Are We Undervaluing Indian Comforts? Man Calls Them ‘Luxuries' Abroad
Last Updated:
'I know we criticise India a lot, but there are some things that we consider basic in India but are actually luxuries in the West,' the man said.
There's no denying that many goods and services are significantly cheaper in India compared to countries like the US and those in Europe, thanks to lower labour costs and an overall more affordable cost of living. Highlighting this, a viral video of a man praising India's 'exclusive luxuries" has sparked an online debate, especially as the country cements its place as the world's fourth-largest economy.
The man, seemingly in his mid-30s, reflects on his experiences of living both in India and abroad. In the viral video, he praises India for offering everyday services that are significantly more affordable than in the West. He describes these services as 'luxuries" when viewed through a global lens.
Things which are luxuries outside but basic in India 'I know we criticise India a lot, but there are some things that we consider basic in India but are actually luxuries in the West," he said. Further in the video, the man goes on to explain several services available in India for reasonable prices.
He mentioned doctor appointments, TV cable, and newspaper deliveries are 'very expensive" in the West, adding that his comments were based on his personal experience as he travels abroad for work at least six months a year.
The man also highlighted things like quick grocery and medicine deliveries and airport infrastructure in India that outshine the services in the United States or Europe. His remarks have struck a chord online amid ongoing discussions about India's economic rise.
While some people agreed with him, others pointed out that the quality of life remains poor for many.
'India, someone picks up your luggage as soon as you reach the hotel. In most Western worlds, you need to carry your own luggage to your room," one of the comments on the viral video read.
— Raj (@rajmeh65) May 31, 2025
However, another user partially disagreed, pointing out that there are many basic necessities that are still lacking in India. He noted that essentials like clean air and water, good food quality, and decent footpaths remain inaccessible to many.
Things that are basic elsewhere, but luxury in India. 1. Clean air2. Clean water3. Good Food4. Footpaths5. Basic decent roads6. Accessible areas7. Public deceny 8. Quality public transport9. Low cost of purchase for essentials such as AC's and cars10. Public safety and…— Mulya Vijay Nisar (@MulyaVijayNisar) May 30, 2025
He also listed the poor condition of roads, inadequate public transport, low public safety, and limited government accountability as some of the essentials that are basic standards in many countries but are still 'luxuries" in India.
India's Growing Economy
The debate has surfaced at a time when the NITI Aayog recently announced that India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $4 trillion. Citing IMF data, CEO BVR Subrahmanyam noted that India is on track to soon overtake Germany as well.
While this marks a major milestone, many Indians also call it a moment for reflection. Many pointed out that much of India's economic growth is unevenly distributed. The 2022 'State of Inequality in India" report revealed that earning Rs 25,000 per month in India falls under the top 10 per cent of wage earners, highlighting the stark income disparity in the country.
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Last Updated: 'I know we criticise India a lot, but there are some things that we consider basic in India but are actually luxuries in the West,' the man said. There's no denying that many goods and services are significantly cheaper in India compared to countries like the US and those in Europe, thanks to lower labour costs and an overall more affordable cost of living. Highlighting this, a viral video of a man praising India's 'exclusive luxuries" has sparked an online debate, especially as the country cements its place as the world's fourth-largest economy. The man, seemingly in his mid-30s, reflects on his experiences of living both in India and abroad. In the viral video, he praises India for offering everyday services that are significantly more affordable than in the West. He describes these services as 'luxuries" when viewed through a global lens. Things which are luxuries outside but basic in India 'I know we criticise India a lot, but there are some things that we consider basic in India but are actually luxuries in the West," he said. Further in the video, the man goes on to explain several services available in India for reasonable prices. He mentioned doctor appointments, TV cable, and newspaper deliveries are 'very expensive" in the West, adding that his comments were based on his personal experience as he travels abroad for work at least six months a year. The man also highlighted things like quick grocery and medicine deliveries and airport infrastructure in India that outshine the services in the United States or Europe. His remarks have struck a chord online amid ongoing discussions about India's economic rise. While some people agreed with him, others pointed out that the quality of life remains poor for many. 'India, someone picks up your luggage as soon as you reach the hotel. In most Western worlds, you need to carry your own luggage to your room," one of the comments on the viral video read. — Raj (@rajmeh65) May 31, 2025 However, another user partially disagreed, pointing out that there are many basic necessities that are still lacking in India. He noted that essentials like clean air and water, good food quality, and decent footpaths remain inaccessible to many. Things that are basic elsewhere, but luxury in India. 1. Clean air2. Clean water3. Good Food4. Footpaths5. Basic decent roads6. Accessible areas7. Public deceny 8. Quality public transport9. Low cost of purchase for essentials such as AC's and cars10. Public safety and…— Mulya Vijay Nisar (@MulyaVijayNisar) May 30, 2025 He also listed the poor condition of roads, inadequate public transport, low public safety, and limited government accountability as some of the essentials that are basic standards in many countries but are still 'luxuries" in India. India's Growing Economy The debate has surfaced at a time when the NITI Aayog recently announced that India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $4 trillion. Citing IMF data, CEO BVR Subrahmanyam noted that India is on track to soon overtake Germany as well. While this marks a major milestone, many Indians also call it a moment for reflection. Many pointed out that much of India's economic growth is unevenly distributed. The 2022 'State of Inequality in India" report revealed that earning Rs 25,000 per month in India falls under the top 10 per cent of wage earners, highlighting the stark income disparity in the country.
