Mumbai felt safer than US: NRI returns to India after 23 years, shares why he left the American Dream

An NRI has drawn attention online after sharing why he moved back to India following 23 years in the US, saying he eventually "felt safer in Mumbai." In a post that has gained traction on social media, the man recounted his move to America at 15, his education and career there, and the decision to return to Mumbai after his father’s death and as his mother grew older.

The man said he moved to the US at the age of 15 and later attended a college in New York City, where he completed bachelor's and master's degrees in biomedical engineering. He subsequently secured a job in the pharmaceutical sector, with his H-1B visa sponsored by his employer.

Five years later, he applied for US citizenship and went on to establish his own business, which he described as successful. However, his father's death strengthened his desire to return to India and be with his family.


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Father’s death strengthens decision to return

The man said his parents were in their late 60s by then and had no interest in relocating to the US. His father was diagnosed with cancer and died at the age of 70, while his mother was left caring for her 12-year-old dog and her 90-year-old mother, who was 90 and a cancer survivor.

"By this time, my parents were in their late 60s, getting older, and did not have any inclination to move to the US. Dad was diagnosed with cancer and passed away at 70, and mom was alone taking care of her 12-year-old dog and 90-year-old mother, both cancer survivors," he said.

He described helping his mother as his main reason for considering a return. At the time, he said, his career was established and he was unmarried, with a dog and a house featuring a white picket fence.

"This was my primary motivation to move back to help mom. I was already settled in my career, unmarried, with a dog and a white picket fence house; I guess you can call that the American Dream," he said.

Pandemic changes his plans to leave the US

The NRI said he first came back to India in 2018 and returned again in 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. He said his experience during that period gradually deepened his connection with India and eventually led him to make plans to return permanently.

"It just felt safer in Mumbai. I returned to the US in 2022, resigned from pharma, sold my company, and planned out my US exit," he said.

In 2023, he sold his house in Pennsylvania and relocated to Mumbai. After returning, he said he worked on consulting projects and technology transfers for Indian companies.

The move also brought him closer to friends from his childhood. He said he remained in contact with people he had known before leaving for the US and continued to meet them despite their family responsibilities.

"I am still in touch with my childhood friends who I had left behind before moving to the US. Although they are busy with their own families, we meet quite often and at least go on trips/treks once a year," he said.

‘Nothing compared to the feeling’ of being back

The man acknowledged that he occasionally missed the US, including his friends and the lifestyle he had become accustomed to. However, he said those feelings did not outweigh what he experienced after returning home.

"There is nothing compared to eating home-cooked food, having evening tea with your parent or just listening to their childhood stories or hanging out with your cousins/old friends. This feeling of unconditional love is nothing in front of all the clean air," he said.

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Social media users react

The post prompted several users to support his decision and encourage him to spend time with his family.

"You seem happy. 100 per cent contentment is probably not possible. Come back to the US only if there is a compelling reason. Best of luck. Do good. Be happy," one user wrote.

Another said, "In the same boat as OP. Although I wish I could ride a motorbike, even so, he's right. India isn't all that bad."

A third user commented, "I love this post. You did what is right for you; don't let nobody tell you otherwise. People don't understand that citizenship is just a piece of paper, bro. The only thing that really gives you happiness in life is being able to support the fam that made you capable in the first place."

Another person wrote, "Enjoy here. Be there for your mom and when her time is over, you can still decide if you want to live here or go to the US."

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