We Left Everything for Fulfilment — 2.5 Years Later, Was It the Right Call? | Anish & Swati Update
Anish and Swati were the first guests on Desi Return podcast. 2.5 years after moving from the US to Pune, they share their honest update: healthcare experiences, daughter flourishing in school, career transitions, financial insights, and practical advice for families planning to return.
We Left Everything for Fulfilment — 2.5 Years Later, Was It the Right Call?
Anish and Swati were the first guests on Desi Return podcast. After 2.5 years of living in Pune, they return to share their honest update: healthcare experiences, their daughter flourishing, career transitions, financial insights, and practical advice for families planning to return to India.
Key Takeaways from Anish & Swati's 2.5 Year Update
- Decision strongly validated—family health emergencies reinforced the importance of being physically present in India
- Their daughter (now 4.5 years old) is "flourishing"—the biggest beneficiary of the move
- Healthcare in Pune is good for treatment; US insurance was more comprehensive for preventive care
- Cost of living: 1-1.5 lakh rupees/month for a family of three in Pune (two-bedroom apartment)
- Work culture improving—hybrid work common in IT; Swati works from home with US company
- Challenges: Social engagements, staying in touch with US friends, co-parenting with extended family
- Key advice: Start financial planning 1 year before move; find tax consultant who knows both US and Indian laws
- Their first podcast has been viewed by 58,000+ people; hundreds have reached out for advice
The Validation: "Just the thought of us not being here and being there and then all of this happening was a little scary. So we definitely felt really really good about the decision and we definitely don't regret or feel like leaving India again." — Swati, reflecting on family health emergencies that reinforced their decision to return.
📺 Background: The First Podcast and Its Impact
Anish and Swati hold a special place in the Desi Return community—they were the very first guests on the podcast. Their original episode has since been viewed by over 58,000 people, and hundreds of families have reached out to them through social media, either through Facebook or LinkedIn, seeking advice about their own return journeys.
The impact of their story has been significant. Many people now refer their families who are considering returning to India to watch Anish and Swati's video. Some families have even relocated back to India after being inspired by their journey.
Important Disclaimer from Anish
"All the experiences are very personal. We cannot prescribe any generic advice to anyone. There have been people who think that whenever we are saying something, that is the way they should also be thinking about it. But the journey has been very personal to us, and therefore whatever we are going to say today also is very personal and it's our thoughts that we want to put forth."
This episode is a follow-up to their original discussion. For new viewers, the original episode covers their background, what made them decide to move to India, and their initial experiences. This update focuses on what has changed in the 2.5 years since they first shared their story.
🆕 What's New in 2.5 Years
When asked about life in India, Anish's immediate response was clear: "Life is definitely more happening here." The past two and a half years have been filled with new experiences, connections, and growth.
Major Milestones Since Their First Podcast
- Daughter started school: She was going through school hunting during the first podcast; now she's settled in a good school that both she and her parents like
- Daughter's age: Now 4.5 years old
- New people: Met lots of new people and made new connections
- Travel: Visited many new places within India
- Cultural reconnection: Reunited with Indian culture
- Family health challenges: Dealt with serious health issues and multiple hospitalizations in the family
Despite the challenges, Anish emphasizes that it doesn't feel like 2.5 years have passed. The journey has been "super exciting," filled with both joyful moments and difficult times that ultimately reinforced their decision to return.
✅ Has the Decision Been Validated?
When asked directly whether their decision to move back has been validated, both Anish and Swati were unequivocal: they don't regret the decision at all. In fact, recent events have only strengthened their conviction.
Family Health Emergencies: The Ultimate Test
Over the past two years, their family faced serious health issues. There were multiple hospitalizations—moments that were stressful and challenging. But these difficult times became the strongest validation of their decision.
Swati elaborated on the emotional weight of this realization:
Swati's Reflection
"Fortunately unfortunately actually, but it gave us a lot of satisfaction or comfort knowing that we are here for them. And just the thought of us not being here and being there and then all of this happening was a little scary. So we definitely felt really really good about the decision and we definitely don't regret or feel like leaving India again."
Extended Family's Perspective Shift
An interesting observation Swati shared was about how their extended family's perception changed over time. Initially, when they announced their return, there was skepticism—even from immediate family members who weren't quite convinced whether this was the right decision.
But after 2.5 years, that skepticism has transformed into gratitude:
This shift in family perception—from doubt to appreciation—is a powerful indicator of how the decision has played out in reality.
