For many Indian immigrants, the decision to acquire naturalised citizenship in another country is more than a bureaucratic formality, it is a profound reckoning with identity, belonging, and values.
In a viral social media post, an Indian astrophysicist, Mayukh Panja, recently shared why he chose not to apply for German citizenship despite becoming eligible a year ago.
‘Don’t feel German’
Taking to X, Panja shared, “I don’t feel German. I know it is only a document, but at the end of the day I am Indian and it would feel odd to become German.”
“I can’t relate to German stories, the history, the language and the culture…I can blend in pretty easily in international culturally ambiguous settings in Berlin and scientific and tech circles but beyond that I can’t really integrate. I don’t feel anything when Germany loses or wins a football game. An Indian World cup win would make me euphoric. And it would always be that way,” he added.
I have been here 9 + years and I became eligible for the German passport a year back. I could have applied for citizenship a year ago, but I did not. I have thought about this a lot and I am increasingly coming to the conclusion that I can’t do this. Because I don’t feel German.… https://t.co/amUbrxgObK
— Mayukh (@mayukh_panja) December 5, 2025
‘Being German doesn’t align with my values’
He explained that the key issue was that becoming a German citizen would require him to adopt Germany’s ideals, values, and ethos, which he viewed as entirely reasonable. He noted he wouldn’t want an ancient culture to bend to his personal preferences as a newcomer, admitting his pride made such a dynamic feel unbalanced.
Back in India, he felt fully justified in defending his views, even unpopular ones, and pushing for change, since he belonged there inherently. Those opinions counted as authentically Indian, regardless of others’ disagreement.
Netizens react
The post resonated widely, sparking empathetic responses, with one calling him a “clearly decent person”.
Another American expat related to him and wrote, “I feel this one, I really don’t want German citizenship. I don’t feel a connection to this place and I don’t care that the piece of paper would give me EU access. feels wrong. I’m American. even though it sucks sometimes I always feel American.”
Another user shared their account and said, “Yes, this is relatable. I want Italian citizenship, my family is from there, I have cousins etc. becoming a citizen of say, Finland, would feel awkward.”
Panja’s candid reflection highlights a growing narrative among skilled migrants: legal eligibility doesn’t erase emotional homeland bonds.
