1️⃣ The Beginning — From Nashik to San Jose
| Origin | Nashik, Maharashtra |
| Education | B.E. Electronics, VIT Pune |
| First job | Hella Electronics (Pune, automotive) |
| Moved to U.S. | M.S. VLSI Design, San José State University |
| Career | Intern → leading semiconductor firm in Oregon |
"I worked 7.5 years in Oregon, my wife joined the same company — both of us had great jobs and a stable life. But somewhere, family kept calling."
2️⃣ The Decision — No Trigger, Just Intention
Unlike most moves driven by visas or layoffs, Suresh's plan was long-standing and deliberate. Many NRIs face common challenges when returning to India, but having a clear intention from the start made all the difference.
"We both came from joint families. Even in my matrimony profile, I had written in bold: I wish to return to India someday."
When their second child was due, they decided to move — before school years complicated transitions. This timing consideration is crucial for families planning their return journey.
3️⃣ The Motivation — Family Bonding Over Everything
"It wasn't about responsibility. It was about joy. I didn't want my parents to grow old while we watched on FaceTime."
They wanted their kids to experience cousins, grandparents, festivals — the daily richness of a joint family. This emotional connection is what drives many successful returns, as explored in our guide on emotional challenges of moving back to India.
4️⃣ The Logistics — Internal Transfer Made It Smooth
How do you move back to India from the US? For Suresh and his wife, the answer was internal transfers. Here's what their company provided:
- Both secured internal transfers to India (Hyderabad/Bangalore presence).
- Company covered flights, 15-day hotel, and a 1,000 lb shipment (air; arrived in ~3 weeks).
- Packed essentials only — toys, keepsakes, small electronics.
"When you apply from the U.S., recruiters doubt your seriousness. Internal transfer solved that."
If you're planning a similar move, understanding NRI relocation logistics and checklist can help you prepare for a smooth transition.
5️⃣ Life in Bangalore — The Transition Phase
They spent a year in Bangalore before settling in Nashik. Expectations vs reality:
| Category | Expectation | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | "It'll be bad." | "It's worse — multiply your worst-case by 10." |
| Roads | Chaotic | Improved infrastructure & better roads |
| Work environment | Conservative | Surprisingly modern and balanced |
| Digitization | Moderate | "Everything has an app — even the milkman!" |
| Payments | Cash heavy | "Even the sabjiwala uses UPI!" |
"India has leapfrogged in digital life. UPI shocked us — it's smoother than any payment system in the U.S."
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India, has revolutionized digital payments in India, making cashless transactions seamless even in small towns.
6️⃣ Work Culture — Then vs Now
What is work culture like in India compared to the US? Suresh found more women in tech, merit-driven growth, and better balance in MNCs.
- Merit-based promotions replacing "face time".
- Work-life balance improving across teams.
- Global collaboration is the default.
"The work culture is not a deal-breaker anymore. India's tech ecosystem feels global now."
For professionals considering a return, exploring career opportunities for returning NRIs can provide valuable insights into the current job market.
7️⃣ Returning to Nashik — Fulfilling the Dream
After ~18 months in Bangalore, they moved to Nashik to be close to parents and cousins. His wife co-founded a pharma instrumentation startup with a cousin; first product launched during COVID and is now stable.
Suresh works remotely for his global semiconductor firm in a hybrid setup — living in Nashik, connected worldwide. This demonstrates how remote work opportunities for NRIs in India have expanded significantly.
8️⃣ Small-Town Living — Joys & Trade-offs
Should you move to a metro city or a small town when returning to India? Here's what Suresh experienced:
• Pros: Family closeness, lower commute stress, cleaner air, organic community life.
• Cons: Fewer networking opportunities, limited premium dining/entertainment.
"In Bangalore, ideas happened over coffee. In Nashik, it's family talk and home dinners — a different kind of fulfillment."
