anecdote on Investing in Gold and Land
Shankar Sharma, a veteran Indian investor known for his early bets on Amazon and Apple, recently shared a 20-year-old anecdote of advising his house help and guard to invest in gold and land instead of the stock market.
The Advice
According to Sharma, he told his house help, Teji, and guard, Yadav, to invest in gold every month and to use their annual bonus to invest in land. He warned them to stay away from the stock market, saying ‘Chup chaap, Gold main har month paisa daalte raho. Aur annual bonus ka paisa Zameen mien daalte raho. Yeh stock market ki taraf khabardaar kabhi dekha to…’
The Outcome
Sharma’s advice proved prophetic, and his guard, Yadav, was able to purchase an apartment in Mumbai by liquidating some of his gold and land investments. The irony is that Yadav has no knowledge of the stock market or who the RBI Governor is, yet he’s financially successful due to prudent investments.
Investing in Gold
Over the past two decades, the price of gold has seen a dramatic and significant rise from 2004 to late 2025, especially in India, where the rise is even more pronounced. Historical data for 24 Karat gold per 10 grams shows an approximate price range of Rs 5,850 to Rs 6,065 in 2004. By October 2025, the price reached approximately Rs 1,25,000 to Rs 1,26,000 per 10 grams. This domestic price increase translates to an extraordinary rise of nearly 2,000%.
For Indian investors looking to invest in gold, there are several options available, including gold ETFs, gold mutual funds, and physical gold. However, it’s essential to do your research and consider your investment goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.
Investing in Land
Investing in land can be a lucrative option for Indian investors, especially in areas with high demand and limited supply. However, it’s crucial to do your due diligence and research the market before making any investment decisions. You can learn more about land investment and its benefits on our website.
Conclusion
Shankar Sharma’s anecdote serves as a reminder of the importance of prudent investing and the need to consider alternative investment options beyond the stock market. By investing in gold and land, Indian investors can diversify their portfolios and potentially generate significant returns over the long term.
For more information on investing in India, including tips and strategies for Indian investors, visit our website. You can also learn more about stock market advice and how to make informed investment decisions.
