- “India was my dream home, now it’s…”
- 25-year-old Hyderabad woman sparks debate after candid Reddit post about disillusionment with India
A 25-year-old Indian woman from Hyderabad has ignited discussions on social media after sharing her stark observations on India’s infrastructure, safety, and governance following a stint living in the United States. Having moved abroad post-marriage, she detailed how her long-held admiration for India turned into disillusionment upon returning, reported businesstoday.in.
In her Reddit post, she lamented issues like polluted air, unsafe roads, open manholes, and widespread encroachment, questioning how she had lived safely in India for 22 years. She also criticised corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency, revealing she had to pay bribes to get routine government work done. “Nothing gets done in this country without a bribe,” she wrote, calling it a “harsh reality check” for young adults.
The NRI recounted unsafe roads, poor hygiene, and governance failures, highlighting a harsh reality for returning citizens
Food safety was another major concern. She described meals being prepared in reused oils and unhygienic conditions, noting that India’s reputation for unclean food is, in her view, justified. She also recounted broad daylight harassment and slammed the leniency of India’s driver licensing system, sharing that she was granted a license despite crashing during her test. “That says a lot about how good the drivers are in India,” she remarked.
While acknowledging conveniences like domestic help and food delivery, she questioned the trade-off for safety and well-being. “While living abroad, I’ve felt happier and healthier. I can walk safely, breathe clean air, and rely on efficient government services,” she wrote. Her conclusion was blunt: “India was my dream home, full of life and colour. But now, all I see is distress and failure. I never thought I’d say this, but I don’t think we’ll retire in India anymore.”
The post resonated widely, drawing hundreds of comments from Indians at home and abroad. Many echoed her frustrations about governance and inequality, while others urged a more nuanced perspective, comparing India to an “old grandma with wisdom” that comes with complexity.
The discussion highlights a growing online trend among returning NRIs, reflecting the tension between nostalgia for their homeland and frustration with everyday realities.
