New Delhi Times - Gaurav Bhatnagar reporting from New Delhi, India

Gaurav, America has witnessed your contribution and you are no doubt an asset to the US of A. However consider what kind of an asset you are to America. Compare this with what kind of an asset you would be to India. In the worst circumstances it would be the same, you would pay your taxes in both countries, contribute intellectually to whereever you work, whether India or abroad.
But consider the growth oppurtunities you would have in India, close proximity to your parents, alma mater and what not. Quality of life would be compromised one way or the other, in the sense, you would not have to cook your own food, wash your own clothes or do your own dishes. You would be able to devote more time to what you like doing,even though the most material terms are far better in the US.
India is fast progressing, water shortages,power cuts and beggers are a thing of the past.The world fortune 10 companies are setting up huge offices here. Every day I see more and more people of foreign origin walking on the campus of my company, like I used to walked on the campus of Microsoft.
USA would always require people like us, people who know how things are in a progressive economy,people who can interact with the beggars on the streets of Delhi and BillG with equal nonchalance.
So it's not the end of the US-Indian dream, it's a step which will take you up an elevator, to greater success,maturity,tolerance and magnanimity.Go with the flow as you have done all throughout your life, things have worked for the best and they will continue to do so.

We have these debates often and a big reason seems to be one of a perceived lifestyle advantage- have you seen any of that when you went back? Have written something on that theme and would be glad for your views on this

I m finally going back to India after 6 years and feeling very happy. Nice to read your views. I just see one thing, whenever I come back from India, feel sad & going to India always makes me happy so bindings in India surely give us powers to be happy.

I m finally going back to India after 6 years and feeling very happy. Nice to read your views. I just see one thing, whenever I come back from India, feel sad & going to India always makes me happy so bindings in India surely give us powers to be happy.

It is truly the same situation, I find myself in. "A invisible force pulling me back .." - most appropriate. I would love to know more. What happened next?? We will be visiting India this year to find the reason to go back. Although a short sojourn this time Dec - Feb, I have a feeling that it may decide the path. Interesting to note that the U.S. - India connection stays and we could move to a new frontier. I would love that - the opprotunity to leverage the Indian strengths while bringing in opportunities from all around the globe to our motherland.

It is very encouraging to read the positive comments about India. I have lived abroad for 13 years now (UAE, US, Canada). I am a TV journalist with two kids ( 4, 1). I have been amazed with the progress in India. I recently visited Kolkata where I was stunned by how things have changed. We are very keen to come back. Just wondering how the quality of life in New Delhi (that's where most TV news channels are) would compare with life in Toronto.

As Avnish and Rajesh say, I hate it when I leave India. There is no joy when I arrive back in Canada. What's the point in torturing ourselves like this?

India need people like you ...

http://www.smanik.com

hi Gaurav,

I'm writing an article on Indians returning back to their country. I need to interview u in this regard. It would be great if u could contact me on my gmail account.

Regards,
Srivats

After 7 years in US, thought about going back to India. Took vacation and went to India. After the vacation, seriously thinking whether i really want to go back.

Few instances...I took auto to go to a specific place. It was only 3 blocks away from the place where I started. I took auto because of the hot sun. I have walked enough blocks in NYC. He asked me Rs.150. I gave him the money. Next day, i went with my friend. Same auto stand, same distance. My friend asked it ... they asked only 30, my frined bargained for 25 and the auto driver accepted to drop us. hmm... Am i the looser here?

Another Instance... From Chennai I was in Egmore railway station. My parents were inside the train. I was outside making calls to my friends. The train was about to leave. A decently dressed guy approached me (around 25/26) and he explained that he came to Chennai with his friends, had lost his friends in Chennai and wanted to go home. He also mentioned that he spoke to TTR and found only A/C sheet is available. He wanted to borrow some money from me and mentioned that he will send it back when he gets home. He gave his cell number and mentioned that he doesnt have charge in the cell phone at present. He collected my number and mentioned that he will call and give me the money back by person. I thought... oh poor guy and going thru lot and gave the money Rs.1500. Its been few months now we havent received call. I am not able to reach him. Looser again?

I dont mind loosing money. But I feel bad for getting cheated.

