How Did This PIO Grow Up Across 4 Countries?

"I grew up everywhere except India — but India always stayed with me."

Sashan's journey as a Person of Indian Origin began in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where he was born in 2000. His global upbringing shaped a unique perspective on identity, belonging, and what it means to call a place home.

• Born: Chennai, Tamil Nadu (2000).
• Moved abroad at age 3 — first to Australia, then to Germany, where he spent most of his childhood and youth.
• Lived in Germany for 13 years, finishing school and completing his Bachelor's in Geography.
• Later studied in the U.K. (University of Leeds) and Scotland for his Master's in Urban Planning and Design.

Throughout his time abroad, he felt like an outsider — German by education, Indian by origin, global by identity. This experience is common among PIOs who grow up in Western countries while maintaining cultural ties to India. Understanding the differences between NRI, OCI, and PIO status is crucial for anyone considering a return to India.

"Germany was home, but never fully mine. You could live decades there and still be the foreigner."

What Challenges Do PIOs Face Building Careers Abroad?

His parents, both academics, encouraged a global perspective. But despite his achievements in urban planning and geography, Sashan struggled with belonging and professional acceptance across multiple countries:

• Germany: stable but socially rigid, with limited integration for foreign-origin professionals.
• U.K.: vibrant but classist and divided, where accent and background often matter more than qualifications.
• Scotland: kind and welcoming, but offered limited opportunity for long-term career growth in specialized fields.

These experiences highlight a common challenge for PIOs and NRIs: even with top qualifications and legal status, you can face invisible barriers in Western countries that limit your professional growth and sense of belonging.

"In the U.K., I realized accent mattered more than ability. You could be overqualified, but if you didn't sound 'local,' you stayed an outsider."

Why Did This PIO Cancel His Australia Flight and Choose India?

While en route to Australia for a new job opportunity, Sashan stopped in Singapore for what was supposed to be a routine two-day layover. Instead, it became a life-defining moment that changed his entire trajectory.

"I saw people walking in slippers, eating street food, living simple tropical lives — yet Singapore looked like the future. I thought, why can't India be this?"

Singapore's transformation from a developing nation to a global powerhouse in just a few decades made him realize that geography and resources aren't the limiting factors—mindset is. If Singapore could achieve this transformation, why couldn't India?

In a spontaneous decision that would reshape his life, he canceled his Australia flight, rebooked a ticket to Mumbai, and returned to India after nearly two decades abroad. This wasn't a planned return—it was an epiphany-driven leap of faith.

"I called my parents and said — book me the next Indigo flight. I'm coming home."

For PIOs and NRIs considering a return to India, Sashan's story demonstrates that sometimes the best decisions come from trusting your instincts and seeing India's potential with fresh eyes.

Is India Really Unsafe? Breaking Western Stereotypes

One of the most striking parts of Sashan's journey was confronting and debunking Western stereotypes about India that he had absorbed during his 17 years abroad:

"I was told India was unsafe, chaotic, and unlivable — especially for women. But that's not what I saw."

He compares his lived experience across countries with data-driven observations:

• In India, he regularly saw women commuting alone at 4 a.m. for work — safely navigating public transport and streets.
• In the U.K., he was once followed by a stranger at midnight in what was considered a "safe" neighborhood.
• Western media focuses heavily on India's visible challenges while ignoring similar or worse issues in developed countries.

"I realized the so-called 'developed world' has its problems too. India's challenges are visible — theirs are hidden."

This perspective shift is crucial for PIOs and NRIs considering a return. The narrative about India in Western media often doesn't match the ground reality. According to official Government of India data, many Indian cities have lower crime rates than major Western cities when adjusted for population density. For more insights on safety and living conditions, read our guide on top 10 cities for NRIs returning to India.

How Can PIOs Build Urban Planning Careers in India?

After returning to India, Sashan began working in urban planning and design, leveraging his international education and expertise. He quickly discovered both the challenges and opportunities in India's evolving urban planning sector:

Challenges in India's Urban Planning Sector:

• Fragmented institutional structure across central, state, and local levels
• Limited funding compared to infrastructure needs
• Bureaucratic processes that can slow implementation
• Gap between international best practices and local implementation

"India's urban planning system is still evolving — we're where Europe was 50 years ago. But that means opportunity."

Opportunities for Returning Professionals:

• Massive infrastructure development creating demand for skilled planners
• Growing recognition of sustainable and nature-based solutions
• Academic and research positions at top institutions
• Consulting opportunities with government and private sector

Sashan pivoted toward academia and research, aiming to contribute through data-driven policy, sustainable design, and nature-based flood management—areas where India desperately needs expertise.

"I realized I could make a bigger difference teaching and researching than drawing blueprints."

For PIOs and NRIs with international experience in urban planning, architecture, or related fields, India offers unique opportunities to make meaningful impact while building rewarding careers. Learn more about career transition strategies for NRIs returning to India or book a consultation to explore personalized career transition strategies.

