Can moving abroad make you feel more Indian? A viral social media debate

Ever wonder if moving away from home could actually make you feel more connected to your roots? It’s a question that’s gotten people talking, sparked by a Reddit post from a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) living in Paris. The post caught fire when the user shared her surprising realization: after three years abroad, she feels more Indian than ever before.
It’s a thought-provoking statement that has led to a lively debate online, with many other NRIs jumping in to either agree or challenge this idea. So, what’s really going on? Does living outside India deepen your connection to your culture, or is it just a sense of homesickness? Let’s dive into the conversation.
A new perspective on Indian culture
In her Reddit post, the user explained how moving abroad gave her a fresh appreciation for her Indian roots. She admitted that when she was living in India, her culture was something she didn’t often think about– it was just part of everyday life. But living in Paris changed that completely. “When I was in India, I never thought about my culture much– it was just normal,” she shared, but now she feels a deeper connection to everything Indian, from food to music.

Being away from home has made her more aware of the things she used to take for granted. For instance, Indian food has become even more important to her. “No matter how many cuisines I try, nothing hits like Indian food,” she wrote. It’s not just about the taste; she found that the complexity and richness of Indian spices make every meal feel like an experience that can’t be replicated. She’s even had to explain to her friends that not all Indian food is “just curry,” highlighting how much pride she now takes in sharing her culture with others.
Beyond food, she’s also rediscovered a love for Indian music– something she never really cared about when she was in India. It’s clear that living abroad has given her a new appreciation for the culture she once took for granted.
Rediscovering patriotism
One of the most emotional parts of her post was about an experience she had on a recent trip back to India. She visited the Red Fort in Delhi and attended the Light and Sound Show, a performance that tells the history of the fort and the country. For the Reddit user, this was a moment of deep reflection. “The way they told the story– from Shah Jahan building it to everything India has gone through– it just hit different,” she recalled. The experience moved her so much that she ended up in tears.

Despite all the issues India faces, she said this moment made her feel more patriotic than ever. Her time abroad, she feels, has made her more connected to her country’s history and struggles, and this emotional realization came to life during that show.
A mixed bag of responses
As expected, this Reddit post stirred up plenty of reactions. Some NRIs wholeheartedly agreed with the Reddit user, saying they felt more connected to India after moving abroad. One person shared, “You will always be Indian at heart. You will cry for its failures and celebrate its victories. I believe it is important to adapt to the culture of the countries you immigrate to.” This commenter emphasizes the idea that, no matter where you live, your emotional ties to India are unbreakable.
However, not everyone shared the same sentiment. Another user expressed frustration, saying that living abroad had made them more critical of India. “Moving abroad made me more bitter towards India,” they said, highlighting the differences in infrastructure, cleanliness, and civic behavior between foreign countries and India. They continued, “I feel if foreign countries can have civic sense, better facilities, and cleanliness, then why can’t we?” This perspective suggests that, while their love for India remains, living abroad has led them to notice the shortcomings of their home country.
The quest for better opportunities

For many NRIs, the reason for moving abroad isn’t always about rediscovering Indian identity, but rather about seeking better opportunities. One commenter explained, “I miss India a lot. I moved here for better opportunities, and honestly, if not for money, I would go back to India in the blink of an eye.” This perspective is a reminder that for many, the decision to leave India often comes down to practical reasons like career or education, rather than a rejection of one’s heritage.
It’s clear that for many NRIs, their emotional connection to India remains strong, even if their reasons for moving abroad have to do with improving their quality of life.
Identity and patriotism: A personal journey
This debate reveals that the experience of being an NRI is far from one-size-fits-all. Some people find that living abroad enhances their connection to their Indian roots, sparking a deep sense of patriotism and pride. For others, however, the move brings to light the challenges India still faces, which can make them feel disillusioned.
What’s clear is that identity is personal. Each individual’s experience of being away from home shapes their feelings about India in different ways. For some, living abroad leads to rediscovery, while for others, it’s a reminder of the progress India still needs to make.