Desi Return

Desi Return
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the Desi Return! Our mission is to provide support and guidance for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who are considering or planning to return to India. On this show, we share inspiring journeys of families who are planning or already returned to India as well as informative content about frequently asked questions related to finance, culture, job opportunities, etc.,. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about your move to India and to ensure a smooth transition back to your home country. Subscribe to our show to stay updated on the latest content.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 165: Stay in Custody or Take a One-way Ticket to India?

    Still deciding whether—or when—to move back to India? Get 15 weeks of practical guidance, one useful email at a time: https://desireturn.com/resource-hub/email-seriesPunit Modgill had built the life he wanted in America. He was working in Silicon Valley, growing professionally, enjoying new freedoms, and living what he describes as a dream come true.Then one trip changed everything.After returning to the US through Chicago in 2001, Punit went through a secondary immigration investigation and found himself facing an unexpected choice: stay in custody or buy a one-way ticket back to India.That forced return became the beginning of an entirely different chapter.In this conversation, Punit shares how he rebuilt his career in India, later moved to London to prove something to himself, built a global career across the UK, US and India, and eventually made a conscious decision to return to India again.More importantly, he shares what decades of living across these different worlds taught him about career, family, opportunity, identity and returning home.We discuss:• His journey from Delhi to Silicon Valley• The unexpected incident that brought him back to India• Rebuilding a career after an unplanned return• Why he moved to London after settling in India• Why India eventually felt more fulfilling than his London life• How career and startup opportunities in India have changed• Why families can become more risk-averse after settling abroad• Why Indians going abroad should consider keeping an anchor in India• Retirement and ageing abroad• Reverse culture shock after returning to India• The difficult 18–24 month adjustment period• Building your career “2.0” or second innings in India• Returning with children and why timing matters• Why NRIs should experience today’s India—not only the India they rememberThis is not an India-vs-America conversation.It is one person’s experience of building successful lives across different countries—and eventually understanding what mattered most to him.If you are living abroad and thinking about moving back to India, this conversation offers a practical and deeply personal perspective.CHAPTERS00:00 Punit’s background and early career in India01:10 The Silicon Valley dream becomes reality02:50 Life in America: career, freedom and photography04:06 Missing India and the “next year” syndrome05:10 The post-9/11 turning point06:50 Chicago immigration investigation and the one-way ticket08:00 Forced return to India and starting over10:15 Plan B, healing and rebuilding in India13:21 A chance meeting opens a new career door16:39 Moving to London to prove himself19:48 Why India started feeling more fulfilling22:03 Returning for family and seeing a changed India25:58 Entrepreneurship and startup opportunities in India31:18 Advice for Indians planning to go abroad35:10 Returning to India: reverse culture shock, second innings, kids and the “new India”Subscribe to Desi Return for real return stories and practical guidance for planning your move back to India.

  2. Aug 27

    Episode 164: After 25 Years in the US, Why We Left Our Comfortable Life to Start Over in India | NRI

