‘Dark side’ of moving back to India: US-returnee’s viral post sparks debate

A Reddit post by user 'Designer_Current2613' on the forum r/returnToIndia sparked a heated debate as the user shared the regrets about moving back to India from the US.

The post, titled “Regrets of Moving Back to India – The Dark Side Nobody Warns You About,” highlighted the user’s frustrations around healthcare, infrastructure, corruption, and quality of life.

The author began by recounting a terrifying Covid-19 experience in 2021, where they were left waiting for an ICU bed for days as hospitals overflowed. They also regret selling their US house in 2019 for $1.4 million, only to see its value double to $3 million within two years, calling it their “single biggest financial mistake.”

Other concerns raised include chaotic traffic, crumbling infrastructure, widespread corruption, rising costs, property scams, pollution, adulterated food, and an overall lack of accountability in public life. According to the author, adjusting to India’s “broken systems” can be exhausting for those used to structure and efficiency abroad.

The post drew mixed responses from other users. One commenter, who had lived in the US before returning, argued that India offers “much more luxury” for upper-middle-class returnees, with easier and cheaper access to healthcare and the advantage of being close to family and friends.

Another user responded more bluntly: “You left middle Earth and moved back to Mordor. What did you expect?” They advised returnees to consider settling in tier-2 or tier-3 cities with better weather and less chaos.

Some felt the complaints were obvious. “I think all of these are commonly known to all,” one wrote. “Everyone considers these things, and they are the most common reason to leave in the first place.”

Others expressed empathy. A user who moved to Gujarat after 14 years in Canada said, “I try to find more positivity and keep myself happy. Unfortunately, I am breaking down inside too. This country is not fixable. People are ready to fight at any time. It’s not the place I thought I should be at.”