An Indian content creator in the US has sparked a debate online after posting a video asking fellow Indians living abroad why they are hesitant to return to India.
Many of the respondents, all NRIs, cited reasons such as better work-life balance, personal privacy, women’s safety, and a more convenient lifestyle in the US as major factors keeping them from moving back.
In the video, answering to the question from vlogger Albeli Ritu, one woman said, “According to me, I think people in India are very judgmental. And people here don’t care too much. So, you know, anybody can live here without any care, they can do anything.”
Another respondent spoke about the lifestyle and affordability in the US, saying, “America is a very capitalist market, right? So the car that you can buy here with less salary, you could never afford that in India. So that is like just one example. There’s like a lot of things you can just buy things and that is what their economy is like based on.”
She added that those who are materialistic “would love this place”, adding, “But if you’re looking to like emotions and, you know, patriotism and all, you’re not going to like it here.”
Work culture also emerged as a strong factor, with one person explaining, “The work culture here is very good. So that is one thing which I feel stops people from going back.” She also pointed at enhanced safety for girls, compared to India.
The comments triggered reactions from social media users.
One user said: “Just accept this.. Because you failed every competition in India be it for good colleges, jobs etc.”
Another questioned the safety in the US, which is batting a gun violence issue.
A third said: “It’s good to study and gain experience abroad, but settling there permanently means avoiding the responsibility of contributing to India’s growth. Choosing only developed environments without working to develop your own country just makes us secondary citizens in someone else’s home.”
Just a few days ago, an NRI stated that he was moving back to India after living in Europe for five years.
Ankur Tyagi, who has been living in Europe for the past five years, shared his thoughts on X on Monday, while responding to another user who said he understood why people want to leave India due to issues like pollution, corruption, high taxes and real estate prices.
“Coming to Delhi on 5th dec f*** AQI who cares i live in 10 AQI for entire year i need some real oxygen now of friends and family…see you soon India,” part of his post on X read.
