A simple question asked on social media has sparked a deep and emotional national debate. When Instagram creator Albeli Ritu asked Indians living in the United States why many don’t return home, the answers were raw, layered, and deeply divided. From safety and privacy to culture and responsibility, the responses reveal why the idea of “home” is no longer as simple as it once was.
Instagram creator Albeli Ritu asked Indians living in America a simple question: Why do many choose not to return to India? The answers she got were blunt and honest. An Indian content creator in the US asked fellow Indians living abroad what’s holding them back from returning to India. Many reasons, such as a better work-life balance, personal privacy, and women’s safety, are key factors deterring them from returning to India.
The video has gone viral, and people can’t stop talking about it. Some agree, while others think these reasons miss the bigger picture.
What Does NRI Actually Say?
The first thing many people mentioned was privacy. Several interviews highlighted the sense of privacy and the non-judgmental atmosphere in the US. One woman noted that in India, people are very judgmental, whereas in the US, individuals can live and rest without worrying about others’ opinions.
Wearing what you want, how you choose, making decisions without the neighbourhood aunties commenting on everything. That’s what many outlive abroad.
Work Doesn’t Eat Your Life
More favourable work culture and a better balance between professional and personal life were significant factors mentioned by some respondents. Some NRIs mentioned they are enjoying the freedom and convenience of life in the US, while others said they are worried about the infrastructure and civic sense in India.
In India, it’s common to get work calls at 10 PM or work on weekends without extra pay. Abroad, when work hours end, they actually end.
Safety Matters, Especially For Women
This was the biggest concern. Women’s safety was also a significant concern, as many NRIs expressed hesitation about returning to India due to this issue. Concerns regarding women’s safety in India were cited as a crucial reason to stay abroad. One person specifically mentioned feeling safer as a woman in the US.
Walking alone at night, taking an Uber without sharing a location with five people, going out without constantly looking over your shoulder, these basic things really matter.
One woman mentioned that the US, as a capitalist market, offers greater consumer freedom and the ability to afford material goods like a car on a lower salary than would be possible in India.
It is not about being materialistic. It’s about owning a decent car, a good house, and quality products without breaking the bank or taking massive loans.
The Number Doesn’t Lie
About 4.9 million Indians live in the United States right now. India has the largest diaspora in the world, with over 18 million people, more than the entire population of many countries.
Every year, thousands of skilled Indians leave for better opportunities. The brain drain is real, and it has been happening for decades.
But Wait, What About Indian Lovers?
The video has sparked a debate in the comment section, with some users agreeing with the sentiments expressed, while others emphasize their love for Indian culture and traditions, arguing that a focus on material aspects is superficial.
One user wrote, “Safety for women and air quality, that’s it. You can earn enough money anywhere if you have skills.”
This person gets it; it’s not always about money. Sometimes it’s about breathing clean air and feeling safe.
Are NRIs Abandoning India?
Here is where this got heated. Another commented, “It’s good to study and gain experience abroad, but settling permanently means avoiding the responsibility of contributing to India’s growth. Choosing only a developed environment without working to develop your own country. Just makes a secondary citizen in someone else’s home.”
Fair point. Should educated Indians come back and help fix things? Or is it okay to prioritise personal happiness?
The Culture Argument
On the other hand, some people miss the cultural connection and sense of community that comes with living in India. A third said, “I missed my culture the most in the US. I love my India. Cannot lead a very superficial materialistic life in a dull manner.”
And honestly, this hits hard. No, Diwali doesn’t feel the same abroad. No Sunday lunch with extended family. No random chai with neighbours. The video has prompted diverse reactions online, showing how divided people are on this.
What Does This Really Mean?
Understand, nobody is leaving India because they hate it. Most people leave because they have better opportunities, safer streets, cleaner air, and a life where they are not constantly judged.
India has amazing food, incredible festivals, close-knit families, and a culture that’s thousands of years old. But it also has some problems: Traffic that makes you lose your mind, pollution that chokes you every time, and social pressure that can be suffocating.
But The Real Question Is, Who Is Right Here?
Both sides have their valid points. Yes, India needs its talented people to come back and contribute. But also, people deserve to live where they feel safer and happier. It’s not selfish to want clean air or to walk safely at night.
How do we make India a place people want to return to?
This debate is not just about NRIs staying abroad. It is about what India needs to fix at home. Safety, dignity, clean air, work-life balance, and social freedom are not luxuries — they are basics. Until these gaps are bridged, the question will continue to echo: should people return out of duty, or stay where life feels lighter and safer?
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