I also had the 485 fever. Wanted Birth Certificate. Everything correctly registered by my Dad. I have provided the request to the concerned office. Went to the registrar office almost every day... they were either busy or in meeting... didnt get it. Actually they were not. Just informed that its not possible that day. Come tomorrow. Found from the clerk that they are expecting money from me. I told him that why. It took three weeks for me to get the certificate. Later learned that my other friend received it just by paying Rs250 from US in a day. I am still loooser right (even i didnt pay)?

Before leaving from US, planned to decide about going back to India for good. I stayed in India Four weeks. As the days passed I started loosing my mind towards India.

At the end, my parents came to airport to send me off. At the airport, I could see my mom talking very well, smiling for the jokes that my friends made but at the same time tears from her eyes which she tried to hide. I know for sure it is not because of the jokes. Finally.... Decided to go back to India soon. You may ask.. how soon? Dont know yet.

Now thinking... before 7 years... there were similar autorikshaw men, there were bribes, there were stealing. It was there, is there and will be there. Somebody else was victim at that time... now me .. tomorrow it could be you.

yes we have to stop it. But how. Is it possible just by myself not paying bribe, extra careful in my conversations with strangers? Arent we all want to live comfirtably? Can I make confirtable living by being straight forward? hmmm... so many questions without answers...

But I am still Indian and want to go back to India and help others. Let us see...

"Going back to India" by just telling to anyone or hearing from anyone itself gives us emergy if you are outside of india. no matter who you are.

Yes there are plus and minus in both sides. As above person Prabhu quoted that there are some issues of cheating, bribe etc in india, I will ask here in USA or in another country other than also you have those issues.

In life, whereever you are, if you are not careful with stranger, you might cheater. In USA you may get gun shots too!!!

Important thing I will brought up here will be festivals, social life and stress.

In India, one will have festivals now and then, you will meet with your friends and relatives offen (without any appointment)which will reduce your STRESS level. In USA or in another western countries one has to take an appoointment to visit someone. No much celebration of festivals unless you go to nearest temple (or another religious place).

Out of India, there is NO FUN that is sure as per my opinion.

After getting sufficient $$ savings one should seriously think for moving back to india. I am planning to ....

Manish

"Going back to India" by just telling to anyone or hearing from anyone itself gives us energy if you are outside of india. no matter who you are.

Yes there are pluses and minuses in both sides. As above person Prabhu quoted that there are some issues of cheating, bribe etc in india, I will ask here in USA or in another country other than India also you have those issues.

In life, whereever you are, if you are not careful with stranger, you might get cheated. In USA you may get gun shots too!!!

Important thing I will brought up here will be festivals, social life and stress.

In India, one will have festivals now and then, you will meet with your friends and relatives more often (without any appointment) which will reduce your STRESS level significantly. That is the whole purpose by old pople's to create those
festivals. In USA or in another western countries one has to take an appoointment to visit someone. No much celebration of festivals unless you go to temple (or another religious place) for an hour or so.

Out of India, there is NO FUN that is sure as per my opinion.

After getting sufficient $$ savings one should seriously think for moving back to india. I am planning to ....

Very interesting to read all these posts. Pretty much the thoughts I am going through at the moment. I think you need to have a strong reason to go back and be ready to *adjust*. Remember at 1 point you opened up your mind and moved out of India and you did pretty well. The thing that seems to be pulling most of us back (not talked about much in this thread) are family and friends. Trust me if they were here, you will never think about going back. Its the lonely feeling that takes most of us back to India.

Hi,
It was really nice to read this, cause I am also someone who has come back recently and I have no super reason for coming back, just a little bit of each of the reasons you mentioned above.
I am back, happy, gaining weight and working hard! plus I have a yoga teacher.

Life overall is good. all the best to you as well!

Saurabh

Hi,
It was really nice to read this, cause I am also someone who has come back recently and I have no super reason for coming back, just a little bit of each of the reasons you mentioned above.
I am back, happy, gaining weight and working hard! plus I have a yoga teacher.

Life overall is good. all the best to you as well!

Saurabh

I read above get some feeling. Since last two three months I am also thinking to go back in India. My reason is not very emotional but as I think that here getting on higher level might be a problem as I have no degree from USA and not born and brought up here though my company already file GCbut looks to me getting promotions might be difficult in USA as already have better offer in the same company in India and I can start climbing stairs.

