real stories Articles
Explore our collection of 47 articles about returning to India in real stories
Explore our collection of 47 articles about returning to India in real stories

Sahiti, a single mother, shares her one-year journey after moving back to India from the US with two kids. She discusses healthcare accessibility, career opportunities, work-life balance, and the invaluable extended family support in Hyderabad.

Gopi and Ashwini moved to the US in 2011 on an L1 visa with a clear plan: return to India in three years. Eight years later, they finally made the move—but not before navigating premature birth complications, selling a $600K home, and deferring an ISB admission.

After 13 years in Canada, Totik and Amisha weren't running away from something — they were running toward a redefined idea of home. Their story is a masterclass in rational relocation: from skepticism and spreadsheets to emotional and professional satisfaction in India.

Anup (data science) and Akshaya (product analytics) moved to Bangalore after 15 years in US. They share their journey through H1B uncertainty, why they chose CBSE curriculum, career transitions including freelancing, and real insights on life in India.

Lux moved to Canada at age 13, spent 15 years building a successful real estate career, and returned to India in 2024 for family. Learn his insights on finances, Indian real estate opportunities, and why he's bullish on India's next 25-30 years.

Bilkish spent 14 years in the US (Phoenix and LA) before deciding to move back to India in 2025. She shares how she got her initially reluctant husband and 11-year-old daughter onboard, planned the entire move in just 3 months, and how the DesiReturn community helped with their transition.

After 15 years in Denmark, this family did a 2.5 year trial run in India. The trigger? Their kids faced racism in Danish schools. An 8-year-old's comment on the flight—'we look alike here'—revealed how much the children felt like outsiders. Learn about their adjustment journey.

Swapnil spent 8 years in Germany working in automotive industry near Munich. He did trial runs in India in 2023 and 2024, and moved to Bangalore in 2025 before his daughter started first grade. Learn about non-IT career opportunities and the importance of trial runs.

Dr. Singh went to US at 19, spent 46 years there as a physician. Now planning retirement in India with active senior community. He compares US assisted living ($7,000-25,000/month) with India options and explains why having choice in both countries matters.

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.

Brinell and her family moved to Canada in 2016 driven by ambition and curiosity. After 8 years, they decided to return to India primarily for their children's grounding and cultural education. She shares her unique approach of interviewing schools, creating visual boards for planning, and how her kids transitioned from asking permission to play to confidently visiting neighbors' homes.

Karthik was intentional about returning—never applied for green card. Moved in March 2020 just before COVID lockdown with 6-month-old baby. After 5 years in India, he shares financial planning (kept 401k in Vanguard), work culture reality, and what he'd do differently.

Elliot from LA has lived in India for 9 years. Now in Goa with his Indian wife, he shares real numbers: ₹55,000 rent for 2BHK with pool, ₹25,000 groceries, ₹7,500 for help. Plus why UPI is 'best-in-class' and India is beating the West in certain ways.

After living in the US for over 20 years, we moved back to India 3 years ago. Here are 5 unexpected things we discovered—from the surprising number of returnees in our neighborhood to hospitals that feel like resorts.

Diva worked as a math teacher in US high schools and middle schools for 10 years. She shares her family's decision to return to India with a 12-year-old daughter, why they chose CBSE curriculum, and how quickly kids adapt when given the chance.

Rakkesh spent close to 4 years in Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Korea) and 7 years in Dubai working in oil and gas before moving back to India. He shares why chasing money should stop at some point and how Indian culture, family values, and a rotational job helped him find balance.

Maya left her UCSF research career to return to India in 2014, fought Lok Sabha elections, and founded Sukarma Foundation. She now works on menstrual hygiene, telemedicine, education, and women's health in rural Madhya Pradesh.

Shankar (PhD in Mechanical Engineering) and Diva returned to Bangalore after 21 years in the US. Learn about their detailed planning process, FIRE considerations, kids' school selection (ICSE), and real monthly expenses of 50-60K rupees excluding housing and school fees.

Tamana went to Canada in 2016 with her husband and 6-year-old son. After a year of struggling to settle, they returned to India. After 3+ years in India, they moved back to Canada in 2021. She shares both sides of the coin - why India didn't work and why Canada became home.

Sumathi, a mother of an autistic daughter in Bangalore, shares her 8-year journey navigating autism diagnosis, therapy options, and special education in India. She provides honest insights comparing India vs abroad for special needs children, therapy costs, and practical advice for parents.