It is the dream of countless Indians, especially young students, to study or work in a foreign country. The kind of lifestyle that people in the West have, the kind of money that they get to earn and the freedom that they seem to enjoy entices several Indians. However, there have been plenty who came back to their motherland after spending a few years abroad. While some preferred living close to their families, others realised that resources are much more affordable here.
A guy named Aanshul Sadaria took to X (formerly Twitter) to share why he never really felt the need to go to the US and settle there. Aanshul, who is a software engineer at Google, said that he had the opportunity to go to the US but he wanted to stay close to his family after losing his father back in 2021.
"Bhaiya, why did you not go to the US? Didn't you get an opportunity?"
From Google, a lot of folks from my batch left for US. I could as well. But I didn't!
Patriotism?
Not exactly.
I lost my father in 2021 and wanted to stay close to my family! ❤️
— Aanshul Sadaria (@AanshulSadaria) August 18, 2023
“Would you ever go to the US in future along with your family?”
Perhaps. For a few years, just to get a taste of US working culture and because I am a travel freak.
But ultimately, I would want to settle back in India only. ?
— Aanshul Sadaria (@AanshulSadaria) August 18, 2023
Another argument that he placed was that living in India comes at a lower cost. Like house rent, it is much less in India as compared to the US.
“People say the same thing and then never come back.” ?
Quite true. And I can’t comment much on that because I haven’t worn those shoes.
But hypothetically, I feel the standard of living in India can be amazing with lower regular costs like house rent, etc. ?
— Aanshul Sadaria (@AanshulSadaria) August 18, 2023
It is also easier to find househelps in India and when a baby is born, the entire family is here to help out.
It is quite easier to get house help here and when you are raising a family, it is much better to stay close to people who actually love you unconditionally.
Private education is cheaper here. Public education is better there. ?
— Aanshul Sadaria (@AanshulSadaria) August 18, 2023
Healthcare is cheaper and better here ignoring some rare outliers. It is much easier here to get prescribed medicines for fever, and other common issues. ??
I have heard work culture is better there but if you are part of MNC, there won’t be a huge difference here and there.
— Aanshul Sadaria (@AanshulSadaria) August 18, 2023
Why? Not because I love India as a stateless entity. But because I love everything that my country offers me. ?
And I think that is another definition of patriotism. ?? pic.twitter.com/baRzFQKyYp
— Aanshul Sadaria (@AanshulSadaria) August 18, 2023
Reading his post, many people who were living in a foreign country but eventually came back to India shared their experiences. They could relate well to what Aanshul wrote. Here’s what some of them shared:
I got an opportunity to work in USA early in my career… I rejected and happy with my decision
Its about living among our own people and our own culture
One should be satisfied wherever he/she stays
Bharat gave me everything that I have today and I have a lot to give back?
— Rajat Goel (@rajat_goel) August 22, 2023
Stayed in USA, now in UK but ultimately planning to be back to India.. No country can match what India offers!!
— Rohit (@RohitK04) August 22, 2023
Stayed in USA for almost 10 years but came back to India..
One of the main reasons was the gun culture in US. When my daughter (she was 5) was trained in school on how to behave/act when a ‘bad’ guy enters the school premises, my mind was made up!— #HeyIamSatish (@HeyIamSatish) August 23, 2023
I returned to India from Ireland and would never move out of India again.
The housing, the cost of living, Indian food and the medical facilities in India are 1000 times much better here in India.
— JS (@TheSaffronFight) August 22, 2023
It’s true that people rarely comeback for-good to India from US especially spending more than 10-12years there. I guess I am one of those rare cases. I returned to India when my father was very sick and didn’t feel like going back. It’s been 5 years & I am happy with my decision.
— Mohan Boreddy (@MBoreddy) August 22, 2023
I am also one of the people who worked in the USA but came back.Nowdays a farmer is staying in a village. People also ask me why you did not stay back? I have chosen India to be close with my parents.Of course they expired. I have to take care of agricultural immovable property
— Rama Krishna prasad (@ramakosuru) August 23, 2023
100% agreed with you, stayed in both US and Europe and came back to stay closer with family.
— Antesh Gupta (@AnteshGupta) August 22, 2023
After returning from Australia in 2011 I never thought of going back. Rejected at least 4 offers to Europe and Australia and also I possess H1B which I didnt use. Bangalore is ultimate place for me close to family and freedom of life here.
— IndianCitizen (@bntbgk) August 24, 2023
Would you want to settle abroad or do you love living in India?