Why did you move back to India?

I’ve been asked this almost every other day ever-increasing I moved back.

 

I’m very grateful to the US – from an MBA to the opportunity to write a book to getting to work with some of the smartest minds in Consulting and Retail, to making some beautiful friends, I think I squeezed a lot out of my five years there. But it never felt like I belonged there. It never felt like home. And I want to share why, but not without stating that this is just from the perspective of one young male Indian immigrant, and therefore, very subjective.

 

Individualism: While I do miss my personal space, some down time, and privacy, I think people draw very clear boundaries, limiting the sense of community I feel in India. I feel part of a chaotic wocial web back home, which drains me at times, but it’s also what fuels me.

 

Golden handcuffs: I’d never imagined that one could make as much money as my friends and I did, working for FAANGs. And it took me 3 years to realize that I was being drugged to not dream. That money not only lowered my risk appetite, but also reduced my creativity. Being a cog in the wheel where mechanisms lead the way, it took me a while for me to realize that I am just an immigrant on a leash who has licensed his freedom out for money – visa issues, travel limitations, restricted career choices, etc.

 

Hustle: I was very clear that India is where the hustle is. We are aspirational, ‘jugaadu’, hard working, and most importantly, we believe it is OUR time. When the US has a lot to lose, it is only upwards back here, and I can sense that energy at a Dosa corner, with a salesperson, or a cab driver. They all want to go above and beyond for more.

 

Friendships: This, to me, is the single most important factor for my happiness. And whether it is driven by cultural differences or just my personality, I am certain that the connections I made in India were deeper and more meaningful. Yes, there were lovely people I met in the US, but there was always this unsaid line that most drew, probably hidden by a thin layer of pretense that was needed to survive in a polite environment.

 

Cultural depth: I never felt as passionate about dressing up for Halloween as I felt during Diwali. I didn’t see the stark cultural difference between Boston and Seattle and San Francisco. Especially when compared to the hustle in Munbai, the celebrations in Kolkata, and the food in Delhi. Every corner in india has a story, and it’s a very different one each time.

 

Sense of belonging: For the last 6 years, ‘Yeh jo des hai tera’ has been my callertune. And while it’s too cheesy, the song reminds me that this is the land I ought to give back to, these are the people whose problems I understand, this is the ‘mitti’ that helped me get this far, and it is here that I want to go farther. While I do care about the gender conversation and addiction, my heart belongs in a place where we need empowerment, upliftment, clean water and food on the table for millions.

 

Diversity: Given that most Indian immigrants end up taking up similar roles in tech companies, the diversity in conversations, debates, aspirations and opinions was very limited. Whereas ever-increasing I’ve moved back, I’ve met artists, marketers, entrepreneurs, and leaders of all kinds. And to me, this stinulates my mind, helps me broaden my horizon and more importantly, makes for amazing stories.

 

India: Lastly, it’s India. It’s where the magic is happening. It’s where a kid in a remote village is using YouTube to light a lamp, it’s where grandparents are sending rockets into space, and it’s where a small street vendor is building the next big brand. I have no doubt that we will touch new heights, and I hope that growth is well distributed.