Key Takeaways
- 42 years abroad: Moved to UK in 1977, worked at British Telecom for 17.5 years
- Always homesick: Despite good life in London, visited India almost every year
- Husband's decision: After friends passed away, husband suddenly wanted to return
- Smooth transition: Regular visits to India made the move easier
- No regrets: Despite losing husband, committed to staying in India
The Beginning: 1977 London
Sujata's journey to the UK began in 1977, right after marriage:
"I went to England, London in 1977 after we got married. My husband who was living there... Unfortunately after coming back, my husband passed away, so I am alone now."
Life in 1970s UK
Sujata describes a very different UK from today:
"Those days UK and I actually stayed all my time in London because you know, and it was so different and we never had any problem. We really enjoyed. I just was so happy to go to work."
- Colleagues were welcoming and kind
- Neighbors were helpful - stayed 33 years in last house
- No discrimination issues experienced
- Strong sense of community
Career Journey in the UK
Sujata built a successful career spanning multiple decades:
British Telecom (17.5 Years)
First job - worked in HR, employment, redeployment, and personnel departments
Education & Upskilling
With husband's encouragement, completed BTEC Business Studies and AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
Association of Commonwealth University
6-month temporary position after BT
Metropolitan Building Society (6 Years)
Continued career in accounting
Metropolitan Housing
Final position before retirement around 2010
The Homesickness That Never Left
Despite a successful life in London, Sujata was always homesick:
"The thing is I was very very extremely homesick and I used to come almost every year to India to my mom and my dad."
Her husband's approach to her homesickness:
"My husband was a type of person, he was very quiet and he didn't say anything yes or no because he knew it was just a temporary tantrum. Every time I'll go and something happens, I'm not very happy at all - oh I'm going back to India. And he didn't say yes or no, nothing. So we just carried on."
The Turning Point: Friends Passing Away
The decision to return came unexpectedly from her husband:
"All of a sudden one after another my friend's husband, our friends passed away. And all of a sudden my husband said 'I want to go back, I don't like this country anymore.' I don't know what came into his mind."
The Process
- Put house on market initially
- Came to India for a trial year
- Returned to UK excited to make the permanent move
- Sold the house and moved back in 2018
"When I went back I was really happy, really excited - oh I'm coming back! I was buying perfumes on the flight and this and that. I was so happy."
Why Kolkata?
The choice of Kolkata was practical:
"I was actually born in Kolkata but because of my dad's job we moved to Assam. We bought our flat in 2000. Because it was near his sisters, that's why. And I don't know anywhere else - I don't even know Kolkata that much."
Kolkata Decision Factors
- Already owned a flat purchased in 2000
- Near husband's sisters
- Familiar territory from regular visits
- Natural choice given existing property
The Transition: Easier Than Expected
Despite 42 years abroad, the transition was smooth:
"Although we lived for so long abroad, but we always came to India. So it's not that we didn't come for three years, four years - we came almost every year. You got to get used to lots of things but we didn't have much problem really."
Regular visits throughout the years made the permanent transition much easier. The key was never losing touch with India.
The Tragedy: Losing Her Husband
Shortly after returning, Sujata faced tremendous loss:
"Unfortunately after my younger sister - she was looking forward for us to come back - within two years I lost my youngest sister. After just after one year, and the next year within two years I lost my beloved husband."
The Contrast with UK
Sujata reflects on what could have been if they stayed in UK:
"Being alone in her big house and sometimes she was so hungry, she couldn't, didn't even have time to do any cooking or anything for her. And she passed away, you know, she will call the ambulance herself - there was nobody."
This observation about a friend in UK reinforces her decision to stay in India despite the losses.
Life in India Now
After 6 years in India, Sujata is committed to staying:
"I have got British passport but there is no point for me to go back there. I don't think I will ever go back."
Her Perspective on India
"India is not for the beginners and it's not for the backpackers."
This statement reflects the reality that returning to India requires preparation, familiarity, and realistic expectations.
Lessons for NRIs Considering Retirement in India
✅ What Helped
- Regular visits throughout the years
- Property purchased in advance (2000)
- Family connections in India
- Trial period before permanent move
⚠️ Considerations
- Health emergencies - support system matters
- Loneliness can be challenging
- India requires adaptation
- Keep realistic expectations
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to adjust to India after 40+ years abroad?
A: Yes, especially if you've maintained regular contact with India through annual visits. Sujata's transition was smooth because she never lost touch with India despite 42 years in UK.
Q: Should I buy property in India before retiring there?
A: Having property ready can make the transition easier. Sujata and her husband bought their Kolkata flat in 2000, nearly 18 years before their permanent move, which gave them a ready home.
Q: What about healthcare for seniors returning to India?
A: This is a critical consideration. Having family nearby and a support system is important. Sujata's observation about her friend in UK who had to call ambulance herself highlights the importance of community support.
Q: Should I do a trial period before permanent retirement in India?
A: Yes, highly recommended. Sujata and her husband came for a year first before selling their UK house and making the permanent move. This helped confirm their decision.
Q: Can I keep my British passport and still retire in India?
A: Yes, you can maintain your foreign passport while living in India. Sujata has her British passport but has chosen to stay in India permanently.
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