When an American mom moved to India because "there's more to life than money"

What would make a mother of three from America leave behind the 'comforts' of the U.S. to settle in India? Well, it's all about a sense of togetherness, the sense of community.

Kristen Fischer, an American woman and mother of three, shared in a heartfelt video on Instagram why she left the United States to settle in India. Fischer first visited India in 2017 with her husband and was deeply moved by the country's sense of community, culture, and vibrancy. In 2021, she made the decision to permanently relocate to New Delhi, a choice that surprised many.

In her video, Fischer explained that while she loves the U.S., she found it to be a "highly individualistic" and "socially isolated" society, lacking the sense of togetherness and community that she now enjoys in India. She pointed out that many people assume that living in the U.S. is inherently better, but in her experience, this isn't the case.


"There's more to life than money," she stated, emphasizing that the fulfillment she's found in India goes beyond financial success.

The video quickly went viral receiving one million view, at least 34,700 likes and more than 1,400 comments.

"If you are in India and thinking that life in America is so much better and you are just thinking to yourself I can't wait to leave India. I want to get out of here. I want to go somewhere better like America. Oftentimes, people ask me why on Earth I would have left America to come to India and I will tell you why," said Fischer, whose bio on Instagram reads 'very videshi' (very foreign).

"Don't get me wrong. I love America, I was raised there. I have my family there. It's a great place but it's by no means a perfect place. And even places like America have a lot of issues," she added.

In India, Fischer feels her children are growing up in a more socially connected environment. "I think my kids are being set up for a more successful life and future in India," she said, highlighting the rich cultural interactions and the constant presence of people around them.

According to Fischer, this communal spirit is something lacking in the U.S., where social isolation is more common.

Fischer also shared the experiences of many Indians living in the U.S. who have echoed her thoughts, often expressing how lonely they felt in America. She noted that while financial opportunities might be greater in the U.S., the overall quality of life, especially in terms of social fulfillment and community, is far more rewarding in India.

"You can make more money living in the US. And if that's your only goal in life then maybe you'll be happy there. But I believe that there is so much more to life than just making money. There are a lot better reasons to want to live somewhere, to raise your family somewhere and I believe that joy, that fulfilment and that kind of life is what we can find living in India," she concluded.

Her candid reflections have resonated with many, sparking discussions about the contrasts between life in India and the U.S., with users chiming in on both sides of the debate.

Meanwhile, a user agreed with Fischer's views and said that India is a place where the warmth of its people makes it feel homely, whether you’re a local or a foreigner.

"Your neighbour will insist on chai, perhaps even invite you over, and there will always be snacks sent your way, just because. In times of need, a helping hand is never far. Despite the hustle of everyday life, where work often takes precedence over personal time, Indians will always make time for another human being—be it in the office or in life. It’s this sense of community that truly makes India feel like home. Even in bustling cities, where life moves fast, the human connection slows things down just enough to remind you that no one is truly alone here," the user commented on the post.

However, another user, "having lived in both countries", had a different view and posed questions to Fischer. "There are people around (in India) and they are hospitable. The festivals and the Color and culture is brilliant but it's because you live the life 99.99% Indians don't. So your opinion is not a representative of a major population of India where they struggle to make ends meet to just get basic food!!" the user said in her comments, asking six questions to Fischer.