The trend that has been prevalent for decades is that Indians have left their homeland in search of better opportunities along with a better quality of life in other places. Global exposure and living and working in the west is considered a ‘badge of honor’ for many and gets the person respect in an Indian society as it’s highly regarded as a symbol of success and achievement for making a name for yourself in a foreign land. It is estimated that there are about 22 million NRIs scattered across the globe, making India the land with the largest diaspora. 

The question boils down to a simple “why?”. Why do people prefer to leave India in the first place? It’s no secret that the country does have its fair share of challenges- economic instability, rampant political turmoil, corruption, and the infrastructure is gradually being built up. When put into perspective, it seems like an obvious choice. Life outside would be better for sure. 

However, is it really? 

The tide is turning. In recent years, more and more NRIs are making their way back home. From yearning for a sense of community once again to reuniting with people that matter whom they left behind or recognizing that the country is a force to be reckoned with in the global scenario now, the diaspora from all over the world are leaving their jobs and coming to India. 

If you’re wondering whether this could be a feasible choice for you too, read on as we delve into the many reasons why India is a place worth coming back to (and never leaving in the first place!). This will a fun, engaging and nostalgic journey as we rediscover the charm of this magical land. 

Are you excited yet?

For several NRIs, something they miss the most about home is the country’s rich culture and traditions- those that have shaped their identity since childhood. 

India is indeed a melting pot of diversity; each region of each state boasts of its unique customs, beliefs, and practices. From the mouth-watering cuisines to the colorful clothing and intricate art forms, every place in India is special and a treasure trove of wonders that can leave anyone feeling nostalgic and proud of their roots. Such a feeling just works to naturally draw one in with open arms.

It isn’t easy to describe- something so complex. However, to summarize in a few words, Indian culture could be described as a celebration of life that brings together family, friends, and community. Moments are spent joyously- be it a wedding, a birthday, a religious occasion, a festival, or a simple get-together, Indians don’t hold back in having a good time and doing that with pomp and show! 

Indian art and architecture is also globally renowned. With such a special history, each wall of the ancient temples, each stone of the palaces, and each carving on the forts has a story to tell. These marvels reflect the power, ingenuity, and creativity of our ancestors and are a testament to what we hold dear to this day. 

Leaving this behind is difficult, and thus, when the circumstances and opportunities are aligned, the diaspora should seek out a way that can lead them back home; back to experiencing these emotional and transformative feelings once again. 

If you’ve been living away from India, there have probably been many instances, ever so often, where you find yourself longing for and missing the bright lights, the cacophony of sounds and songs, and the lovable chaos of the country’s festivals. It’s hard to not crave the joyous spirit that permeates the air during these celebrations, as they bring together people of all ages, religions, and backgrounds. 

Several festivals in India, like Diwali, are actually week-long (or sometimes even month-long!) celebrations. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom as the whole family gets together in sweeping out the dingiest of cupboards and drawers to de-clutter. Intricate and beautiful rangolis are painted at the entrance and the country comes alive with the glow of a billion fairy lights and ‘diyas’ as loved ones embrace each other with a feast of sweets and savory delicacies. 

Be it Christmas, Eid, Vaisakhi, or Holi- Indians gather in harmony, dressed in their finest clothing, to revel in the merriment. 

These unforgettable experiences have made us who we are today, and it’s never too late to return to them. 

When it comes to family and friends, India is a place where relationships are treasured and celebrated. Relationships and bonds are deeply ingrained in our culture and form the backbone of our social fabric, and every member of the family is considered an important part of one’s life. Childhood memories are often shaped by these relationships, and they remain etched in our minds forever.

Remember those lazy summer afternoons spent with cousins, and listening to stories from grandparents? Do you remember the joy of watching the latest SRK movie in a packed theater, or gorging on street food while exploring the city? What about the thrill of playing gully cricket for hours on end with your friends during summer vacations? These experiences come flooding back when you return to the country. 

Rediscovering India means reliving all those moments. It's about going back to your roots, connecting with your loved ones; the warmth and love of which is unlike anything else. It is also a unique opportunity to share these precious experiences with your children and show them glimpses of ‘your world’.

Being close to family and friends in India can also help you shape your future. The support and encouragement that you receive from your loved ones can give you the strength to pursue your dreams and achieve your goals, free from the fear of loneliness or isolation. Such stability is highly sought, especially during times of chaos and uncertainty; thus, making it a very important reason to consider moving back home for good. 

India is a country known for its rich and diverse culinary landscape, offering an unparalleled gastronomic experience. From the fiery spiciness of the chaat in Delhi, the aromatic biryanis of Hyderabad, the dosas of the south, to the thaalis of Gujarat, each state has its own unique set of flavors to offer. 

