Many Indians who settled in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere are now eager to return to India—especially senior citizens. Despite spending decades abroad and earning immense wealth, they still remain deeply attached to their motherland. The fragrance of this soil continues to pull them back home.
The recent elections have concluded, and the new government has taken charge once again under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third term.
During the election campaign, one question was repeatedly raised: What has Modi ji actually achieved in the last ten years? Many achievements were highlighted, most of them related to infrastructure development. Several other accomplishments were also discussed, but one aspect that rarely came into direct focus was the impact these developments have had on Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)—our own people who had settled abroad years ago.
According to various reports and observations, a significant number of Indians living in countries like America, Canada, and Australia now wish to return to India, particularly after retirement. Their emotional connection with India remains alive. They may have earned crores abroad, but the emotional bond with their homeland refuses to fade.
The family atmosphere they experienced in India is something they rarely find elsewhere in the world. And this sense of belonging does not come only from family members. In India, even close friends often become as important as family itself. A true friend here stands beside you in happiness and sorrow just like a sibling would.
Another important perspective is the financial aspect. No matter how much wealth one may accumulate during life, old age always brings uncertainty. A lingering fear remains—what if a major illness suddenly demands huge medical expenses? This is why people become cautious and prefer financial security. No one wishes to die, and no one can carry wealth along after life ends, but this is the reality of human existence.
Whether the reasons are emotional, social, financial, or a combination of all three, it is natural for many senior NRIs to wish to return to India. However, there are certain basic facilities and systems that require greater attention.
In terms of cleanliness, air pollution, and water quality, many foreign countries still perform better than India. Whenever guests visit India from abroad, they often express concern over these issues—and rightly so, because these directly affect personal health. After retirement, such concerns become even more important.
Then there are small day-to-day needs that involve interaction with public administration—electricity departments, municipal offices, and similar services. Many returning NRIs find it difficult to adjust to the functioning of these systems in India because they are accustomed to different administrative environments abroad.
Some senior citizens also prefer staying in retirement communities or old-age homes in India. Today, many comfortable and well-equipped senior living facilities are available across the country.
One of the greatest necessities at this stage of life is access to doctors and hospitals. For elderly individuals, healthcare is not optional—it is essential. In this regard, India offers several advantages. Medical treatment abroad is often extremely expensive, and even obtaining an appointment with a doctor can take a long time.
Another major need in later years is companionship—someone who can spend time with seniors, talk to them, and provide emotional support. In India, such companionship is often easier to find because of the social and community-oriented culture.
The trend of going abroad was at its peak during the 1970s and 1980s. Those Indians who migrated at the age of twenty-five or thirty are now themselves senior citizens. How can they forget the land where they spent their childhood, studied, built dreams, and created memories?
India welcomes them back with open arms to this sacred soil they once called home.
Author
The author is the founder of the Never Say Retire mission. In order to achieve this goal, he also runs this website and his Facebook group Never Say Retire Forum has Hundreds and Thousands of members today.
