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NRI reflects on the right moment to go back
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NRIs often dream of returning home, but nostalgia, infrastructure growth, and service gaps shape the reality of moving back
For many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), returning to India after years abroad is a cherished dream—reconnecting with family, roots, and the familiarity of their homeland. Yet, a recent social media post raises an intriguing question: when NRIs speak of “returning to India,” are they longing for the physical country, or are they yearning for a time in their past, reported financialexpress.com.
The post explains that NRIs who left in their 20s or 30s tend to romanticize their earlier lives—carefree days, close-knit communities, and the comfort of home. While India has seen growth in highways, electricity, and urban development, critical services such as schools and hospitals have not kept pace. The contrast between shiny new buildings and persistent gaps in services leads many to question whether life back home will live up to their memories.
The post highlights that nostalgia often drives the desire to return, but the reality may differ as India’s infrastructure has improved while essential services lag behind
“India has changed much after that, for better or worse,” the post notes. “There is more infrastructure, but also more population. Roads and electricity have improved, but schools and hospitals have not kept up.”
Netizens weighed in on the discussion:
One user reflected, “You guys start comparing life and don’t drop US habits … I lived in India for 1 year to see if I can move back and I loved every bit of it … it’s like I never left and started where I left off, even after 20 years.”
Another noted the challenges: “Extremely accurate description … the air pollution is what’s preventing me from imagining living like that.”
A third commented on urban realities: “Spot on! I enjoy meeting friends, but I find less to appreciate in urban India. My hometown of Pune has taller buildings, worse roads than 30 years ago, and the prevailing narratives crumble after 1 hour in traffic.”
Yet another netizen observed, “Don’t private schools and hospitals have great infrastructure? Being middle class abroad is easier than in India, but once we earn a nest egg, life in India becomes smoother.”
