Indian man in Sweden sparks soul-searching debate on why NRIs do not return: Are the ‘anchors at home' too weak?

Time of India

5 days ago

'Life Abroad is Just Easier'
— TheAnkurTyagi (@TheAnkurTyagi)
The Push Factors
'Magnets Abroad Feel Stronger Than Anchors at Home'
Internet Reacts: Applause, Disagreement, and Ground Realities
A Broader Problem: Brain Drain or Systemic Drain?
In a social media landscape that rarely pauses for nuance, one post by an Indian man living in Sweden has struck a raw nerve — not just with the diaspora, but with citizens at home. The writer, who goes by Ankur on X (formerly Twitter), shared a detailed, honest, and emotionally charged response to a question that has lingered in public discourse for decades: Why don't Indians return home after moving abroad?The debate was triggered by a post from Dr. Rajeshwari Iyer, who drew a sharp contrast between Chinese and Indian students in the U.S. "Chinese return and build China, while Indians settle abroad and build America," she wrote, urging introspection among the Indian diaspora . That's when Ankur responded — not with a rant, but with a reality check.Ankur's post, which quickly went viral, didn't mince words. 'It's very hard to return to India because life is much better in the US and Europe,' he wrote. He went on to list 11 reasons why many NRIs choose not to come back, ranging from higher salaries and safer environments to clean air and reliable infrastructure.'Merit-centric workplaces over 'who-you-know' games, safer streets, clean water, 24/7 electricity, fast internet, and access to top-tier schools without quota gymnastics — these are not luxuries, they're basic expectations abroad,' he explained.He added that spouses have better employment opportunities, and that wealth creation is more efficient due to dollar savings and stock options — privileges not as easily available in India.More striking, however, was Ankur's unflinching critique of what he described as the 'push factors' driving Indians to remain overseas. These included corruption, chaotic traffic systems, bureaucratic red tape, and lack of civic sense. He even cited personal experiences like selling property as an NRI, which he said was riddled with unnecessary documentation and under-the-table demands.'No safety worries for women after dark. Ninety-nine percent of Indian women never want to come back permanently,' he noted. 'Pollution, hyper-competitive education systems, moral policing mobs, and flip-flopping policies just make it emotionally harder to return — even if the heart wants to.'The emotional weight of Ankur's post added depth to the otherwise data-driven argument. 'It's not that we don't want to return — but the dynamics in India, especially when you look at your spouse and kids' futures, make it a complicated decision,' he concluded.'Magnets abroad feel stronger than the anchors at home.'The post resonated widely, amassing thousands of likes and reposts. Netizens shared their own takes — many in agreement, others offering counter-narratives.One user wrote, 'Nailed it, Ankur. This perfectly explains the state of things.' Another pointed out that clean public toilets — especially critical for women — are still a luxury in many Indian cities.Yet, not all were convinced. A user claimed, 'I live in a village with 24/7 power, clean air, renewable energy, and affordable healthcare. Except for the big paycheques, most of what you said doesn't apply anymore.'Others chose to emphasize national pride. 'We stayed, we struggled, we helped build the country — even if it meant sacrificing luxury,' one user noted, adding that personal comfort shouldn't eclipse collective responsibility.Dr. Iyer's original post posed a comparison with China, a nation known for aggressively drawing back its talent pool and nurturing homegrown innovation. 'China builds China. Indians help build America,' she wrote. While some debated the accuracy of that claim, others argued that India's inability to retain talent is not about patriotism but systemic reform.As one user succinctly put it, 'India can get its students and OCIs back. But it must first remove the roadblocks — overregulation, corruption, and a sluggish judicial system. Until then, the brain drain will continue.'Ankur's post didn't set out to provoke. Instead, it offered a rare, nuanced glimpse into the lived experiences and trade-offs that many NRIs face. It asked difficult questions, acknowledged emotional ties to the homeland, and laid bare a truth that's often whispered but rarely shouted — returning is not always a simple or noble choice, sometimes it's simply not feasible.