🏥 Healthcare in India vs US: Real Experience
Healthcare is one of the most common concerns for NRIs considering a return to India. Having lived in Pune for 2.5 years and dealt with multiple family hospitalizations, Anish and Swati offer valuable firsthand insights.
Hospital Quality in Pune
Anish shared their experience with hospitals in Pune:
Healthcare Quality Assessment
| Aspect | India (Pune) | US |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Quality | Some doctors at par with US doctors | High quality |
| Diagnosis & Treatment | Satisfied with treatment received | Good (limited hospital experience—mainly childbirth) |
| Hygiene & Cleanliness | Generally good, but US is better | Better overall |
| Accessibility | Good hospitals available in Pune | Good but expensive without insurance |
Anish noted: "In terms of diagnosis or in terms of treatment—again it's a personal opinion—but so far because of our different issues that we have been through, I think our families are fine with the treatment that they're getting over here."
Insurance: The Major Difference
While hospital care has been satisfactory, the bigger gap they've noticed is in insurance coverage:
Insurance Comparison
US Insurance (What They Had):
- More comprehensive coverage
- Covered annual checkups
- Covered blood tests
- More options to choose from
- Better preventive care coverage
India Insurance (What They've Found):
- More limited coverage
- Does not cover many pre-existing conditions
- Preventive care is limited
- Dental coverage is limited
- Vision coverage is limited
This is an important consideration for families planning to return. While the quality of medical care can be excellent, the insurance ecosystem in India is not as comprehensive as what many NRIs are accustomed to in the US.
👧 Their Daughter: The Biggest Beneficiary
When asked about how the family has adapted, Swati's response was immediate and emphatic: their daughter has been "the biggest beneficiary of the move."
Why She's Thriving
Their daughter is now 4.5 years old. Swati explained why India has been so good for her:
Factors Contributing to Her Growth
- Social nature: She's a social person who needs company and loves people—India provides abundant social interaction
- School settlement: After school hunting (which was ongoing during their first podcast), they found a good school that both she and her parents like
- Personality development: They can see her thriving in different areas of her personality
- Cultural immersion: Growing up surrounded by Indian culture, festivals, and traditions
- Extended family: Regular interaction with grandparents, relatives, and family friends
The word "flourishing" captures their observation perfectly. For parents considering a return with young children, this is encouraging evidence that children can not only adapt but truly thrive in India's social and cultural environment.
👨👩👧 Family and Social Adaptation
Anish acknowledged that 2.5 years is a significant period for adjustment. During this time, their initial assumptions and expectations were tested—and fortunately, most of them proved to be right.
What They Didn't Come Back For
Anish made an important clarification that he felt should have been a disclaimer in their first podcast:
This distinction is crucial. Their return wasn't driven by dissatisfaction with America but by a stronger pull toward India and what it could offer them at this stage of their lives.
Assumptions That Were Validated
Before moving, they believed India could give them more. After 2.5 years, this assumption has been validated multiple times:
- Opportunities to expand passions and hobbies
- Ability to give their daughter exposure to Indian culture
- Ensuring she grows up in a familiar environment similar to their own childhoods
- Being present for family during health emergencies
- Reconnecting with community and cultural life
⚠️ Unexpected Challenges They Faced
While their overall experience has been positive, Anish and Swati were candid about the challenges they didn't fully anticipate. They identified three main areas:
Challenge 1: Social Engagements and Food
One of the first challenges they encountered was the overwhelming number of social engagements—and the food that comes with them.
The Social Engagement Challenge
The Problem:
- Constant social events and gatherings
- All events revolve around food—especially sweet food
- Lots of sugar and carbs at every gathering
What They Lost:
- In the US, they had a good routine around workouts and eating
- They didn't think they would lose that routine
- Once in India, they found it difficult to maintain
Their Solution:
- Put things on the calendar deliberately
- Tell themselves "it is okay to miss certain events"
- Accept that you don't have to attend every event
Swati noted that this challenge also depends on personality. Anish is more outgoing and extroverted—he gains energy from these engagements. Swati is more introverted and prefers staying calm at home. How you handle this challenge depends on your own personality type.
Challenge 2: Staying in Touch with US Friends
Life in India is busy—very busy. This makes it easy to postpone calls and catch-ups with friends still living in the US.
This honest admission highlights a universal truth about long-distance friendships: proximity matters. When you're physically in the same place as people, you naturally stay in contact more. The challenge of maintaining international friendships is real and requires deliberate effort.
