Planning a return to India? Get one practical email each week for 15 weeks—covering timing, money, schools, logistics, and your first 90 days: https://desireturn.com/resource-hub/e...What is it really like to move to Canada as an international student, build a career there, and then decide to return to India?In this conversation, Soumya shares her journey of moving to Canada in 2021, the expectations she had before leaving India, and the realities she experienced after arriving.She talks openly about the challenges of finding the right job, the importance of Canadian experience and networking, living paycheck to paycheck as a student, sharing accommodation, immigration uncertainty, and why returning to India did not feel like a failure.Soumya also shares what she values about Canada — especially work-life balance — and what surprised her after coming back to India, including family support, convenience, and opportunities for building a business.She is currently working with Canadian clients while building her own healthy-food business in India, with plans to return to Canada after her marriage.If you are considering studying in Canada, moving back to India, or trying to build a life between both countries, this conversation offers a practical look at the trade-offs involved.### Chapters00:00 – Soumya’s story and why she moved to Canada01:51 – Why she felt opportunities were different outside India04:04 – Expectations vs reality after moving to Canada06:19 – The challenge of getting Canadian work experience09:18 – Student finances, loans and living paycheck to paycheck11:38 – Why she decided to return to India14:10 – PR uncertainty and whether returning felt like failure18:10 – Networking, Canadian clients and building her own business21:13 – Canada vs India: work-life balance and everyday life25:12 – Family support, convenience and business opportunities in India28:24 – Canada’s job market, healthcare and advice for new studentsEvery country and lifestyle comes with its own trade-offs. The goal is not to decide whether India or Canada is “better,” but to understand what matters most for your career, family, finances and long-term plans.If you are planning a move back to India, follow Desi Return for practical conversations, real return stories and guidance around career, family, finances and life after returning.🌐 Desi Return: desireturn.com#DesiReturn #MovingBackToIndia #NRI #CanadaToIndia #LifeInCanada #ReturnToIndia #InternationalStudents #CanadaJobs #WorkLifeBalance #NRIStories

Planning a return to India? Get one practical email each week for 15 weeks—covering timing, money, schools, logistics, and your first 90 days: https://desireturn.com/resource-hub/e...What happens when you leave behind a life you genuinely loved abroad and move back to India?After spending more than 20 years in Japan, Neha and Janin had built a life around discipline, peace, safety, work and a very different day-to-day culture. Japan was not a place they were desperate to escape. In fact, they describe their life there as extremely comfortable.And that is exactly what makes their return-to-India story interesting.In this episode of Desi Return, they talk openly about why they eventually moved back to India, what changed after the move, and why returning “home” was far more complicated than they expected.Their son, who had grown up almost entirely in Japan, struggled deeply with the transition. For him, India was technically his home country — but culturally, Japan was home.Neha also faced a completely different challenge: rebuilding her professional career in India after years abroad. Previous experience did not automatically translate into the opportunities or salaries she expected, forcing her to learn new skills and start again in many ways.They also discuss the realities of living in Mumbai, work culture, commuting, domestic help, family support, healthcare, language barriers in Japan, finances, school expenses and how much a family may realistically need every month after moving back.Most importantly, this is not an India good / Japan bad conversation.They still love Japan.They still miss parts of their old life.There have even been days when they wanted to pack their bags and move back.But at the same time, they see family, opportunity, flexibility and long-term reasons to continue building their life in India.If you're an NRI thinking about moving back to India — especially with children — this conversation gives a very realistic look at the emotional and practical side of the decision.Chapters00:00 Why they