I often reflect on the grand narratives of our diaspora—the incredible success stories, the contributions to host nations, and the deep-seated desire many carry to reconnect with their roots. However, a recent post by a Redditor, highlighted by the TOI World Desk Redditor complains about returning to India after 7 years from a 'European country': 'Then go back', brings a sobering counterpoint to this romanticized view. It’s a stark reminder that the emotional pull of home can sometimes clash with a challenging reality, leaving individuals like this Redditor and his family—his wife and kid—grappling with profound disillusionment.
This individual, after seven years in a supposedly 'happiest European country,' returned to India primarily to be with aging parents. A commendable act, driven by familial love. Yet, his experience six months in has been one of deep struggle. His complaints resonate with concerns I've voiced for years: the struggle for simple pleasures like peaceful walks, access to open public spaces, or time in nature without venturing far. He speaks of polluted air, substandard food quality (especially fruits and milk), terrible traffic, and a pervasive lack of civic sense that even his kid notices, leading him to feel he's done an 'injustice' to his child.
His professional struggles upon returning also caught my attention. Approaching 40, he finds it difficult to utilize his experience and skillset effectively. This echoes discussions I've had about the broader challenges faced by migrants, whether they're seeking opportunities abroad or, in this case, attempting to reintegrate back home. My thoughts on "Migrants locked out of the West" Migrants : Economic vs Persecuted touched upon the complexities of migration, and this Redditor's story adds another layer: the often-unforeseen difficulties of returning.
The core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that he had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. He had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and he had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, he feels a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.
On the issue of air pollution, which deeply troubles the Redditor, I had addressed this extensively in my blog "Air pollution sources and how to save lives" Air pollution sources and how to save lives. I pointed out the significant contribution of residential emissions and even urged Shri Narendrabhai, the Prime Minister, to champion initiatives like solar chulhas to mitigate indoor air pollution. It is disheartening to see these issues persist, causing tangible distress to individuals and families.
Furthermore, the sentiment of wanting to leave due to deteriorating living conditions is not new. A survey from 2019 highlighted that "40% want to leave city" from Delhi-NCR In Delhi-NCR, 40% want to leave city: Survey due to bad air quality. My discussions on combating traffic and pollution, even suggesting a 'TRANS-TAX' based on a vehicle's 'HARM QUOTIENT' Indonesia's capital curbs private cars in bid to cut choking pollution, were aimed at addressing the very issues that now plague this Redditor's daily life.
This Redditor's poignant account is a call for introspection. While we celebrate the diaspora, we must also seriously consider the practicalities and support systems needed for those who choose to return. Creating an environment that truly welcomes and sustains our professionals, providing good quality of life, clean air, efficient infrastructure, and appropriate professional avenues, is not just about economics, but about the very soul of our nation.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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