    Still deciding whether—or when—to move back to India? Get 15 weeks of practical guidance, one useful email at a time: https://desireturn.com/resource-hub/email-seriesAfter spending more than 25 years in the United States, Faraz had built a comfortable life in Denver — a successful career, a home, a young family and a high quality of life.And yet, he and his wife decided to leave it behind and move their family back to Mumbai.It wasn’t because life in America had stopped working. There was no single dramatic event that forced the decision.In this episode of Desi Return, Faraz shares what it actually took to return after more than two decades abroad — from the emotional decision to the practical planning, careers, schools, housing, US financial accounts and even relocating their 12-year-old dog from Denver to Mumbai.He also speaks openly about what happened after the move, because planning a return and actually living it are two very different things.You can get more updates from Faraz here linkedin.com/in/farazdak/recent-activity/allIn this episode:• Why Faraz moved to the US and the life he built there• Why returning to India stayed in the back of his mind for years• How ageing parents influenced the timing of the move• Their biggest concern: whether their 8-year-old son would adjust• School, languages, food and other challenges for their son• How Faraz planned the return step by step• Housing, taxes, careers, bank accounts and moving logistics• What they kept in the US — bank accounts, cards and investments• The difficult process of moving their senior dog to India• What life in Mumbai has actually been like after three months• The conveniences they appreciate in India — including UPI• The family health moment that made the move feel worth it• How they prepared their son emotionally before the move• His advice for NRIs considering a return after decades abroadOne thing makes Faraz’s story especially useful for families considering a return:He doesn’t pretend that moving back immediately feels right every day.After more than 25 years in the US, everyday life in Mumbai requires adjustment. His son left behind friends, familiar food and school. Faraz and his wife are also rebuilding routines, navigating banks, government processes, careers and a very different pace of life.A few months after returning, Faraz’s father had a health scare. Had Faraz still been in the US, it could have meant a midnight call followed by an urgent flight across the world.Instead, he was already there.For him, that moment made the reason behind the move very real.His advice to NRIs is practical: understand exactly why you want to return, make sure the timing works for your family, plan carefully — but don’t spend years talking about the decision without eventually making one.Chapters00:00 25+ Years of Life in the US01:30 Did He Always Plan to Return to India?04:16 What Finally Made Them Stop Delaying05:37 The Biggest Worry: Moving Their Son07:46 Leaving Denver for the Reality of Mumbai09:50 How He Planned the Move Back12:26 Restarting a Career in Mumbai14:41 What He Kept in the US — Banks, Cards & Assets16:47 Moving a 12-Year-Old Dog to India20:39 A Last-Minute Rule Changed Everything24:30 The Reality After 3 Months in India27:36 The Moment Moving Back Felt Worth It28:03 “Why Did I Move?” — 10 Times a Day31:06 How They Prepared Their Son for India33:30 His Advice to NRIs Planning a Return

  3. Aug 21

    Episode 163: Can US Raised Kids Adjust to Life in an Indian Village? NRI | Back to India

    Still deciding whether—or when—to move back to India? Get 15 weeks of practical guidance, one useful email at a time: https://desireturn.com/resource-hub/email-seriesAfter building a successful technology career in the US and a comfortable family life in New Hampshire, **Sreedharan made an unusual return-to-India decision.**He didn’t move to Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad or another major city. He moved back to his **village in Kanyakumari**.Today, he is building **V2W — Village to World**, a software company serving customers beyond India while creating professional opportunities for rural talent.In this episode of Desi Return, Sreedharan shares what took him from a settled life in the US to starting over in his village — and why the move was much harder for his family than he initially expected.His story includes a painful family moment during COVID that strengthened his desire to return, challenges his US-raised children faced after moving to India, resistance from his own father, financial uncertainty, and the reality of building a global-facing technology company from rural India.**In this episode:**• How his career took him from India to the US• What working in the US taught him about technology and business• How his US income helped support his family and ancestral land• Why reading changed his thinking• The COVID-era family loss that strengthened his return decision• How V2W — Village to World — began• Why they chose a village instead of a metro• Kids’ reverse culture shock, school challenges and languages• Why his daughter initially wanted to go back• Financial fears behind leaving a high-paying US career• Selling his US home and investing in the next chapter• What ancestral land and village life mean to him• Why the family still sometimes misses New Hampshire• Building V2W with rural talent• Why customers initially hesitated to trust a village-based company• How his father went from opposing the move to feeling proud• His advice to NRIs planning a returnOne thing makes Sreedharan’s story especially interesting: **his life in America was not failing.**The transition came with real trade-offs. His children had spent most of their lives in the US, and Indian schools, languages, grandparents and everyday family expectations were very different. Sreedharan openly admits they underestimated how difficult the adjustment would be for the kids.At the same time, moving back allowed him to reconnect with ancestral land, live close to family and build a company around a long-held idea: giving talented people in villages professional opportunities without requiring everyone to leave for a metro.His advice to NRIs is practical: secure your finances, make sure your spouse and children are part of the decision, expect an adjustment period, and if you are unsure, you don’t have to burn every bridge immediately — plan the move, test it and give your family time to adapt.**Chapters**00:00 Introduction01:43 US Career & What It Taught Him04:33 Family, Financial Freedom & Reading06:46 The COVID Moment That Changed Everything08:58 Starting V2W10:17 Kids’ Reverse Culture Shock12:32 Why a Village, Not a Metro?15:03 Moving the Family Back17:48 Money, Risk & Return Planning21:10 What Village Life Gave Them27:29 Building V2W from Rural India30:33 Challenges of Returning Home32:23 His Father’s Change of Heart34:10 Advice for NRIs Planning a Return39:26 Village to World — The Bigger Mission

  4. Aug 13

    Episode 162: After 23 Years in US, She Left a Successful Life in US. Was Moving Back to India Worth it?