9️⃣ Lessons for Returnees
What should you know before returning to India after 10 years in the US? Here are Suresh's key lessons:
- Know your why: Family, purpose, or belonging must lead.
- Use stepping stones: Try a metro first if unsure about smaller cities.
- Leverage internal transfers: They simplify relocation.
- Expect chaos, find meaning.
- Plan finances: Keep 2–3 years' buffer for new ventures.
For comprehensive financial planning, check out our guide on financial planning for NRIs returning to India.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get an internal transfer from the US to India?
A: Both secured internal transfers to India (Hyderabad/Bangalore presence). When you apply from the U.S., recruiters doubt your seriousness. Internal transfer solved that. The key is to start conversations with your company's India offices early, express your genuine interest in returning, and demonstrate how your skills can benefit the India operations. Companies are often more willing to facilitate internal transfers than external hiring for returnees.
Q: What is the UPI payment system in India?
A: India has leapfrogged in digital life. UPI shocked us — it's smoother than any payment system in the U.S. Even the sabjiwala uses UPI! Everything has an app — even the milkman! The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India that enables instant money transfers between bank accounts through mobile devices.
Q: Should I move to a metro city first before settling in a smaller town in India?
A: Use stepping stones: Try a metro first if unsure about smaller cities. They spent a year in Bangalore before settling in Nashik. This approach allows you to gradually adjust to Indian life, understand the work culture, and make informed decisions about your final destination. The transition phase in a metro city can help you reconnect with India's pace while maintaining some familiar conveniences.
Q: What are the benefits of joint family living for NRI children?
A: They wanted their kids to experience cousins, grandparents, festivals — the daily richness of a joint family. It wasn't about responsibility. It was about joy. I didn't want my parents to grow old while we watched on FaceTime. Joint family living provides children with emotional security, cultural grounding, multiple role models, and a strong support system that's difficult to replicate in nuclear family setups abroad.
Q: How has work culture in India changed compared to the past?
A: The work culture is not a deal-breaker anymore. India's tech ecosystem feels global now. He found more women in tech, merit-driven growth, and better balance in MNCs. Merit-based promotions are replacing "face time," work-life balance is improving across teams, and global collaboration is the default. The work environment that was once conservative is now surprisingly modern and balanced.
Q: What should I know about shipping belongings from the US to India?
A: Company covered flights, 15-day hotel, and a 1,000 lb shipment (air; arrived in ~3 weeks). Packed essentials only — toys, keepsakes, small electronics. When planning your move, focus on items with sentimental value or things that are expensive in India. Most household items can be purchased locally. Air shipment is faster but more expensive than sea freight, which can take 6-8 weeks.
Q: What are the trade-offs of living in a small town versus a metro city in India?
A: Pros: Family closeness, lower commute stress, cleaner air, organic community life. Cons: Fewer networking opportunities, limited premium dining/entertainment. In Bangalore, ideas happened over coffee. In Nashik, it's family talk and home dinners — a different kind of fulfillment. The choice depends on what you value more: professional networking and urban amenities, or family connections and quality of life.
Q: When is the best time to return to India with children?
A: When their second child was due, they decided to move — before school years complicated transitions. The ideal time is typically before children start formal schooling (before age 5-6) or during natural transition points like between school levels. Moving before school years allows children to adapt more easily to the Indian education system and cultural environment without disrupting their academic progress.
🔟 Rapid Fire
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Butter chicken & tandoori — "U.S. Indian food never got the spice right!" |
| Favorite Destination | Ancestral village in Ratnagiri — "Our root spot, always peaceful." |
| Biggest Surprise | "India's digital transformation — from UPI to grocery apps." |
| Most Missed U.S. Thing | "Sometimes the calm… but India's energy wins every time." |
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✍️ Editorial Summary
Suresh's return wasn't reactive — it was visionary. From Silicon Valley to small-town Nashik, he and his wife chose roots over routine and relationships over resumes.
"We didn't leave the U.S. because something was wrong — we came back because everything that mattered was here."