What makes people attracted to come to India? I talked to a few of my friends who have returned from the US for good, and I found these reasons :
- The lure of a more luxurious life. Personally, I am not too enamored with the ability to spend on clothes, jewellery, car, villas, furniture, etc. The convenience of a full time cook serving you hot chai when you have a cold is, on the other hand, quite attractive. The problem is that finding a good cook, driver, nanny, and maid takes at least 2 years. I know this, since all my friends who have returned in the past two years, are still struggling. Some are on their fourth driver, some have given up on hiring a nanny they would be happy with, and so on.
- The need to be close to loved ones, especially, parents. My parents, who spent a good part of their own adult, working life in the US; who are used to driving themselves, and prefer a salad to an elaborate meal; are more comfortable in Bangalore. Add to this, factors like, visa issues, inability to drive in the US, unfamiliarity with the country, medical expenses, and so forth - the decision to come to India to be with parents becomes obvious.
- Providing an Indian upbringing for the children. My wonderful nanny took it upon herself to teach my kids shlokas and bhajans. Excluding that, there is more of the so-called west in the east today. Junk food, skimpy clothes, bar hopping, and the English language are pervasive. In addition, I am uncomfortable with many other things. Children are exposed very early to socio-economic class distinctions (the maid sleeps in the kitchen and eats on the floor - if not at your place, certainly at your neighbors'). There is no honor system (whether it comes to traffic rules, queues, taxes, homework, or anything else). Even my heaven sent nanny won't require my 6 year old daughter to pick up her plate, put away her books, or help with chores, no matter how much I emphasize it. If I want my children to grow up with the values that I hold dear in life, I have a better chance instilling them in Santa Clara, than in Bangalore.
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