IIT couples returned to India from America, told 10 differences between the two countries, you too will be surprised to know!

New Delhi: Two alumni of IIT Kharagpur, Nairit Bhattacharya and Rishita Das, have shared their experiences of returning to India from America, which is becoming very viral on social media. Both of them went to America for higher education in 2019. But last year both of them decided to return to India. Nairit is the founder of an AI startup Gushwork, while his/her wife Rishika is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IISc Bangalore. They have shared 10 differences on social media after their return from America to India.

Shared the experience of coming to India on social media
Nairit wrote in a post on X, ‘For all the Indian people in the age group of 20-40 who are considering going back to India but are full of uncertainties, this is an honest compilation of 10 differences we saw after coming back here.’ In which he/she has compared various aspects of life such as the convenience of domestic help, traffic conditions, digital payment systems, social mobility and jobs. his/her post has received an overwhelming response, which reflects the sentiments of many people hoping to return to India.

1. Nairit posted, the biggest change has been regarding house help. How affordable it is to keep a house help in India. he/she told that although I am concerned about the cost of cheap labor, the convenience cannot be denied. 15-20 extra hours every week as a working couple is a luxury that is hard to imagine in America. Indians who live abroad understand how expensive it is to keep a house help there.

2. he/she considered traffic as the second change. Nayarit admitted that the traffic situation in India is not worse than the big cities of America, but the habit of wrong driving definitely causes problems. he/she says that there is no clear solution for this for the next few years.

3. Nairit and his/her wife are amazed to see India’s progress in the digital sector. he/she said that digital facilities in India are at a different level. Quick Commerce delivers groceries/essential items in 10 minutes, food delivery facility is also excellent. America also has facilities like Instacart and DoorDash, but intra-city logistics here are much better and efficient.

4. Culturally, Nayarit felt it was easier to make meaningful connections in India. In the US, she said, conversations often remain superficial, limited to coffee meets or work-related discussions. “I found it challenging to make deeper connections in the US, beyond coffee meets, drinks or general work/play conversations. Personally, it is easier for me to make meaningful connections and rekindle old relationships,” she said.

5. Nairit considers India to be better in terms of digital payments. Comparing UPI and Apple Pay, he/she said that Apple Pay and UPI are comparable from the user experience point of view. he/she further said that the real difference is that UPI is free and is a part of the government infrastructure. Whereas in Apple Pay, 2%-7% of the transaction volume goes to private companies.

6. Nairit Bhattacharya did miss some aspects of American life. She found the chaotic lines at counters, coffee shops and security checks to be a challenge in India, though she admitted it was something one could get used to. “One thing I miss about the US? Orderly lines,” she joked. “In India, lines at counters, coffee shops, security checks and QSRs can be really chaotic, sometimes very frustrating. It’s a bit of an adjustment at first, but you get used to it.”

7. Nayarit describes himself as a foodie. he/she expressed relief at returning to Indian cuisine, especially dosas and biryani, but admitted he/she is a foodie. It is a relief to return to dosas and biryani from PB&J and burgers. However, sometimes he/she misses the variety of cheese, breads and sweets.

8. Nayarit recommends that those who are fond of outdoor activities stay in the US. he/she says that if you like hiking, biking or visiting beaches, you will not be very happy here. India, on the other hand, makes it incredibly conducive to staying indoors, exercising and recreation.

9. Bhattacharya also raised the issue of social acceptance of LGBTQ communities. he/she observed that India is still very critical towards these communities. Yes, there are hyper-urban areas where it is okay. But, the wider India still does not accept LGBTQ communities. However, I am sure this will change rapidly in the next 5 years.

10. Finally, the couple discussed the state of the job market in both countries. Bhattacharya said that the job market in both countries is tough but for different reasons. You can get a job, but getting a high-paying job here that can give you a similar house and car is not a simple thing. Many of my friends who came back had to cut down their lifestyle a lot.