IITian Couples: Nayrith Bhattacharya and Rishita Das, an IIT Kharagpur graduate couple, recently captured the internet’s attention with their candid reflections on moving back to India from the United States. Their social media post, which quickly went viral, offered a detailed comparison of life in both countries. The couple, who moved to the US in 2016 for further studies and recently returned to India, shared ten key differences they noticed after their move. Their insights provide valuable guidance for Indians contemplating a similar relocation.
1. Traffic: Unpredictable and Congested Roads in India
One of the first differences the couple highlighted was traffic. While Bhattacharya and Das noted that traffic congestion is not inherently worse in India compared to major US cities like New York or Los Angeles, they found that the unpredictable driving habits and mix of transportation modes create a unique challenge. The chaotic nature of Indian traffic, with its frequent honking and lane-switching, can be frustrating and requires a high level of adaptability.
2. Digital Convenience: India Leads with Rapid Delivery Services
When it comes to digital convenience, India has a distinct advantage. The couple praised India’s superior digital services, especially the rapid delivery times for groceries, food, and other essentials. Platforms like Swiggy and Zomato have revolutionized the way Indians shop and dine, offering a level of convenience that is often unmatched in the US. In contrast, while the US has services like Instacart and DoorDash, they are often slower and more expensive due to logistical challenges.
3. Building Relationships: Deeper Connections in India
Bhattacharya also touched on the social aspect of living in India versus the US. He found it easier to form deep, meaningful connections in India compared to the more surface-level interactions that are common in the US. In India, social interactions often go beyond casual meetups and include strong family ties and a close-knit community. This cultural difference has made the transition back to India more fulfilling for the couple, who value the importance of personal relationships.
4. Digital Payments: UPI Outshines Apple Pay
India’s digital payments system, particularly the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has been a game-changer. Bhattacharya praised UPI for its user-friendliness and government-backed infrastructure, which makes it free for users. In contrast, Apple Pay, while popular in the US, often involves transaction fees that are passed on to consumers. The widespread adoption of UPI in India has made digital transactions seamless and accessible to a larger population.
5. Queues: A Lesson in Patience in India
The couple also shared their experiences with queues in India. Unlike the orderly lines typically seen in the US, queues in India can often be chaotic, whether at a coffee shop, security checkpoint, or grocery store. Bhattacharya and Das noted that this lack of order requires a significant amount of patience and adaptability, especially for those accustomed to the more structured environments in the US.
6. Food: A Diverse Culinary Landscape
When it comes to food, both India and the US have their unique offerings. Bhattacharya and Das enjoyed the return to Indian cuisine, with its rich flavors and diverse dishes, as a welcome change from American staples like burgers and sandwiches. However, they did express a fondness for the variety of cheese, bread, and desserts available in the US, highlighting how each country has its own culinary strengths and weaknesses.
7. Domestic Help: A Major Convenience in India
One of the significant advantages of living in India, according to the couple, is the availability and affordability of domestic help. In India, it is common to hire domestic workers for cooking, cleaning, and other household chores, which is a luxury that is often unaffordable in the US due to high labor costs. This difference has made managing household responsibilities much easier for the couple, allowing them more time to focus on their careers and personal lives.
8. Outdoor Activities: The US as an ‘Outdoorsy’ Country
Bhattacharya described the US as an “outdoorsy” country, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and beach outings. In contrast, India makes it incredibly convenient to stay, work out, and find leisure in indoor activities. For those who thrive on outdoor adventures, the US offers more options and better infrastructure. However, for those who prefer indoor leisure, India provides ample opportunities.
9. LGBTQ Acceptance: India’s Progress and Challenges
The couple also discussed the level of LGBTQ acceptance in both countries. While the US has made significant strides in LGBTQ rights and acceptance, India still has a long way to go. Although there are urban pockets in India that are more progressive, widespread acceptance is still lacking. Bhattacharya expressed optimism about the future, predicting that India will see positive changes in LGBTQ acceptance in the coming years.
10. Job Market: Different Opportunities and Challenges
Lastly, Bhattacharya and Das compared the job markets in India and the US. Both countries present unique challenges for job seekers. While India offers well-paying jobs, especially in technology and engineering, these positions often require lifestyle adjustments that differ significantly from those in the US. On the other hand, while the US job market is competitive, it provides higher salaries and more opportunities for career growth, particularly in specialized fields.
Conclusion
Nayrith Bhattacharya and Rishita Das’s viral social media post provides a comprehensive comparison of life in the US and India. Their observations offer valuable insights for Indians considering a move back to their home country or simply curious about the differences between the two nations. As they continue to navigate their new lives in India, their experiences serve as a guide for others making similar transitions, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that come with moving between these two diverse cultures.