    If you're even thinking about moving back to India, start planning early.We've created a FREE Desi Return Planner that gives you a personalized roadmap based on your family's situation.✔ Personalized action plan✔ School & relocation checklist✔ Curated videos and trusted partners✔ Track everything in one place🎁 Get your FREE Desi Return Planner here:👉 https://desireturn.com/plannerAfter 23 years in the US, a successful career, financial independence, and a life many people would dream of, Sunita made a completely different choice — she moved back to India in her 50s to begin her second innings.In this episode of Desi Return, Sunita shares the real story behind her decision to leave the US, why money was no longer the only priority, and what she has learned after moving to India.From building a career in the US after moving from India in her 30s, to becoming a financial professional and running her own practice, her journey is very different from the typical NRI return story.In this episode:Why she moved from India to the US in her 30sThe challenges of restarting a career in AmericaBuilding a 23-year career in US financial servicesWhat made her reconsider life in AmericaWhy COVID changed her perspective on retirement and timeWhy she chose India for her second inningsWhy she chose Pondicherry instead of staying with familyLife as a single woman returning to IndiaFinding your tribe and building a social circle after returningFinancial planning before moving back to IndiaWhat she did with her US house and investments401(k), IRA and Roth considerations when moving to IndiaWhy you should NOT blindly liquidate your US retirement accounts during RNORCross-border taxation and why professional advice mattersUS vs India capital gains rulesUS state taxes after moving abroadRenting vs selling your US homeHow much money do you really need to retire in India?The biggest expenses to consider in IndiaWhat she misses about the USWhat surprised her about life in IndiaInequality, civic sense and acceptance of mediocrity in IndiaThe positive changes she has seen in IndiaHer advice to NRIs thinking about moving backOne of her biggest lessons is simple:Don't try to optimize everything.Personal finance, taxation, family, children, immigration status, lifestyle and long-term plans are all interconnected. What works for one NRI may not work for another.If you're an NRI considering moving back to India, especially in your 40s or 50s, this conversation offers a very honest look at what a return can actually look like — beyond just money and taxes.▶️ **Desi Return Diaries: What NRI Families Need to Know Before Moving Back**https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwv-Q4A3w0q-seOSDUE1OtchPO9kAA9a### Chapters00:00 Introduction01:11 Moving to the U.S. & Starting Over04:52 Why She Started Thinking About Leaving08:38 Money Is Not Everything12:32 Why India?15:35 Returning Alone, Community & Pondicherry19:18 Financial Planning Before Moving Back22:04 401(k), RNOR, Roth IRA & Tax Lessons30:34 How Much Money Is Enough?33:25 Life After Moving Back to India35:15 What She Misses About the U.S.37:12 Her Advice for Future Returnees41:59 India Then vs India Now45:26 Final Thoughts

