Nayrhit and his wife, Rishita Das, made the significant decision to return to India last year after living in the United States for some time. The couple had initially moved to the US for their higher education after graduating from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, in 2016. Currently, Nayrhit divides his time between India and the US, where his company remains based, while Rishita has taken on the role of Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IISc Bengaluru.
Having completed a year of living back in India, the couple has shared their experiences and observations, offering insights into the differences between the two countries.They hope that their reflections will resonate with Indians aged 20-40 who are contemplating a return to India but are uncertain about the transition. Here’s what the couple shared over a series of tweets on X.
Convenience of Domestic Help
One of the most noticeable differences they observed is the ease and affordability of domestic help in India. While Nayrhit expressed some concern about the low cost of labor, he acknowledged the undeniable convenience it offers. He noted that having domestic help provides an additional 15-20 hours each week—a luxury that is difficult to imagine for a working couple in the US. As he put it, “The convenience is undeniable.”
Traffic Woes
When it comes to traffic, India presents a different set of challenges. Although traffic in India may not be worse than that in downtown New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, it is far more irritating due to unpredictable driving practices and the variety of vehicles sharing the road. These factors combine to slow down overall traffic, making the experience more frustrating.
Digital Convenience in India
Digital convenience is another area where India excels. Nayrhit was impressed by the efficiency of services like quick commerce, which delivers groceries and essentials in just 10 minutes, and fast food delivery. He acknowledged that while the US has services like Instacart and DoorDash, the intra-city logistics in India are far superior. “Digital convenience in India is on another level,” he remarked.
Forming Meaningful Connections
On a cultural level, Nayrhit found it challenging to form deep connections in the US. Beyond casual coffee meetups, drinks, or conversations centered around work or sports, he struggled to develop meaningful relationships. In contrast, returning to India allowed him to rekindle old friendships and form new, more substantial connections more easily.
Superiority of Digital Payments
When it comes to digital payments, India stands out. According to Nayrhit, Apple Pay and UPI offer a similar user experience, but UPI holds a significant advantage: it’s free and part of government infrastructure, whereas Apple Pay involves a transaction fee ranging from 2% to 7% that benefits private players. In his words, “UPI wins hands down.”
Missing Orderly Queues
One aspect of life in the US that Nayrhit misses is the orderly queues. He pointed out that lines at counters, coffee shops, security checks, and quick-service restaurants in India can be chaotic and, at times, irritating. Although it requires some adjustment, he mentioned that one eventually gets used to it.
Food Preferences
As a self-proclaimed foodie, Nayrhit expressed relief at returning to the flavors of India, particularly dosas and biryanis, after years of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and burgers in the US. However, he admitted that he occasionally misses the variety of cheese, bread, and desserts available in the US.
Outdoor Lifestyle
For those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or frequenting beaches, Nayrhit advised staying in the US. He noted that while India offers plenty of opportunities for indoor activities, it falls short in catering to those who love the outdoors.
Attitudes Toward LGBTQ Communities
One area where India still lags behind is its attitude toward queer communities. Although there are hyper-urban areas where LGBTQ individuals feel more accepted, the broader Indian society remains largely unwelcoming. Despite this, Nayrhit is optimistic that attitudes will change rapidly in the next five years.
Job Market Challenges
Finally, the couple observed that the job market is challenging in both countries, albeit for different reasons. While it’s possible to find a job, securing a high-paying position that allows for an equivalent lifestyle in India—complete with a comfortable house and car—is not easy. Several of their friends who have returned to India have had to significantly cut back on their lifestyles.
Having completed a year of living back in India, the couple has shared their experiences and observations, offering insights into the differences between the two countries.They hope that their reflections will resonate with Indians aged 20-40 who are contemplating a return to India but are uncertain about the transition. Here’s what the couple shared over a series of tweets on X.
Convenience of Domestic Help
One of the most noticeable differences they observed is the ease and affordability of domestic help in India. While Nayrhit expressed some concern about the low cost of labor, he acknowledged the undeniable convenience it offers. He noted that having domestic help provides an additional 15-20 hours each week—a luxury that is difficult to imagine for a working couple in the US. As he put it, “The convenience is undeniable.”
Traffic Woes
When it comes to traffic, India presents a different set of challenges. Although traffic in India may not be worse than that in downtown New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, it is far more irritating due to unpredictable driving practices and the variety of vehicles sharing the road. These factors combine to slow down overall traffic, making the experience more frustrating.
Digital Convenience in India
Digital convenience is another area where India excels. Nayrhit was impressed by the efficiency of services like quick commerce, which delivers groceries and essentials in just 10 minutes, and fast food delivery. He acknowledged that while the US has services like Instacart and DoorDash, the intra-city logistics in India are far superior. “Digital convenience in India is on another level,” he remarked.
Forming Meaningful Connections
On a cultural level, Nayrhit found it challenging to form deep connections in the US. Beyond casual coffee meetups, drinks, or conversations centered around work or sports, he struggled to develop meaningful relationships. In contrast, returning to India allowed him to rekindle old friendships and form new, more substantial connections more easily.
Superiority of Digital Payments
When it comes to digital payments, India stands out. According to Nayrhit, Apple Pay and UPI offer a similar user experience, but UPI holds a significant advantage: it’s free and part of government infrastructure, whereas Apple Pay involves a transaction fee ranging from 2% to 7% that benefits private players. In his words, “UPI wins hands down.”
Missing Orderly Queues
One aspect of life in the US that Nayrhit misses is the orderly queues. He pointed out that lines at counters, coffee shops, security checks, and quick-service restaurants in India can be chaotic and, at times, irritating. Although it requires some adjustment, he mentioned that one eventually gets used to it.
Food Preferences
As a self-proclaimed foodie, Nayrhit expressed relief at returning to the flavors of India, particularly dosas and biryanis, after years of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and burgers in the US. However, he admitted that he occasionally misses the variety of cheese, bread, and desserts available in the US.
Outdoor Lifestyle
For those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or frequenting beaches, Nayrhit advised staying in the US. He noted that while India offers plenty of opportunities for indoor activities, it falls short in catering to those who love the outdoors.
Attitudes Toward LGBTQ Communities
One area where India still lags behind is its attitude toward queer communities. Although there are hyper-urban areas where LGBTQ individuals feel more accepted, the broader Indian society remains largely unwelcoming. Despite this, Nayrhit is optimistic that attitudes will change rapidly in the next five years.
Job Market Challenges
Finally, the couple observed that the job market is challenging in both countries, albeit for different reasons. While it’s possible to find a job, securing a high-paying position that allows for an equivalent lifestyle in India—complete with a comfortable house and car—is not easy. Several of their friends who have returned to India have had to significantly cut back on their lifestyles.
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