Challenge 3: Co-Parenting with the Village
This was perhaps the most nuanced challenge they identified. In India, extended family naturally gets involved in child-rearing, which has both benefits and drawbacks.
The Parenting Autonomy Trade-off
What They Lose:
- Autonomy in parenting decisions
- Their parenting style gets "diluted"
- Less concentrated parenting efforts from just the parents
What They Gain:
- Can leave their child with almost any relative
- Freedom to do their own things while child is cared for
- Built-in support system for childcare
Anish's Advice: "If somebody, you know, that could be a showstopper for somebody who's thinking about this move." This is something that needs to be discussed before the move.
For families who have strong opinions about how they want to raise their children, this is an important consideration. The extended family involvement is a double-edged sword that requires clear communication and boundary-setting.
Dealing with Initial Struggles
Swati also addressed the obvious challenges that every country has—population, hygiene issues, traffic. Her advice:
The key is coming with realistic expectations and acceptance, rather than being surprised by challenges that are well-known.
💼 Work Culture and Career in India
Professional concerns are often at the top of the list for NRIs considering a return. Anish and Swati shared their experiences and observations about the evolving work culture in India.
The Changing Landscape
Anish noted that things are changing in India's work culture. Before moving, they were "very afraid about the work culture." But their experience has been more positive than expected.
Key Observations About Work Culture
- Hybrid work is common: Many IT and software companies now offer hybrid arrangements
- Startup opportunities: Lots of startups emerging, offering opportunities to learn and grow
- Networks matter: Connections and networks still work and are important for finding jobs
- Globalization effect: Cultures are getting mixed in professional ways due to globalization
- Promotions: Decent promotions available—upwards of 10% hikes, plus bonuses (sign-on bonuses, Diwali bonuses in manufacturing)
Swati's Experience: Working from Home
Swati has been working from home for the entire 2.5 years since their return. Her company is headquartered in the US with an India office in Hyderabad.
This arrangement has been especially valuable during this phase when their daughter is young and needs their time.
Anish's Advice: Explore Startups
Anish works with a startup company and recommends being open to exploring the startup culture:
Why Consider Startups
"I would advise somebody to be open to explore startup culture as well because they offer you the biggest opportunity to learn and grow."
Critical Advice: Secure a Job Before Moving
One of their strongest pieces of advice for couples planning to return:
Job Security Before the Move
Their Recommendation: If married, at least one of the two should try to find a job in India before moving.
Why This Matters:
- Provides financial comfort and cushioning when you land
- Saves you from anxiety once you're in India
- Reduces pressure of immediate job hunting
- Allows you to be more selective about opportunities
Competing in the Indian Job Market
Anish offered a reality check about job hunting in India:
His advice for standing out:
- Get certifications or parallel degrees
- It's a competitive world—you're competing against IIT graduates
- Have something more than what's on your resume
- Leverage your experience dealing with international customers (this was Anish's advantage)
- Your US exposure dealing with customers can be a differentiator
Current Market Reality
Anish noted that there is "some slowdown" in the market—companies are not very proactively hiring. However, with good networks and connections, opportunities exist. He also suggested that if you want to start something of your own, this could be a good time to explore that path—save money before coming back and use that capital for a new venture.
🌟 Opportunities They Found in India
Beyond just validating their decision, Anish and Swati have actively capitalized on opportunities that India offers—opportunities that weren't available to them in the US.
Community Lifestyle
The community lifestyle was something they were missing in the US, and they've found it in abundance in India. The simple living and community connections have changed how they look at their problems.
Pursuing Hobbies and Passions
Both Anish and Swati have found opportunities to expand their personal interests:
Anish: Indian Classical Music
Anish is passionate about Indian classical music and plays the sitar. India has given him many opportunities to expand this hobby and passion.
His reflection: "That is where I find happiness the most."
Swati: Sustainable Living
Swati is passionate about sustainable living and has found abundant resources in India:
- Exhibitions and webinars on sustainability
- Workshops that weren't available in the US
- Organizations that come to your house to pick up plastic and paper waste for recycling
- The "jugaad culture"—if something breaks, you can get it repaired
- Repair shops and people who fix things are still available on streets and in small shops
Her reflection: "That was missing in the US. So that is something that I'm really passionate about and I get that satisfaction here of not just trashing away things once they're not working."
Freedom and Flexibility
One of the most significant opportunities they've found is the freedom that comes with not being on a visa:
What H1B Visa Restrictions Prevented
In the US on H1B visa, it was very difficult to:
- Start something new
- Take a break
- Take a sabbatical
- Travel spontaneously without worrying about saving leaves for India trips
In India: "Just packing your bags, going out, and not worrying about saving leaves so that you can travel to India."