moved abroad and started life in Japan02:54 Why life in Japan felt so peaceful05:30 The Japanese language barrier09:17 When the idea of returning to India started11:23 Business opportunity that triggered the move13:47 Moving their 11-year-old son from Japan to India17:25 What their son still misses about Japan18:25 Their own reverse culture shock in India20:19 Neha’s career and salary reset after returning23:16 Japanese work culture vs working in India24:50 “Let’s pack our bags and go back”27:00 Why they are still choosing India28:32 How they planned the move financially31:57 Is ₹2 lakh/month enough to live in Mumbai?33:27 Their advice: Should you actually move back to India?They also share an interesting perspective toward the end of the conversation: India already has enormous talent, opportunity and adaptability — but there are certain things from Japanese civic culture, discipline and empathy that could make everyday life significantly better.Every country has trade-offs.The real question isn't simply:“Is India better than Japan?”It is:“Which trade-offs make sense for your family, career and long-term life?”That is the decision every returnee has to make for themselves.If you're planning a move back to India, subscribe to Desi Return for real return stories, practical planning guidance, financial discussions, family considerations and honest conversations with people who have already made the move.Follow Desi Return for more practical return-to-India conversations.#MovingBackToIndia #NRI #DesiReturn #JapanToIndia #ReturnToIndia

Still deciding whether—or when—to move back to India? Get 15 weeks of practical guidance, one useful email at a time: https://desireturn.com/resource-hub/email-seriesPunit Modgill had built the life he wanted in America. He was working in Silicon Valley, growing professionally, enjoying new freedoms, and living what he describes as a dream come true.Then one trip changed everything.After returning to the US through Chicago in 2001, Punit went through a secondary immigration investigation and found himself facing an unexpected choice: stay in custody or buy a one-way ticket back to India.That forced return became the beginning of an entirely different chapter.In this conversation, Punit shares how he rebuilt his career in India, later moved to London to prove something to himself, built a global career across the UK, US and India, and eventually made a conscious decision to return to India again.More importantly, he shares what decades of living across these different worlds taught him about career, family, opportunity, identity and returning home.We discuss:• His journey from Delhi to Silicon Valley• The unexpected incident that brought him back to India• Rebuilding a career after an unplanned return• Why he moved to London after settling in India• Why India eventually felt more fulfilling than his London life• How career and startup opportunities in India have changed• Why families can become more risk-averse after settling abroad• Why Indians going abroad should consider keeping an anchor in India• Retirement and ageing abroad• Reverse culture shock after returning to India• The difficult 18–24 month adjustment period• Building your career “2.0” or second innings in India• Returning with children and why timing matters• Why NRIs should experience today’s India—not only the India they rememberThis is not an India-vs-America conversation.It is one person’s experience of building successful lives across different countries—and eventually understanding what mattered most to him.If you are living abroad and thinking about moving back to India, this conversation offers a practical and deeply personal perspective.CHAPTERS00:00 Punit’s background and early career in India01:10 The Silicon Valley dream becomes reality02:50 Life in America: career, freedom and photography04:06 Missing India and the “next year” syndrome05:10 The post-9/11 turning point06:50 Chicago immigration investigation and the one-way ticket08:00 Forced return to India and starting over10:15 Plan B, healing and rebuilding in India13:21 A chance meeting opens a new career door16:39 Moving to London to prove himself19:48 Why India started feeling more fulfilling22:03 Returning for family and seeing a changed India25:58 Entrepreneurship and startup opportunities in India31:18 Advice for Indians planning to go abroad35:10 Returning to India: reverse culture shock, second innings, kids and the “new India”Subscribe to Desi Return for real return stories and practical guidance for planning your move back to India.

