Challenges Faced Upon Returning to India

After a decade spent in the U.S., the return to India has proven to be quite challenging for a Reddit user, known as Suspicious-Ad1320. Their candid insights have emerged on the subreddit r/India and have gained significant traction. The user candidly discusses various pressing issues such as air pollution, chaotic traffic conditions, and pervasive corruption in his observations.

“Having been in India for over a year now,” the user explains, “the necessity to relocate arose when my H1B visa lapsed at the end of the six-year duration, and I was laid off without any remaining time on it.”

The adjustment period has been far from straightforward. “Air pollution has resulted in breathing difficulties,” the user points out. “Dust is omnipresent, and it’s not uncommon to see people spitting and urinating on the streets.”

Daily Life and Civic Sense

Everyday life is marked by a certain absence of civic sense and discipline. “As soon as an elevator door opens, individuals surge to rush inside rather than allowing those already inside to exit first,” the user observes.

Driving Etiquette and Pedestrian Safety

The user also critiques the alarming driving standards and the blatant disregard for pedestrian safety. “Traffic regulations are frequently ignored, leading to unsafe driving. There is an utter lack of respect for pedestrians attempting to cross the road.”

Social Normalisation of Issues

What profoundly resonates is their condemnation of the societal acceptance of these issues. “Expressing concerns about these serious matters results in being branded as a deshdrohi or being advised to acclimate to the environment,” the user reflects.

Government Corruption and Neglect

The user’s frustration extends beyond civic issues, as they directly criticise government actions. “A corrupt government exploits the local populace for vast sums of money, prioritising 16th-century topics like Hindu-Muslim relations over the development of India,” the user remarks.

Community Reactions

The post sparked a wave of responses from users, resonating with the frustrations articulated in the original thoughts. One comment stated, “In summary – there’s no civic sense.”

Another commenter added, “The reality is that Indians in India often fail to recognise the severity of our systemic issues. They have become so accustomed to these problems that they often don’t see what’s wrong. Although I love India and believe there’s no place like home, ignoring the issues will not resolve them. Acknowledging that a problem exists is the first step toward addressing it.”

For numerous individuals, the sentiments shared in the post struck a chord—reflecting everyday frustrations that many have grown to accept as part of life in India.