A Reddit post on r/returnToIndia has gone viral after a user named nandhini92 described why returning to India after four years abroad turned out to be, in her words, “the best decision of my life.” Her detailed account has struck a chord with thousands of Indians, both at home and overseas, who constantly weigh the trade-offs between building a life abroad and settling back in their home country.
The Redditor said that she spent two years in Texas and another two years across Europe, living in Amsterdam, Paris and Munich, before making the choice to return to her tier-3 hometown in South India. Working remotely while earning a good salary, she said that the move gave her a richer, more fulfilling life than she ever expected.
Among the reasons she cited, one stood out immediately — the absence of racism. “I have never faced direct racism in any countries. But subtle racism in US. Like waiters hesitating to attend us. Not using “please” When others interacting with us etc,” she said. In India, she wrote, she finds peace knowing her children will grow up without having to hear racial slurs.
Viral post
My experience back in India after 4 years now
byu/nandhini92 inreturnToIndia
Healthcare was another decisive factor. She once waited a month for treatment on a cracked, root-canaled tooth while living abroad. In India, she said, one can secure same-day appointments even with specialists and often at much lower costs. She also challenged stereotypes about Indian infrastructure, arguing that it is far better than it is often portrayed online.
She praised the quality of schooling, saying children in India tend to be sharper and more street-smart than many of their Western counterparts. She then noted the financial advantages of living in India. “My income goes a long way here. I’ve invested in several commercial properties and earn about ₹1 lakh per month in rent, while my monthly expenses are under ₹20,000 , partly because I live in our family home. Life here is affordable and healthy, especially if you avoid eating out. We have a maid for cleaning and another for cooking,” she said.
Above all, being close to her ageing parents brought her immense relief.
Her description of life in India was not without criticism. She admitted that public transport is neither as clean nor as efficient as in Europe, and corruption occasionally complicates processes. But she stressed that these drawbacks have not significantly impacted her quality of life.
Netizens took to the comments section to share their thoughts.
One user said, “I never faced direct racism outside of India. However, I have faced direct racism many times in Bangalore and once in kerala.” Another wrote, “Stopped reading after “No Racism”. As if we’re literally not discriminating among ourselves based on caste, religion, colour, and language.”
Yet another user added, “Glad you see things this way. You are more likely to enjoy your move back than a person who is always comparing their life outside. Just accept you are in India and adjust your mindset understanding that its a new game. You will love your life here. You cant play chess with ludo mindset.”