Still deciding whether—or when—to move back to India? Get 15 weeks of practical guidance, one useful email at a time: https://desireturn.com/resource-hub/email-seriesAfter spending more than 25 years in the United States, Faraz had built a comfortable life in Denver — a successful career, a home, a young family and a high quality of life.And yet, he and his wife decided to leave it behind and move their family back to Mumbai.It wasn’t because life in America had stopped working. There was no single dramatic event that forced the decision.In this episode of Desi Return, Faraz shares what it actually took to return after more than two decades abroad — from the emotional decision to the practical planning, careers, schools, housing, US financial accounts and even relocating their 12-year-old dog from Denver to Mumbai.He also speaks openly about what happened after the move, because planning a return and actually living it are two very different things.You can get more updates from Faraz here linkedin.com/in/farazdak/recent-activity/allIn this episode:• Why Faraz moved to the US and the life he built there• Why returning to India stayed in the back of his mind for years• How ageing parents influenced the timing of the move• Their biggest concern: whether their 8-year-old son would adjust• School, languages, food and other challenges for their son• How Faraz planned the return step by step• Housing, taxes, careers, bank accounts and moving logistics• What they kept in the US — bank accounts, cards and investments• The difficult process of moving their senior dog to India• What life in Mumbai has actually been like after three months• The conveniences they appreciate in India — including UPI• The family health moment that made the move feel worth it• How they prepared their son emotionally before the move• His advice for NRIs considering a return after decades abroadOne thing makes Faraz’s story especially useful for families considering a return:He doesn’t pretend that moving back immediately feels right every day.After more than 25 years in the US, everyday life in Mumbai requires adjustment. His son left behind friends, familiar food and school. Faraz and his wife are also rebuilding routines, navigating banks, government processes, careers and a very different pace of life.A few months after returning, Faraz’s father had a health scare. Had Faraz still been in the US, it could have meant a midnight call followed by an urgent flight across the world.Instead, he was already there.For him, that moment made the reason behind the move very real.His advice to NRIs is practical: understand exactly why you want to return, make sure the timing works for your family, plan carefully — but don’t spend years talking about the decision without eventually making one.Chapters00:00 25+ Years of Life in the US01:30 Did He Always Plan to Return to India?04:16 What Finally Made Them Stop Delaying05:37 The Biggest Worry: Moving Their Son07:46 Leaving Denver for the Reality of Mumbai09:50 How He Planned the Move Back12:26 Restarting a Career in Mumbai14:41 What He Kept in the US — Banks, Cards & Assets16:47 Moving a 12-Year-Old Dog to India20:39 A Last-Minute Rule Changed Everything24:30 The Reality After 3 Months in India27:36 The Moment Moving Back Felt Worth It28:03 “Why Did I Move?” — 10 Times a Day31:06 How They Prepared Their Son for India33:30 His Advice to NRIs Planning a Return

Still deciding whether—or when—to move back to India? Get 15 weeks of practical guidance, one useful email at a time: https://desireturn.com/resource-hub/email-seriesAfter building a successful technology career in the US and a comfortable family life in New Hampshire, **Sreedharan made an unusual return-to-India decision.**He didn’t move to Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad or another major city. He moved back to his **village in Kanyakumari**.Today, he is building **V2W — Village to World**, a software company serving customers beyond India while creating professional opportunities for rural talent.In this episode of Desi Return, Sreedharan shares what took him from a settled life in the US to starting over in his village — and why the move was much harder for his family than he initially expected.His story includes a painful family moment during COVID that strengthened his desire to return, challenges his US-raised children faced after moving to India, resistance from his own father, financial uncertainty, and the reality of building a global-facing technology company from rural India.