These are what Anish calls "soft opportunities" that they have capitalized upon.
💰 Financial Planning and Cost of Living
Financial concerns are often the biggest barrier for NRIs considering a return. Anish and Swati shared detailed insights based on their 2.5 years of experience living in Pune.
Cost of Living in Pune
They had anticipated a monthly cost before moving, and their estimates have held up:
Monthly Cost of Living Estimate
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Size | Three people |
| Housing | Two-bedroom apartment (rented) |
| City | Pune (metro city) |
| Monthly Cost | 1 to 1.5 lakh rupees |
| Excludes | One-time travel, expensive hobbies |
Note: This is an average range and is very personal—everyone has their own standard of living.
Addressing Financial Anxiety
Anish spoke directly to the financial anxiety that many potential returnees feel:
His reasoning:
- If you have an average of 10 years of experience, you've saved a good chunk of money
- That money can be reinvested in India—it's a growing market with good returns
- It's okay if you don't have a job when you come
- It's okay if you take a break
- It's okay if you don't pursue your career aggressively right away
- You probably have invested in real estate or other assets
Warning About Financial Goal-Setting
Anish cautioned against setting arbitrary financial targets before moving:
"We have seen people where they call us and they say 'okay we want to move after we have saved X amount of money.' But then that goal is a very volatile goal because once you reach there, then you spend some amount of money and then you say 'okay let me save some more.' So it's not going to work that way."
Four Key Financial Planning Steps
Based on their experience, Anish outlined four critical financial planning steps:
Buy Medical Insurance Early
Buy medical insurance in India while you are early in your career or young in age. You can get a good, decent insurance policy when you're younger.
Buy Term Insurance
When you come to India, buy term insurance. This provides financial protection for your family.
Start Moving Funds One Year Before
Start moving your funds at least one year prior to your move. After a year, you become a resident Indian, and the tax situations become more difficult to manage.
Open a DMAT Account
Open a DMAT (dematerialized) account in India through online platforms. This allows you to start trading, invest in mutual funds, or start an SIP.
The Tax Consultant Challenge
One of the most difficult challenges they identified is finding the right tax professional:
Finding a Cross-Border Tax Expert
The Problem: You need someone who knows both Indian and US tax laws fluently.
Why It's Difficult:
- You have assets in the US (401k, investments, property)
- You have assets in India
- You need to file taxes in both countries
- You receive dividends and interest from both countries
- Indian tax advisers don't know US laws
- US tax advisers don't know Indian laws
Anish's Experience: "It's very difficult to find a person who knows both."
Host's Note: The podcast host mentioned he has talked to 50 different CAs to find the right one and offered to share the contact, noting that many people give wrong advice about cross-border taxation.
Need Help with Financial Planning for Your Return?
Understanding the financial implications of returning to India—from tax planning to investment strategies—is crucial. Get personalized guidance for your situation.
📝 Advice for Future Returnees
Drawing from their experience and conversations with hundreds of families who have reached out to them, Anish and Swati shared comprehensive advice for those planning to return.
Give Yourself More Time
One thing they would do differently if they could go back:
They had 6-8 months to prepare, but recommend having a date that's about one year ahead so you can plan everything you want to do in between.
Choosing Your City
This is a topic that comes up frequently in their conversations with potential returnees:
City Selection Advice
Their Initial Thinking: "Before we moved out we said 'okay you know what, it's just going back to India, right? So it doesn't matter where we go as long as we have a job.'"
What They Know Now: "It's definitely preferable to narrow down on the city where you want to go."
Key Recommendations:
- Don't go with too many changes: If you've lived in a city before going to the US, try to come back to that city first
- Get adjusted first: Ease into India, then consider moving to a different city later
- Leverage your network: Come to a city where you have family or friends who can help
- If family is priority: Choose the same city where your family is
- If work environment is priority: A different metro city might work if you want to maintain a similar professional environment
Planning a Baby and Moving
For couples planning both a baby and a move to India, Anish's advice is clear:
The Concept of Brutal Prioritization
Anish summarized the decision-making process with a powerful concept:
Brutal Prioritization
"Moving to India is about brutal prioritization. If you want to come back to India and if that is definitely your priority, then you should be able to push out other things and you should be able to deprioritize all the other things and just focus on coming back to India as your priority."
