- As globalization encourages mobility, stories like Panja’s remind us that citizenship decisions are rarely just administrative
- They are often intertwined with questions of heritage, personal values, and the sense of where one truly belongs
- For now, Panja remains proudly Indian, even as he continues to innovate and build a career in Germany
Mayukh Panja, an Indian entrepreneur and researcher, has sparked conversations by openly declaring his decision to retain his Indian citizenship despite living in Germany for nearly a decade. Having spent the past nine years in the country—initially as a doctoral researcher, then as an employee, and now as the founder of AI startup Populations—Panja is eligible to apply for German citizenship. Yet, he has chosen not to.
- In a candid post on the social media platform X, Panja explained that his choice stems from a deep personal connection to his Indian identity
- “I have been here nine-plus years and became eligible for the German passport a year ago. I could have applied for citizenship then, but I did not,” he shared
- “I have thought about this a lot and am increasingly coming to the conclusion that I can’t do this. Because I don’t feel German”
Panja’s decision highlights a broader conversation about identity, belonging, and the emotional significance of citizenship. While Germany offers opportunities and stability, Panja’s attachment to India is stronger than the practical advantages of naturalization. His stance reflects a growing number of expatriates worldwide who grapple with similar choices—whether to adopt the legal benefits of a new country or preserve the cultural and emotional ties to their homeland.
For Panja, maintaining his Indian passport is not merely a bureaucratic preference but a statement of self-identification. It emphasizes that citizenship can be as much about personal and cultural belonging as it is about legal status. Despite professional success abroad, his Indian identity remains central to how he views himself and his place in the world.
