Despite differing views, the conversation brought attention to a recurring theme: the gap between India’s rapid development narrative and the persistent everyday challenges many still face
A recent social media post by an NRI who returned to India after several years abroad has ignited widespread discussion on the country’s basic civic systems and the expectations of those who move back home, reported indiatoday.in.
Akash Tiwari, who previously lived in Ireland and has now settled in Kanpur, shared a candid reflection on X, highlighting three everyday challenges he says he rarely, if ever, encountered overseas.
Tiwari’s first and most disruptive concern was the frequent electricity cuts. According to him, power outages in his locality occur for nearly four to five hours each day, often without warning. He noted that even while drafting his post, his home did not have electricity. In contrast, he recalled that during his three years in Dublin, the power went out just once—for 15 minutes—and even that was a scheduled interruption notified to him a month in advance. The comparison quickly drew attention to India’s inconsistent power infrastructure and its impact on productivity and quality of life.
- The second issue he raised was air pollution. While he didn’t delve into technical details, Tiwari said the stark difference between Ireland’s fresh air and India’s pollution-filled environment was difficult to ignore
- Returning to hazy skies, he said, affected not just physical comfort but also overall well-being, highlighting the ongoing struggle many Indian cities face with worsening air quality
His third major concern was traffic—specifically what he described as “mad traffic and honking.” Tiwari argued that the chaos on Indian roads stems not just from population size but from behavioural patterns, weak enforcement, and longstanding infrastructural gaps. The constant noise, unpredictability, and absence of lane discipline, he said, were sources of daily stress he rarely experienced abroad.
What resonated strongly with many users was Tiwari’s claim that these issues are “man-made.” In his view, problems such as power shortages, pollution, and disorganized traffic are avoidable with better planning, governance, and civic responsibility. He suggested that such basic hurdles often prevent people from focusing on personal growth and more meaningful pursuits.
The post attracted thousands of responses. While some echoed his frustration—criticising authorities for failing to provide reliable essential services—others pushed back, arguing that India is improving, albeit unevenly. A few suggested that returning NRIs often carry unrealistic expectations shaped by life in developed countries.