Questions to Discuss Before Moving
Even after arriving in India, there are many decisions to make. Anish recommends having these discussions with your partner or family beforehand:
- Do you want to stay with your family or separately?
- Do you want to buy a house or rent?
- What kind of school do you want for your children?
- Are you open to alternative schooling methods? (Waldorf, homeschooling, no-backpack schools)
Their daughter's school is a "no-backpack school"—a bit different from traditional schools. India has many alternative education options that are worth exploring.
Timing Your Planning
Anish offered practical advice on when to start planning:
When to Start Planning
Don't Plan Too Early: "Sometimes people say 'I want to come back 5 years from now' and that usually doesn't work out if you start planning right now because there's nothing you can do now if you want to come back after 5 years."
Things Change: Circumstances, priorities, and opportunities evolve over time.
Ideal Timeline: Start thinking about the move about one year in advance—not too early, not too late.
Interesting Case Studies
Through their conversations with returnees, Anish and Swati have encountered diverse paths:
- The Amazon-to-Farmer: A person who worked at Amazon, moved to Hyderabad, left his job, bought land, and started farming
- Single-Income Families: Couples where one spouse doesn't want to work after returning—Anish's advice is not to worry about finances if you're bringing savings from abroad
- Families with Twins: Parents managing hybrid work culture while raising multiple children
The diversity of paths shows that there's no single "right way" to return—each family finds their own balance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How has Anish and Swati's decision to return to India been validated after 2.5 years?
Their decision has been strongly validated, especially due to serious health issues in their family over the past two years. There were multiple hospitalizations, and being physically present in India allowed them to help their family members directly. Swati mentioned that "just the thought of us not being here and being there and then all of this happening was a little scary." They feel fulfilled by being able to support their families during difficult times. Their extended family, who were initially skeptical about the move, now express gratitude that they returned.
How does healthcare in India compare to the US based on their experience?
They live in Pune and found some very good hospitals with doctors at par with those in the US. In terms of diagnosis and treatment, they've been satisfied with the care their families received. However, they noted that hygiene and cleanliness in US hospitals is generally better. The major difference is in insurance: US insurance was more comprehensive, covering annual checkups, blood tests, and offering more options. Indian insurance is more limited—it doesn't cover many pre-existing conditions, preventive care is limited, and dental/vision coverage is limited compared to the US.
How has their daughter adapted to life in India?
Their daughter, now 4.5 years old, has been "the biggest beneficiary of the move." Anish and Swati describe her as "flourishing"—that's the exact word they use. She's a social person who needs company and loves people, and she's thriving in India. She started school (they went through school hunting during their first podcast), settled into a good school that both she and her parents like, and they can see her thriving in different areas of her personality. The social environment in India suits her nature perfectly.
What unexpected challenges did they face after returning to India?
They identified three main challenges: 1) Social engagements: They get swamped with social events, all revolving around food (especially sweet food with lots of sugar and carbs). In the US, they had a good workout and eating routine which became difficult to maintain. 2) Staying in touch with US friends: Life in India is very busy, making it easy to postpone calls with friends abroad. 3) Co-parenting with the village: They lose autonomy in parenting as extended family gets involved, diluting their parenting style. While there are benefits (they can leave their child with relatives), it comes at the cost of concentrated parenting efforts.
What is the realistic cost of living for a family of three in Pune?
For a three-person family renting a two-bedroom apartment in a metro city like Pune, they estimate the standard cost of living at around 1 to 1.5 lakh rupees per month. This is an average range and excludes one-time travel expenses or expensive hobbies. They emphasize this is very personal and depends on individual lifestyle choices. They also stress that people shouldn't have financial anxiety—if you've worked in the US for 5-15 years (the typical range when people consider returning), you've likely saved a good amount that can be reinvested in India's growing market.
What financial planning advice do they give for people returning to India?
They offer four key pieces of advice: 1) Buy medical insurance in India while you're young/early in your career to get better rates. 2) Buy term insurance when you come to India. 3) Start moving your funds at least one year before you move, because after a year you become a resident Indian and tax situations become more complex. 4) Open a DMAT account in India through online platforms to start investing in mutual funds or start an SIP. They also emphasize finding a tax consultant who knows both Indian and US tax laws, which is very difficult to find but crucial for managing assets in both countries.
Planning Your Return to India?
Anish and Swati's 2.5-year journey shows that returning to India can be deeply fulfilling when planned thoughtfully. Whether you're concerned about healthcare, career, finances, or family adaptation, getting the right guidance makes all the difference.
Connect with families who have made the journey and get personalized guidance for your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
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