After spending several years in the US, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) couple Nairit and Rishita Das decided to return to India in 2023 and settled in Bangalore, a city known for its vibrant tech industry. Their experience living in both countries gave them a unique perspective on the differences between the two countries. The couple shared their observations in an “honest edit” on social media, which quickly gained attention. Nairit, founder of Gushwork, and Rishita, assistant professor of aerospace engineering at IIT Bangalore, tweeted: “My wife and I decided to return to India from the US after completing our higher education. We decided to dedicate our lives to building and researching technology from India to the world. We recently marked a year since our stay in India. For all you Indians in your 20s-40s who are thinking about relocating to India but are full of anxiety, this is an honest compilation of the 10 differences we observed after returning.”
See the post here:
First, the work culture in the US is different from that in India. Neirit, who used to work at a tech startup in San Francisco, noted that in the US, there is a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Employees often leave the office by 5 p.m. and weekends are often free of work-related tasks. In contrast, in India, especially in tech hubs like Bangalore, work hours are long and the boundaries between work and personal life are often blurred, noted Rishita.
The couple also say that work cultures in India and the US are very different. Image credit: Canva
Second, the couple noticed a stark difference in public infrastructure: The United States, with its good roads, efficient public transport and reliable utilities, stood in stark contrast to the challenges they faced in India. Despite being a large city, Bangalore still suffers from traffic jams, unreliable public transport and frequent power outages.
Third, the healthcare systems in the two countries are very different. In the US, healthcare is expensive but has a very advanced system with a strong focus on preventive care. Nairit and Rishita appreciated the quality of the medical facilities and the emphasis on regular check-ups. In India, healthcare is more affordable but the quality varies and there is less emphasis on preventive care.
Fourth, the couple noticed differences in the education systems. The American education system encourages creativity and critical thinking from an early age. Rishita, who worked as a teacher in California, was impressed with the emphasis on holistic development. The Indian education system is exam-driven and places emphasis on memorization and academic achievement.
Fifth, social interactions and community life vary greatly. In the United States, Nairit and Rishita experienced a more individualistic society where personal space was highly valued. Social interactions are often planned and scheduled. In India, they experienced a more collectivist culture where spontaneous visits by friends and family were common and there was a strong sense of community.
Sixth, the couple noticed a difference in environmental awareness. In the U.S., there is a strong awareness of environmental issues, widespread recycling programs, and a strong focus on sustainability. In India, while awareness is growing, environmental policy implementation has yet to catch up.
Seventh, the food cultures of the two countries are diverse but different. In the United States, people enjoyed the wide variety of international cuisine and the convenience of prepared meals. In India, people enjoyed the rich and diverse local cuisine but missed the convenience of pre-packaged healthy meals.
Eighth, the couple noticed a difference in the pace of life. Life in the US, especially in a city like San Francisco, is fast-paced and often stressful. In contrast, life in India, although it does have its challenges, turned out to be more relaxed and laid-back.
Ninth, India's digital infrastructure is far superior to that of the U.S. Nirit and Rishita were impressed by the efficiency of India's quick commerce platforms, which can deliver goods within minutes. They found that India's intra-city logistics is more efficient than services like Instacart and DoorDash in the U.S.
Finally, the couple emphasized the ease and affordability of hiring domestic help in India, pointing out that hiring a domestic helper can give them 15 to 20 more hours of free time each week, a luxury that is hard to replicate in the United States.
These observations provide valuable insight for anyone considering moving between the two countries, highlighting the unique benefits and challenges of life in each.
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