**In this episode:**• How his career took him from India to the US• What working in the US taught him about technology and business• How his US income helped support his family and ancestral land• Why reading changed his thinking• The COVID-era family loss that strengthened his return decision• How V2W — Village to World — began• Why they chose a village instead of a metro• Kids’ reverse culture shock, school challenges and languages• Why his daughter initially wanted to go back• Financial fears behind leaving a high-paying US career• Selling his US home and investing in the next chapter• What ancestral land and village life mean to him• Why the family still sometimes misses New Hampshire• Building V2W with rural talent• Why customers initially hesitated to trust a village-based company• How his father went from opposing the move to feeling proud• His advice to NRIs planning a returnOne thing makes Sreedharan’s story especially interesting: **his life in America was not failing.**The transition came with real trade-offs. His children had spent most of their lives in the US, and Indian schools, languages, grandparents and everyday family expectations were very different. Sreedharan openly admits they underestimated how difficult the adjustment would be for the kids.At the same time, moving back allowed him to reconnect with ancestral land, live close to family and build a company around a long-held idea: giving talented people in villages professional opportunities without requiring everyone to leave for a metro.His advice to NRIs is practical: secure your finances, make sure your spouse and children are part of the decision, expect an adjustment period, and if you are unsure, you don’t have to burn every bridge immediately — plan the move, test it and give your family time to adapt.**Chapters**00:00 Introduction01:43 US Career & What It Taught Him04:33 Family, Financial Freedom & Reading06:46 The COVID Moment That Changed Everything08:58 Starting V2W10:17 Kids’ Reverse Culture Shock12:32 Why a Village, Not a Metro?15:03 Moving the Family Back17:48 Money, Risk & Return Planning21:10 What Village Life Gave Them27:29 Building V2W from Rural India30:33 Challenges of Returning Home32:23 His Father’s Change of Heart34:10 Advice for NRIs Planning a Return39:26 Village to World — The Bigger Mission

If you're even thinking about moving back to India, start planning early.We've created a FREE Desi Return Planner that gives you a personalized roadmap based on your family's situation.✔ Personalized action plan✔ School & relocation checklist✔ Curated videos and trusted partners✔ Track everything in one place🎁 Get your FREE Desi Return Planner here:👉 https://desireturn.com/plannerAfter 23 years in the US, a successful career, financial independence, and a life many people would dream of, Sunita made a completely different choice — she moved back to India in her 50s to begin her second innings.In this episode of Desi Return, Sunita shares the real story behind her decision to leave the US, why money was no longer the only priority, and what she has learned after moving to India.From building a career in the US after moving from India in her 30s, to becoming a financial professional and running her own practice, her journey is very different from the typical NRI return story.In this episode:Why she moved from India to the US in her 30sThe challenges of restarting a career in AmericaBuilding a 23-year career in US financial servicesWhat made her reconsider life in AmericaWhy COVID changed her perspective on retirement and timeWhy she chose India for her second inningsWhy she chose Pondicherry instead of staying with familyLife as a single woman returning to IndiaFinding your tribe and building a social circle after returningFinancial planning before moving back to IndiaWhat she did with her US house and investments401(k), IRA and Roth considerations when moving to IndiaWhy you should NOT blindly liquidate your US retirement accounts during RNORCross-border taxation and why professional advice mattersUS vs India capital gains rulesUS state taxes after moving abroadRenting vs selling your US homeHow much money do you really need to retire in India?The biggest expenses to consider in IndiaWhat she misses about the USWhat surprised her about life in IndiaInequality, civic sense and acceptance of mediocrity in IndiaThe positive changes she has seen in IndiaHer advice to NRIs thinking about moving backOne of her biggest lessons is simple:Don't try to optimize everything.Personal finance, taxation, family, children, immigration status, lifestyle and long-term plans are all interconnected. What works for one NRI may not work for another.If you're an NRI considering moving back to India, especially in your 40s or 50s, this conversation offers a very honest look at what a return can actually look like — beyond just money and taxes.