So strongly feel after spending 04 years in US it mightbe worth going back to fulfill ambitions.Also the salaries going up in India @ 20% each year. Now in US we have only 3 % rise.

Whatever we save per year if end of the year will make a trip to India then it all will finish.
If we are in India then no need to visit USA per year.
So I think it might be better going back the only thing is we do not know what is in future. So we have to take risks it can be better or it can be problem.
If someone who already return back please share the experience.

I read above get some feeling. Since last two three months I am also thinking to go back in India. My reason is not very emotional but as I think that here getting on higher level might be a problem as I have no degree from USA and not born and brought up here though my company already file GCbut looks to me getting promotions might be difficult in USA as already have better offer in the same company in India and I can start climbing stairs.

So strongly feel after spending 04 years in US it mightbe worth going back to fulfill ambitions.Also the salaries going up in India @ 20% each year. Now in US we have only 3 % rise.

Whatever we save per year if end of the year will make a trip to India then it all will finish.
If we are in India then no need to visit USA per year.
So I think it might be better going back the only thing is we do not know what is in future. So we have to take risks it can be better or it can be problem.
If someone who already return back please share the experience.

I read above get some feeling. Since last two three months I am also thinking to go back in India. My reason is not very emotional but as I think that here getting on higher level might be a problem as I have no degree from USA and not born and brought up here though my company already file GCbut looks to me getting promotions might be difficult in USA as already have better offer in the same company in India and I can start climbing stairs.

So strongly feel after spending 04 years in US it mightbe worth going back to fulfill ambitions.Also the salaries going up in India @ 20% each year. Now in US we have only 3 % rise.

Whatever we save per year if end of the year will make a trip to India then it all will finish.
If we are in India then no need to visit USA per year.
So I think it might be better going back the only thing is we do not know what is in future. So we have to take risks it can be better or it can be problem.
If someone who already return back please share the experience.

'Going back to India' :
Majority of the People going back are because of more job oppertunities in India now. The other fact is that they are unable to survive here in the bad job market or unable to acquire a greencard or cannot take the pain of bringing up multiple kids without outside help or due to needs of aging parents.
The push to going back has never occurred about 5 years ago to a whole lof of people, when the indian job and realestate market was not so good??? hmmmmm...

The pull to go back will always be there. It's been on my mind for the past few years. I want to make the jump but am unable to pull the trigger. Not a simple choice for me.

Here's what I found out in the last 2 trips to Hyderabad, India

Here are the + points
-Living with your parents
-Enjoying more comforts (servants, drivers, etc)
-Eating desi food 24x7
-Better social life
-Kids will have more friends and better playtime than being indoors most of the time (due to winter, illness, etc)
-Dont have to take appointment to meet friends/relatives
-Enjoy religious festivals better

Here are the -ve points:
-Mega pollution.
-Huge population and traffic problems.
-Power/Water problems.
-No sense of privacy at home.
-Open and blatant corruption. You will have to pay someone some bribe all the time.
-Unalbe to lead a ethical lifestyle which we are used to here. Being ethical is out of question. Either bribe or get bribed. How many of you reading this, who bought realestate paid 100% registration fee? Everthing goes black and under the table. Period.
-Unnecesary religious, caste and political pain (at home and work).
-Screwed up noise pollution(Either the temple or the masjid or your neighbours marriage party using the loudspeakers all the time).
-Unnecessary intervention of your neighbours/relatives into your family affairs.
-Uninvited guests, all the frikking time. Cant make them get out till they had their say, with or without any valueadd.
-Pay deposits to rent house, pay donation/bribe to get kids a seat in the school, send them to extra tutions, etc.
-Hazardous road/traffic conditions.
-Did I say you have to bribe for everything, already?
-Pathetic public service officers.
-Unreliable mail system.
-If you're in IT, 12hour workdays are normal.
-I'm pretty sure my wife wants to stay away from her inLaws (which wife does'nt?)
-blah, blah, blah

The above negative stuff, I am used to it. Being born and lived 25+ yrs in Hyderabad, I can digest the uglyness (few biryanis will help to digest it). The question is, do I want my kids to face the same crap?

