Return to India: An Indian content creator in the United States asked fellow Indians why many NRIs choose not to “return to India”. She shared responses in the form of an Instagram Reel, where some said that it is because of the greater consumer freedom. Others pointed to a better work-life balance in America, while a few mentioned women’s safety as a key factor.
“Why do many NRIs choose not to return to India?” Albeli Ritu wrote while sharing the video on Instagram. The video, which is popular on Instagram, opens to show her asking Indians in the US, “Why do you think people actually stay here after saying ‘We are going back and don’t go’?” The video then compiles the responses she received.
‘People in India are judgmental’
One of the women said that she doesn’t enjoy privacy as much in India. “According to me, people in India are very judgmental. And people here don’t care about it too much. So, anybody can live here without any care. They can do anything. They do not worry about what other people might be thinking,” said the woman in response to Ritu’s question.
She added, “I think that’s one thing that I always feel like it’s good here and that’s why I might not want to go back to India.”
‘America is a very capitalist market’
Another woman said that she loves the consumer freedom in the United States. “America is like a very capitalist market, right. So the car that you can buy here with less salary, you could never afford that in India,” said another woman.
She added, “So that is like just one example. There are a lot of things. You can just buy things, and that it what their economy is based on… Very materialistic people would love this place. But if you’re looking for emotions and patriotism, you’re not gonna like it here.”
‘Work culture, women’s safety’
A third woman told her that she loves the work culture in America. “The work culture here is good. So, that is one thing which I feel stops people from going back. And safety for girls.”
Who is Albeli Ritu?
Albeli Ritu is an Indian content creator based out of the United States. She lives in America with her husband, Prashant, and their daughter, Itika.
Her YouTube bio reads, “We are an Indian family based in the USA. We are sharing our journey as immigrants and parents…. Our channel features interviews with fellow Indians thriving in the US, stories of those returning to India, and deep dives into what it means to balance two cultures.”