Can PIOs Study at IITs Without Entrance Exams?

One of the most valuable insights Sashan shares is how India's international admissions system works for returning Indians and foreign nationals. Many PIOs and NRIs don't realize they can access India's top universities through special quotas.

How Does the NRI/PIO Quota Work?

• Open to Indian-origin students with foreign passports or OCI/PIO cards
• No entrance exam needed for top-tier universities like IITs, IISc, or NITs
• Admission based on merit and prior foreign degrees or international qualifications
• Available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs

What Are the Fees for NRI Quota Admissions?

• Higher than domestic fees but still affordable — ₹1.5–₹9 lakh/year depending on institution
• Far cheaper than U.S. or U.K. education (which can cost $30,000-60,000/year)
• Some institutions offer scholarships for exceptional candidates
• Living costs in India are significantly lower than Western countries

"It's surprisingly easy for PIOs to enter India's top institutes — IITs, IISc, or private universities. The paperwork's the only real challenge."

For detailed information on NRI quota admissions, you can visit the official Ministry of Education, Government of India website or check the Ministry of External Affairs for OCI and PIO card information. Individual institution websites provide specific requirements and application procedures.

If you're considering education options in India for yourself or your children, read our complete guide on NRI quota admissions to IITs and top Indian universities. Also explore our Financial Transition Blueprint which covers education planning for returning families.

Which Indian Cities Are Best for Returning PIOs?

"India isn't one country — it's 28 experiments running at once."

With his urban planning expertise and fresh perspective after years abroad, Sashan offers unique insights into how different Indian cities are evolving. Each city has distinct characteristics that appeal to different types of returning professionals:

City-by-City Analysis for Returning PIOs:

• Mumbai: Culturally vibrant, safe, and cosmopolitan with strong professional networks. Best for finance, entertainment, and creative industries.
• Bangalore: Innovation and tech hub with global companies, but struggling with infrastructure challenges like traffic and water supply.
• Hyderabad: Excellent infrastructure, strong IT sector, and growing potential. More affordable than Bangalore with better urban planning.
• Indore: One of the cleanest, most organized cities in India — "better than many American towns" in terms of civic management.
• Pune: Educational hub with pleasant climate and growing startup ecosystem.
• Chennai: Strong manufacturing base, cultural heritage, and relatively affordable living costs.

"Every city has a focus. But overall, India's energy is unstoppable."

He notes that India's development pace — metro systems, expressways, coastal roads, and digital infrastructure — rivals global standards. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore now have metro networks comparable to European cities, while new expressways are reducing travel times dramatically.

For more insights on choosing the right city for your return, check out our comprehensive guide on top 10 cities for NRIs returning to India with detailed analysis of job markets, cost of living, and quality of life factors.

Is Now the Best Time for PIOs to Return to India?

"As a geographer, I can tell you — the data proves it. India's growth story is real."

With his background in geography and urban planning, Sashan brings a data-driven perspective to India's current development trajectory. His analysis suggests this is an optimal time for PIOs and NRIs to consider returning:

Why India's Current Growth Phase Is Unique:

• Low inflation + high GDP growth = a rare combination for sustainable prosperity that few countries achieve simultaneously
• Population stabilization: fertility rates in South India are already below replacement level, indicating demographic maturity
• Urban infrastructure boom: expressways, metros, and new airports are transforming accessibility and quality of life
• Digital infrastructure: India leads in digital payments, internet penetration, and tech adoption
• Policy stability: consistent economic reforms creating predictable business environment

"It's the perfect storm for development — this is India's best decade to return."

According to Government of India data, the country is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027, creating unprecedented opportunities for returning professionals.

For more insights on timing your return, read our detailed analysis on choosing the right city and timing for your India return. Also explore our guide on 401k withdrawal rules for NRIs returning to India to understand financial planning aspects.

What Should PIOs Know Before Returning to India?

"Come to India. Don't just visit — stay, work, and understand the Indian perspective."

Sashan's message to PIOs and NRIs considering a return is both practical and philosophical. He believes the greatest gap isn't opportunity, but perception—the way India is portrayed versus the reality on the ground.

"The West doesn't want Indians to realize how powerful we can be together. If even 10% of us returned, India would outpace the West overnight."

Essential Advice for Returning PIOs:

• Unlearn stereotypes: See India as it is today, not as it's portrayed in Western media or as it was decades ago
• Come with humility and curiosity: Your international experience is valuable, but local context matters
• Be part of the story, not a spectator: Engage actively in building India's future rather than observing from the sidelines
• Give it time: Cultural readjustment takes 6-12 months—don't judge too quickly
• Build local networks: Connect with other returning professionals and local communities
• Leverage your unique perspective: Your cross-cultural experience is an asset in India's globalizing economy

Ready to connect with other PIOs and NRIs who have successfully made the transition? Join the DesiReturn Inner Circle to access our community of 21,000+ returning families.

Frequently Asked Questions About PIOs Returning to India