Indian food is not just about the taste; it's an emotion that connects us to our roots. It's about the bond that forms when you and your loved ones sit around a plate of hot samosas, sip on masala chai, and exchange stories of the past. It's about the feeling of comfort and warmth that envelopes you as you take a bite of your mother's homemade daal and rice. It's about the childhood memories that come flooding back as you take a whiff of your grandmother's signature dish.

Apart from the emotional connect, Indian food is also incredibly healthy. Indian cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, and the focus is on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From the leafy greens in the saag paneer to the rajma, Indian food is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can contribute to a better quality of life. Let’s also not forget the spices, which not only add flavor but also have numerous health benefits.

As an NRI, you might be able to relate to instances where you crave this fulfilling meal after a long day of hard work, but have to settle for a ‘heat-and-eat’ dish that comes out of a packet. 

You might have a few Indian restaurants around you, but is it really the same? Apart from the sensory explosion of the food, what adds to the Indian experience are the bustling streets, the lively markets, the hardworking vendors, and the friendliness and hospitality of the people. 

India is a land of contrasts, where the old world and the new coexist in perfect harmony. The lifestyle here is a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where people still value age-old customs and beliefs, while embracing the latest trends and technologies. It's a place where the pace of life is slower, but the experiences are richer and more fulfilling. Whether you crave the hustle and bustle of Mumbai or the serene beauty of Kerala, and whether you're a foodie, a culture buff, or an adventure seeker, there’s something here for everyone.

The country offers an opportunity to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle at a much lower cost than many developed countries. A fraction of the money you would spend in countries like the US, Canada, or Australia can provide you with a high standard of living in India- including a huge house, luxurious car, the best entertainment, top-notch healthcare and education, and domestic help. 

Apart from the obvious benefits of increased affordability, the neighborhoods in India are often close-knit, with people of all ages looking out for each other and offering a helping hand. This is especially important for an NRI returning home after several years; such a change could require massive adjustment but the welcoming and kind nature of those around makes it that much easier. It's the feeling of being part of a community that cares that is irresistible. 

India has emerged as a global hub for entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation, with a thriving ecosystem of startups and world-renowned companies. As the country experiences unprecedented growth and development, returning NRIs have the unique opportunity to tap into this booming economy and build successful careers or start their own businesses.

One of the key catalysts is the governmental policies. Honorable Prime Minister Modi's vision of an ‘Amrit Kaal’ has led to an influx of foreign investment and a focus on infrastructure development, leading to a favorable corporate environment. This growth is not limited to just one industry or sector but is spread across many, including tech, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. The Indian government has launched numerous initiatives to support startups, including the Startup India program, which provides funding and mentoring to early-stage businesses; this is one of the major reasons why the country is now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the globe! Adding to these benefits, there’s also the lower cost of running an organization compared to other countries. There is also a very large and diverse market in India, with a growing and evolving middle class, and thus, entrepreneurs tend to find their target audience with ease, making it possible to scale and succeed faster. 

It’s important to remember that a returning NRI carries with them the asset of global exposure, expertise, and experience of working in different markets and understanding different people. This skillset is highly desirable to most, if not all, organizations that are seeking to expand their operations far and wide. 

Moreover, with the way the country is progressing at such a rapid pace, there is expected to be a tech talent shortage of nearly 30 million by 2026. These opportunities are not just limited to the big cities; the government is focusing on promoting growth even in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns and cities. There is a clear demand and your knowledge could help bridge it. 

While a high paycheck might be the main attraction for someone just about starting in their career, once a professional progresses further, their focus is on something bigger. They crave to utilize their skills and experience to make a difference in the world, solve complex problems, and give back to the community. This is exactly what India needs and what you can do. 

Despite how far we’ve come, there’s no denying that India still faces its challenges. One innovation in this country has a far-reaching impact, changing the lives of millions of people all at once, and several organizations here are constantly working on improving such innovations and even coming up with many more.

Returning to your homeland could give you the unique opportunity to play a vital role in driving progress in and shaping the future of the country you took your first footsteps in, making it a better place for the generations to come; there is perhaps, nothing more powerful. 

 

A mother wants her children back, but does the Indian diaspora want to return?

Judging from our conversations with several hundred NRIs/POIs, we were able to understand that while many wanted to relocate home, they weren’t able to grasp how to go about the process. They felt it would be difficult and were doubtful of finding suitable opportunities that could compensate them the same way they were being compensated in the West. They were afraid of the changes that would have to be made to their children’s education, housing, and cultural adjustments. They were hesitant as they felt their community wouldn’t embrace them in the same way again; that they would be seen as “outsiders” in their own land. 

At Global Talent Exchange, we’ve been on this #ReturnToIndia mission for about 3 years now- a program that celebrates talent mobility and the joy of homecoming by bringing back the diaspora. 

We’ve helped about 300 NRIs find top-notch opportunities in tech in the country and have helped them through our associated concierge services to fit in well and make the transition as seamless as possible. 

From a well-designed portal, testimonials, personal stories, and a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the move- we’ve got you covered.