I can tell you guys one thing though. The social fabric which was prevalent 10 years ago is not there anymore. It has become more or less like the USA. Families/friends are drifting apart. Cities have become so huge that meeting your relatives on regular basis is not that easy or feasible. This kind of puts a dent in the fact that you have more friends and relatives to enjoy with. Ofcourse, you have your neighbours all the time.

Looks like I have griped quiet a bit. Can someone out there throw out more positive stuff....

Going back is still on my mind..

After 8 yrs of being in US as a consultant I am ready to move back. Have done some groundwork, been to India recently and have couple of good offers. Just need to sign the dotted line. But still hesitant to take that final step.
My move back decision is mix of most of all the issues that leads us back home. Family, parents , career , GC in limbo etc.
I find sometime so strange that we talk about going to back to our home as if we are moving to some unknown place even though I have been born raised and worked there.
Suddenly the traffic , dirt , corruption , ethics , morals of India seems to be so daunting that we forgot that we were same too at some point of time. This goes for all those to left India to persue opportunities abroad.
I never imagined that all the time I talked about going back and finally when that moment is here staring at me its making me so nervous as if I am leaving home (and not going back to home).

Happy to learn that many of have similar thoughts like mine but one interesting thing that no one has raised is RESERVATION. One must be from a lower caste to get into good schools and colleges even if you're grades are much better than theirs'. I have suffered this during the years I have lived and is preventing me from going back. I can deal with pollution, corruption, traffic, etc but not RESERVATION. It's time we eliminate that system.

I am so confused right now ... I dont know what to do ... i want to go back to India sooo much ... but i still like the lifestyle of USA.

Going back to India is on my mind 24/7 so finally i am not even able to enjoy life here in USA.

Lets see finally what happens ... !

After 12 years in UK and acheiving all I wanted to, I am going back to India. Returning was always an intention, but never wanted to return unless I acheived all I set to do. Now...working as a Consultant (top boss) and bored! Firm in India offering to pay my salary in Indian ruppees! Any second thoughts? None!!!!!

I'm NOT going back to India. I've been living in the US for 8 years. I was married to an Indian girl in India 8 years ago, things didnt work out and she filed a false dowry case on me and my parents. There was no dowry and no harassment. But it took Indian courts, corrupt police, corrupt lawyers 8 years to provide us justice. My father died in the process and I was arrested when I went to perform his funeral.

Contrast this to the US, after Sep. 11, my white coworker said I look like a terrorist, he was fired the next day. God Bless America. I curse India for its corrupt laws that took my father's life.

I am very very confuse if I want to go India back or not.. though its always in my mind to go back coz my family is there other than that I have no reason to go back.

"GOING BACK TO INDIA" i HAVE LIVED HERE MY WHOLE LIFE I WAS 6 WHEN I MOVED TO U.S. AND NOW I AM 20. I DID MOVE BACK IN 2002 LOVED IT BUT DIDNT KNOW HOW TO WRITE HINDI COULDNT GRADUATE SO HAD TO MOVE BACK AFTER A YEAR AND SINCE THEN I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO INDIA. BUT EVERY SINGLE DAY OF MY LIFE I THINK ABOUT MOVING BACK TO INDIA. IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS NOTHING TO DO HERE EVEN THOUGH I HAVE SO MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY BUT ON THE INSIDE WHENEVER SOMEONE TALKS ABOUT INDIA THE FIRST THOGUHT THAT COMES TO MY MIND IS I WANNA GO BACK TO INDIA. JUST SCARED BECAUSE I AM ONLY 20 AND HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM GOING TO DO THERE HAVE MY RELATIVES THERE AND ALOT OF PROPERTY IN DELHI BUT STILL SCARED. IT FEELS LIKE SOME KINDA OF INVISIBLE FORCE THAT PULLS ME TO INDIA. IF SOMEONE JUST SHOWS ME ONE PATH TO MOVE BACK TO INDIA AND STAND ON MY FEET MY SELF I AM GUARNTEED TO MOVE BACK IN A BLINK OF AN EYE. ANYBODY IN INDIA OR HERE COULD SUGGEST SOMETHING WOULD REALLY BE HELPFUL. CANT WAIT TO GO BACK.