A US-based Indian family, after spending over two decades in the United States, is considering returning to India as they deal with the challenges of aging parents and the future of their children.
The NRI has substantial net worth and a dream of settling in the Coimbatore in India.
As they look towards their future in India after spending 25 years in the US. The couple, now in their late 40s, emigrated to America when they were just 21, pursuing higher education and a new life.
Their children have grown up in the States, with one recently graduating college and another set to start their college journey.
What is the family’s situation?
The family’s financial situation is strong, with net assets of $6.8 million ( Rs 56 crore). However, a significant portion of their wealth – $3 million – is tied up in their primary home, which has only a $400,000 mortgage remaining.
Their goal in the next four years is to have $5 million in net assets, excluding their home, which they intend to pass on to their children.
The couple is increasingly drawn to the idea of relocating back to India. One of their main reasons is the aging of their parents, who still reside in India.
With only one parent each still alive, the couple is keen on returning to care for them in their twilight years. They have been visiting India every two years but feel the pull to settle permanently.
However, the decision is not without its challenges. Their extended family, including nephews and nieces who recently moved from India but have not obtained Green Cards, has expressed doubts about the feasibility of returning to India after living abroad for so long.
They caution that adjusting to the India of today may be far more difficult than anticipated, given the social, economic, and cultural changes that have taken place in the country over the years.
One family member wrote on social media, “My nephews and nieces who came from India much more recently and have not got their Green Cards are saying that I am living in La-La Land if I think I can get adjusted to living in the India of today.”
‘You really need to plan your return’
Netizens explained how he could plan his return. A user noted, ” Lived in US for 25 years, moved back to Bengaluru. Been 5 years. Amazing social life. Haven’t been to kids birthday party or groceries shopping in 5 years- no , I dont miss costco or target or any of those runs.”
Another questioned, ” I am not being sarcastic but just curious. 25 years in US and then switching back isn’t easy. Weren’t you annoyed by the noise, pollution etc.,”
“18 years next year and moving back in June. Kid will be 6 next year so timing it to go back for 1st grade,” added another.
“I am in US for 25+ years (US Citizen now, with OCI). I was in dilemma 2 years back as my parents were sick and no blood relative (brother /sister) in India. Cousins can only check once in a while with parents.
We have multiple homes in Mumbai India, (parent bought), so decided to move back. (My financial situation is very good in US). Luckily I have a small business that I can manage from India.
My experience is, I can stay in India for up to 3 months at a time, but then I need a break for 2-3 months. Most of my school friends are not staying in my city. Relatives either busy or moved out. It is not easy to make friends at this age for me, so it gets boring (I don’t watch much TV). Travel within India is difficult now for me, so just spend all time with parents.
Now I spend 50% time in India and 50% in US. Most of time in US is spent travelling different places (EU, SEA).
Best part of India is, we get lot of domestic help (cooking, cleaning etc.) for very reasonable price ( because of USD rate). Also online services are quick (like zomato, blinkit etc.)
For some of us, life is very easy in India. I really enjoy my time in India, but realized that I can not move 100% to India.
This is just my experience, everyone and every place is different,” explained a user.
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