▶️ **Desi Return Diaries: What NRI Families Need to Know Before Moving Back**https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwv-Q4A3w0q-seOSDUE1OtchPO9kAA9a### Chapters00:00 Introduction01:11 Moving to the U.S. & Starting Over04:52 Why She Started Thinking About Leaving08:38 Money Is Not Everything12:32 Why India?15:35 Returning Alone, Community & Pondicherry19:18 Financial Planning Before Moving Back22:04 401(k), RNOR, Roth IRA & Tax Lessons30:34 How Much Money Is Enough?33:25 Life After Moving Back to India35:15 What She Misses About the U.S.37:12 Her Advice for Future Returnees41:59 India Then vs India Now45:26 Final Thoughts

If you're even thinking about moving back to India, start planning early.We've created a FREE Desi Return Planner that gives you a personalized roadmap based on your family's situation.✔ Personalized action plan✔ School & relocation checklist✔ Curated videos and trusted partners✔ Track everything in one place🎁 Get your FREE Desi Return Planner here:👉 https://desireturn.com/plannerWhat happens when the life you've built abroad collides with the people you love the most?For many NRIs, the hardest part of living abroad isn't the job, the visa, or the taxes—it's being thousands of miles away from aging parents.In this deeply emotional episode of the Desi Return Podcast, Gautam shares his incredible 20-year journey in the United States, from pursuing his dream career to building a family and community in California. But everything changed when his mother was diagnosed with cancer.Unable to secure a visa appointment in time, Gautam faced every NRI's worst nightmare—being unable to reach India to be with his mother during her final days.This isn't just a story about immigration. It's a story about family, sacrifice, regret, career, children, identity, and what "home" truly means.If you're an NRI living abroad, planning to return to India, or simply navigating the difficult balance between career and family, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.#NRI #MoveBackToIndia #DesiReturn #LifeInIndia #NRItoIndia #ReturnToIndia #IndianAbroad #NRIlife #IndiaVsUSA #MovingToIndia #OCI #ReverseMigration #NRIParents #LifeAfterMovingBack #HealthcareInIndia #nrilife #backtoindia #nrishaala #backtoroots Chapters0:00 Introduction1:32 A Two-Year Plan Became a Life in America8:27 The Woman Who Shaped His Life17:15 The Cancer Diagnosis19:47 The Race to Reach India22:22 No Visa Appointments23:19 His Wife Flew Home Instead24:09 His Mother’s Final Request25:30 Their Final Conversation27:29 The Call That Changed Everything28:23 The Regret He Carries30:37 His Wife’s Sacrifice35:25 Why They’re Returning to India38:50 What Home Means to Their Daughters43:02 His Wife Is Still Stuck in India46:33 No Emergency Path in the Visa System47:24 The India He Sees Today49:34 Advice for Anyone Moving Abroad50:22 What He Would Do Differently53:06 Closing Thoughts

Planning your return to India? Don’t guess — plan it right 👉 https://access.desireturn.com/planner-yt🇺🇸 Bhanu spent 16 years building a successful life in the United States. Then he made a life-changing decision—to leave it all behind and move back to India. But not for the reasons you might expect.In this episode of Desi Return, Bhanu shares the incredible story of why he walked away from the American dream, chose entrepreneurship in India, and made one of the biggest decisions of his life to support his son's dream of becoming a Formula 1 racing driver.From turning down the Green Card path to navigating the emotional loss of his mother during COVID, building startups in India, and planning the next chapter in Europe for Formula racing, this conversation is filled with honest insights about family, purpose, entrepreneurship, and returning to India.Whether you're an NRI considering moving back to India, an entrepreneur, or simply someone wondering what truly matters in life, this episode offers a refreshing perspective beyond money and career.In this episode we discuss:✅ Why he left the U.S. after 16 years✅ The real reason behind moving back to India✅ Supporting his son's Formula 1 dream✅ Why entrepreneurship became the only option✅ Life in Bangalore vs Visakhapatnam✅ Challenges of starting a business in India✅ Green Card decision and future plans in Europe✅ Advice for NRIs planning to return to India✅ Mistakes people make while relocating back to IndiaIf you're planning your move back to India or simply exploring the idea, subscribe to Desi Return for real stories, practical guidance, and honest conversations with people who've made the journey.

