Das’ posts have opened up a conversation about the complexities of national identity, pride, and the realities of living in India versus abroad
A former Google engineer, Deedy Das, has sparked a social media debate by questioning why Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) praise India while choosing to live abroad, livemint.com reported. Through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Das asked NRIs to reflect on their decision to stay away from India despite its economic growth, highlighting that it’s essential to be honest about the challenges that might prevent them from returning.
“When Indians living abroad talk about how bustling the scene is in India, they should feel obligated to answer why they are not living there,” Das stated. He emphasized that it’s perfectly acceptable to recognize India’s progress, but NRIs should also openly acknowledge the reasons for not moving back, such as air pollution and overpopulation.
A commenter from India strongly discouraged any NRI from moving back, saying that the country’s overpopulation and lack of progress make life difficult. According to this user, “India is NOT growing, and it is crowded like hell. We have more than 1 billion unwanted people who are good for nothing. This is no way to live.”
He further pointed out that it feels disingenuous to claim India as “the best place in the world” while living elsewhere. Das added, “This isn’t about lacking pride in your country. You can support and cheer for India, but also be truthful about why you’re not living there.”
Das’ comments have received over 2.3 million views and ignited various responses. One user acknowledged that NRIs may have “plenty of valid reasons” for not returning, including better opportunities and living conditions abroad. Another user, however, claimed that NRIs miss India mainly because of the availability of cheap labor, which helps with household chores.
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