Desh Vapsi Scheme

Immigration Officer: Where are you coming from?

Me: USA.

IO: What is the reason for your visit?

Me: Coming back to India under the Desh Vapsi scheme!

IO: Is there such a scheme?

Me: No, but it would be a nice scheme!!

This fictional conversation played out in my mind as I landed in Bengaluru. My first impressions stepping out of the airport were familiar yet jarring: dusty roads, trash lining the streets, and the occasional stench. This time, however, I realized these elements would now be part of our daily lives. The immediate question was: Why are we here? Why did we decide to move back? There was no clear answer, just the reminder that we would need to adapt and acclimatize.

I wondered about the impact of pollution and dust on my children’s growing minds and bodies. While I don’t have an immediate answer, I hope the effects are minimal. Time will tell.

Walking into our apartment, my first thought was how small it felt compared to what I had imagined. But by the second day, I had adjusted to the size, and even the kids didn’t complain. Having grandparents on both sides with us has been a blessing, as they pamper the kids, who are still confused and bored but not outright sad.

Despite being on the 18th floor, dust accumulates quickly. This is something we need to get used to—part of life in India. The water quality, especially in high-rise apartments relying on groundwater, is another adjustment. The water is quite hard, a stark contrast to the quality we were used to in the US. Roaches in the kitchen and bathrooms are another unwelcome surprise.

Dust is everywhere, and I often wonder why I chose to live in this environment. Getting the car out for shopping has been a hassle as I adjust to the driving conditions here.

More Observations

We visited Greenwood High, where our kids will attend school, for their assessment tests. They were happy with the school and excited to start classes. An incident in the principal’s office stood out—my son scooched down and put one foot on his chair while the principal was addressing him and his sister. The principal noticed and corrected him. I wonder how a similar situation in the US might have played out.

One of the first things you notice upon arriving in India is the stench and dirt, which locals seem to ignore. As you spend more time here, you become part of the environment and start paying less attention to these aspects. A visitor from the US remarked that he felt unsafe outside his hotel and office due to the visible poverty. I felt this was a misjudgment, as poverty doesn’t necessarily equate to unsafe conditions. Those familiar with India would understand what I mean.

Prestige Lakeside Habitat boasts several kilometers of serene walking paths. During a Monday morning stroll, with hardly anyone in sight, my son made an intriguing observation: despite being in the most populous country on Earth, we saw so few people. Choosing PLH was a deliberate decision to ease our transition into Bengaluru, and so far, it has proven to be a wise one.

Some Impressive Stuff…

One of the most striking changes is the sheer volume of cashless transactions and their convenience. Transactions through UPI are not only frequent but also substantial in terms of dollar amounts. For instance, you can effortlessly buy a ticket for Namma Metro using WhatsApp, and it has worked seamlessly so far. Additionally, the payment options on IRCTC for buying tickets are equally impressive, integrating smoothly with UPI payment apps like PhonePe and Paytm.

Another area where India has made significant strides is in going truly paperless with the DigiLocker app. This app allows you to link your documents and verify others by simply scanning the QR code on them. The ease and efficiency of these digital solutions are truly remarkable.

What Do I Miss?

Driving on good roads, being able to meet friends even on weekdays, a dust-free environment, and the ease of applying for or renewing government documents.

One Month In…

You can adapt to the inconveniences in India, but the absence of your friends and social network will be the hardest to bear. This is something you need to prepare for. If you decide to move to India, consider how you will cope with this aspect more than anything else.

This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the work culture in India. This is another area you need to prepare for. Communication can be noisy, and accountability may not meet your expectations. Groups tend to compete and blame each other. Be prepared to navigate these issues.

Roads in Bengaluru

The roads in Bengaluru are in a league of their own. They deserve a separate article altogether.