Deepak's Practical Plan to Retire in India After 35 Years Abroad
Deepak spent 35 years abroad (Abu Dhabi since late 80s, UK since 1992). Did a 5-month trial run in India. Shares practical insights: ₹1 lakh/month for two people, dealing with banks, health challenges, and why he's drawn to spiritual life in India.
AAvinash Peddi
February 6, 2025Feb 6, 202512 minShare:
Retirement Planning
Deepak's Practical Plan to Retire in India After 35 Years Abroad
35 years abroad (Abu Dhabi + UK). Did a 5-month trial run. Now planning spiritual retirement in India. Here's his practical journey and insights.
Deepak's Background
- Origin: Delhi, IT background
- Abu Dhabi: Late 1980s (just before Gulf War)
- UK: Since 1992 (arrived during recession)
- Also worked in: Germany (Dusseldorf)
- Family: Wife, grown children (born in UK)
- Parents: Both passed away in UK (brought them over)
Parents' Experience Abroad
⚠️ The Reality
"People think it's easy and nice for parents abroad. No, it's not. Stuck in house 6-7 months in cold, grey weather. No friends. Completely reliant on children. They were never mentally or emotionally settled."
This is a topic Deepak wants more people to discuss—the reality of bringing elderly parents abroad.
Why Return to India?
- Spiritual calling: Following Vaishnav tradition, reading Bhagavad Gita, Yogananda
- Maths and ashrams are in India—more conducive to spiritual practice
- Connection to roots: "Very difficult to take out your own values, culture, where you came from"
- Feeling of 'Jeevan': The vibrancy of life missing in Western countries
The Trial Run (Nov-March)
What He Did
- Sorted parents' affairs: Bank accounts, pensions, apartment renovation
- Dealt with banks: "8 out of 10 things got done, 2 got stuck—have patience"
- Hired builders, electricians—"quite affordable compared to UK"
- Traveled to Sri Lanka for Ramayan trails
Challenges
- Got sick frequently—body adjusting to environment
- Pollution: November Delhi is worst—"throat completely gone from airport to home"
- 3-4 months to get into rhythm of life
✅ Key Insight
"Don't compare. India is a developing country. Don't put Western expectations. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. If you can live with pollution, population, sound—and you have funds—there's no place like India."
Monthly Expenses
₹1 Lakh for Two People (No Rent)
- Going out, meals, movies
- Domestic help
- Medical checks, massages, yoga
- "You don't want to look at price—you want to take what you want"
Can enjoy things in India that are unaffordable in UK: "One meal in UK can cost £250-300. In India, sit in 5-star hotel with friends easily."
The Plan Forward
- Next 3-4 months: Tidy up UK affairs
- Retire from career: "Enough is enough"
- Start with 3-6 months in India, gradually increase
- Focus: Spiritual life, explore India (hasn't seen South India)
- Travel: Russian states, Southeast Asia—easier from India
Advice
"It is only one life. Don't be afraid. I've done things where I crossed boundaries of what I was fearing—it just enriches you. If this is your calling, do it. Make a sensible, intelligent, calculative decision—but go for it."
Planning Your Retirement in India?
Frequently Asked Questions
A:
Stayed November to March (worst Delhi pollution months). Sorted parents' affairs (bank accounts, pensions, apartment renovation). Got sick frequently—body needed to adjust. Took 3-4 months to get into rhythm. Also traveled to Sri Lanka for Ramayan trails. Key learning: 'Don't compare—India is developing country, don't put Western expectations.'
A:
₹1 lakh minimum for two people (no rent/mortgage) for comfortable life: going out, meals, movies, domestic help, medical checks, massages, yoga. 'You don't want to go there and think about money—you want to take what you want without looking at price.'
A:
Tidying up affairs in UK (3-4 months). Health condition needs consideration. Fear of change is natural. But his intent is strong: 'I don't think I will ever give up that dream. My inner heart is longing to go back.' Plans to start with 3-6 months, gradually increase.
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