Moving to India? Five Things No One Will Ever Tell You

chillibreeze writer — Pavitra Rao

Return of the NRI, reverse brain-drain – call it what you may but it is today’s reality. More and more NRIs are returning to India. If you too are planning to make a similar move, then know this - it is much harder to go back to India than it is to leave!

You might have your own reasons to go back, such as job loss, expiration of visa, being homesick, wanting a better environment to raise your kids, and feeling lonely, or ailing parents. Whatever your reasons, you must be fully prepared and well-informed before you shift base. Making an inter-continental move is no joke and the following factors have to be kept in mind.

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India has changed: If you are returning to India because you miss your hometown, then you might be in for a rude shock. Once you return, you will see that a lot has changed after you stepped out of the country. What was once a lane is now a major street with heavy traffic and skyscrapers adorn either side. The dhabas that served tasty food now serve caramel mochas and cheesecake. The local movie theatres have been replaced by expensive multiplexes. In short, you may not find what you longed for in that far off country. The very familiar sights and sounds might have gone for good. You might just be coming to a town that you do not recognize and which does not recognize you!

The Western influence: You might have heard people say that India has become completely Westernized. A lot has changed – the Vada Paavs have given way to Hamburgers, bandhinis to bikinis, and running around the tree to passionate on-screen kissing. Kids in India are global citizens with their ipods, kindles, and a million other gadgets. They no more play the games their parents grew up playing. You cannot measure the generation gap that has come between the Indian parents and their teens. So, think twice before you make your move. Ironically, if you want your children to develop traditional Indian values, then Indian cities might just not be the place for it!

Family support: This is one reason that may not invite any contradiction. Being surrounded by your family members can provide security, especially during these troubled times. Knowing that you will not have to fight all your battles alone will definitely come as a relief. But, having a family does not mean all play and no work. You will have your share of responsibilities too. Just like you expect your family to be there for you, you too will have to be there for them. You will have to attend weddings, anniversaries and birthday parties. Festival will have to be celebrated and rituals will have to be followed. These obligations might make you regret your move.

The attitude problem: This is important. Even to this day, Indians have difficulty accepting an NRI as one of their own. If you feel as an outsider in a foreign land, then you might feel the same when you return to your own country. To ordinary Indians, NRIs are still ‘Non Reliable Indians’. They find it hard to forgive someone who left behind his people and country to enjoy the luxuries abroad. Just imagine returning now, when the Indian economy is booming and the developed countries in a financial mess!

The Indian Standard Time: If there is one thing Indian that has stood the test of time, then it has to be the ‘time-sense’. To this day, the Indian Railways do not run on time, the guests may not leave on time and the politician’s speech may not end on time. The neighbors, the maid, the service providers, salesmen and even the milkman may not really look at time before barging in. Nothing in India is done on time. But, if you want a helping hand, a warm hug and an understanding heart, you might just find one before time.

Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in February, 2010. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.

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—About our writer:

Pavithra is a freelance writer and editor with a Masters degree in Mass Communication. She has worked for websites and also has had a short stint in a television channel. Her strength lies in article writing and web content writing. Writing is her passion. She also enjoys traveling, movies and photography. She currently lives in the US.

Moving to India? Five Things No One Will Ever Tell You

chillibreeze writer — Pavitra Rao

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