Chapters00:00 Introduction01:12 Background & 16 Years in the US05:35 What Triggered the Return?08:50 Losing His Mother During COVID14:09 His Son’s Formula Racing Dream17:22 Family Decision & Choosing Bangalore25:25 Why India for Entrepreneurship?30:40 Return Preparation & Green Card34:09 Leaving America & Financial Planning39:15 Reality of Life in Bangalore42:29 Moving to Visakhapatnam & Kids’ Adjustment44:33 Two Years Back in India47:12 Business & Banking Challenges49:45 Regrets, Advice & Opportunities51:53 Biggest Mistakes Returning NRIs Make54:24 Final Thoughts

Need Indian tax filing help as an NRI or returnee? https://desireturn.com/services/india-tax-filing?utm_source=youtube​ Planning your return to India? Don’t guess — plan it right 👉 https://access.desireturn.com/planner-yt👉 Need help with shipments, taxes, RNOR, investments & more:https://services.desireturn.comAfter spending 30 years in the United States, Ramh Prasad made a life-changing decision—he moved back to India to build a company that is now one of India's leading driver platforms, DriveU.  @DriveuIn  In this conversation, Ramh shares what it was really like to leave behind a successful career in Silicon Valley, convince his American wife to move to India and build a meaningful life while balancing family, business, and purpose.If you're an NRI living in the US and wondering whether moving back to India is the right decision, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest experiences.In this episode, we discuss:Why Ram left the US after 30 yearsWhat convinced him to move back to IndiaHow his American wife adapted to life in IndiaRaising children between the US and IndiaBuilding DriveU and India's startup ecosystemLiving between two countries for over a decadeChallenges of relocating after decades abroadFinancial planning and managing assets in both countriesOpportunities for NRIs returning to IndiaAdvice for professionals considering a move backFinding purpose after a successful career abroadWhether you're planning to return to India, exploring career opportunities, or simply curious about life after decades in the US, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone who has lived both worlds. #NRI #MoveBackToIndia #DesiReturn #LifeInIndia #NRItoIndia #ReturnToIndia #IndianAbroad #NRIlife #IndiaVsUSA #MovingToIndia #OCI #ReverseMigration #NRIParents #LifeAfterMovingBack #HealthcareInIndia #nrilife #backtoindia #nrishaala #backtoroots Chapters0:00 Introduction1:05 Background 4:14 Why leave silicon valley?9:17 Any apprehension to move to India?12:05 Why most people never return14:30 Building DriveU17:55 Spouse transition23:10 Living in both countries27:04 Reality of life in India31:40 Kids after move35:17 Financial planning39:32 Advice & opportunities46:52 Why People are moving back to India51:03 Future Plans

Need Indian tax filing help as an NRI or returnee? https://desireturn.com/services/india-tax-filing?utm_source=youtube​ Planning your return to India? Don’t guess — plan it right 👉 https://access.desireturn.com/planner-yt👉 Need help with shipments, taxes, RNOR, investments & more:https://services.desireturn.com🇺🇸➡️🇮🇳 They Left America After 12 Years. Was It the Right Decision?After spending 12 successful years in the United States, Sumit and Naina made a decision that most NRIs only talk about—they moved back to India.Now, 13 years later, they look back with complete honesty.Was it worth leaving before getting a Green Card?How did their children adjust?Did they regret the move?What really happens after returning to India?In this episode of Desi Return, we go far beyond the usual "pros and cons" discussion. This is a deeply personal conversation about identity, family, parenting, career, finances, and building a fulfilling life after returning home.Whether you're seriously planning your move or simply wondering if life in India could be right for your family, this episode is packed with practical lessons and emotional insights.In this episode, we discuss:✅ Why they chose India before getting a Green Card✅ Planning their return over four years✅ The biggest fears before moving back✅ Career sacrifices and starting over✅ Financial planning before returning✅ 401(k), investments, and retirement planning✅ Raising kids in India after growing up in the US✅ CBSE vs Cambridge curriculum✅ Why their son chose Europe instead of the US✅ The challenges their daughter faced after moving✅ What they would do differently today✅ Advice for NRIs considering returning to IndiaIf you've ever asked yourself..."Should I move back to India?"...this conversation will give you one of the most honest perspectives you'll find. #NRI #MoveBackToIndia #DesiReturn #LifeInIndia #NRItoIndia #ReturnToIndia #IndianAbroad #NRIlife #IndiaVsUSA #MovingToIndia #OCI #ReverseMigration #NRIParents #LifeAfterMovingBack #HealthcareInIndia #nrilife #backtoindia #nrishaala #backtoroots Chapters0:00 Introduction1:00 Background & Why move back4:56 How Life would be in US8:21 Timing the move19:30 Biggest Fear23:54 Career Sacrifices30:31 Six month unknown?34:50 Financial planning39:46 Tradeoffs42:51 Kids Transition45:36 Curriculum and college admissions51:35 Why Transition from CBSE to IGCSE55:27 JEE Entrances Readiness for Cambridge students59:18 Reflecting life After 13 Years1:07:52 Advice