If materialism can't match, turn patriotic

The Indian professional abroad is not a different species. She doesn't sprout extra neurons on the flight to LAX, DXB or Changi. Nor does her PhD or MBA suddenly acquire magical footnotes in transit. Yet, the moment she lands in Silicon Valley, Dubai or Singapore, her paycheque inflates like a multi-season streaming series. Economists call this 'labour market dynamics'. We call it happy work-to-wealth ratio. Even as the 'Saare jahan se achha' narrative machine at home churns tirelessly: 'Stay close to family', 'Celebrate Diwali with your own people', 'Don't chase dollars, chase meaning', 'Nowhere will you get aloo sabzi tastier than in New Rajinder Nagar'. Translation: accept less money, fewer opportunities, and console yourself with 'samosa patriotism', the emotional subsidy for economic asymmetry, a loyalty programme where reward points are nostalgia.

The cruellest irony? Even after adjusting for higher rents and pricier milk abroad, the disposable income gap remains yawning. The average Indian abroad can afford luxuries, savings and travel. The Indian at home is told, instead, that authenticity is priceless, and being near a place of worship and pilgrimage can do what no museum and mountain view can do. Culture is the explanation to convince those 'left behind' that belonging is worth much more than a better life. Spoiler alert: It isn't.