  5. Aug 6

    Episode 161: The Hardest Decision I've Ever Had to Make Abroad | NRI | 20 Years

    If you're even thinking about moving back to India, start planning early.We've created a FREE Desi Return Planner that gives you a personalized roadmap based on your family's situation.✔ Personalized action plan✔ School & relocation checklist✔ Curated videos and trusted partners✔ Track everything in one place🎁 Get your FREE Desi Return Planner here:👉 https://desireturn.com/plannerWhat happens when the life you've built abroad collides with the people you love the most?For many NRIs, the hardest part of living abroad isn't the job, the visa, or the taxes—it's being thousands of miles away from aging parents.In this deeply emotional episode of the Desi Return Podcast, Gautam shares his incredible 20-year journey in the United States, from pursuing his dream career to building a family and community in California. But everything changed when his mother was diagnosed with cancer.Unable to secure a visa appointment in time, Gautam faced every NRI's worst nightmare—being unable to reach India to be with his mother during her final days.This isn't just a story about immigration. It's a story about family, sacrifice, regret, career, children, identity, and what "home" truly means.If you're an NRI living abroad, planning to return to India, or simply navigating the difficult balance between career and family, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.#NRI #MoveBackToIndia #DesiReturn #LifeInIndia #NRItoIndia #ReturnToIndia #IndianAbroad #NRIlife #IndiaVsUSA #MovingToIndia #OCI #ReverseMigration #NRIParents #LifeAfterMovingBack #HealthcareInIndia #nrilife #backtoindia #nrishaala #backtoroots Chapters0:00 Introduction1:32 A Two-Year Plan Became a Life in America8:27 The Woman Who Shaped His Life17:15 The Cancer Diagnosis19:47 The Race to Reach India22:22 No Visa Appointments23:19 His Wife Flew Home Instead24:09 His Mother’s Final Request25:30 Their Final Conversation27:29 The Call That Changed Everything28:23 The Regret He Carries30:37 His Wife’s Sacrifice35:25 Why They’re Returning to India38:50 What Home Means to Their Daughters43:02 His Wife Is Still Stuck in India46:33 No Emergency Path in the Visa System47:24 The India He Sees Today49:34 Advice for Anyone Moving Abroad50:22 What He Would Do Differently53:06 Closing Thoughts

  6. Jul 30

    Episode 160: After 16 Years in US, Hew Walked Away From the American Dream for This One Reason| Back to India | NRI

    Planning your return to India? Don’t guess — plan it right 👉 https://access.desireturn.com/planner-yt🇺🇸 Bhanu spent 16 years building a successful life in the United States. Then he made a life-changing decision—to leave it all behind and move back to India. But not for the reasons you might expect.In this episode of Desi Return, Bhanu shares the incredible story of why he walked away from the American dream, chose entrepreneurship in India, and made one of the biggest decisions of his life to support his son's dream of becoming a Formula 1 racing driver.From turning down the Green Card path to navigating the emotional loss of his mother during COVID, building startups in India, and planning the next chapter in Europe for Formula racing, this conversation is filled with honest insights about family, purpose, entrepreneurship, and returning to India.Whether you're an NRI considering moving back to India, an entrepreneur, or simply someone wondering what truly matters in life, this episode offers a refreshing perspective beyond money and career.In this episode we discuss:✅ Why he left the U.S. after 16 years✅ The real reason behind moving back to India✅ Supporting his son's Formula 1 dream✅ Why entrepreneurship became the only option✅ Life in Bangalore vs Visakhapatnam✅ Challenges of starting a business in India✅ Green Card decision and future plans in Europe✅ Advice for NRIs planning to return to India✅ Mistakes people make while relocating back to IndiaIf you're planning your move back to India or simply exploring the idea, subscribe to Desi Return for real stories, practical guidance, and honest conversations with people who've made the journey. Chapters00:00 Introduction01:12 Background & 16 Years in the US05:35 What Triggered the Return?08:50 Losing His Mother During COVID14:09 His Son’s Formula Racing Dream17:22 Family Decision & Choosing Bangalore25:25 Why India for Entrepreneurship?30:40 Return Preparation & Green Card34:09 Leaving America & Financial Planning39:15 Reality of Life in Bangalore42:29 Moving to Visakhapatnam & Kids’ Adjustment44:33 Two Years Back in India47:12 Business & Banking Challenges49:45 Regrets, Advice & Opportunities51:53 Biggest Mistakes Returning NRIs Make54:24 Final Thoughts

  7. Jul 23

    Episode 159: Moved Back to India After 30 Years in US; What I Actually FOUND After Living for 11 Years in India

    Need Indian tax filing help as an NRI or returnee? https://desireturn.com/services/india-tax-filing?utm_source=youtube​ Planning your return to India? Don’t guess — plan it right 👉 https://access.desireturn.com/planner-yt👉 Need help with shipments, taxes, RNOR, investments & more:https://services.desireturn.comAfter spending 30 years in the United States, Ramh Prasad made a life-changing decision—he moved back to India to build a company that is now one of India's leading driver platforms, DriveU.  @DriveuIn  In this conversation, Ramh shares what it was really like to leave behind a successful career in Silicon Valley, convince his American wife to move to India and build a meaningful life while balancing family, business, and purpose.If you're an NRI living in the US and wondering whether moving back to India is the right decision, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest experiences.In this episode, we discuss:Why Ram left the US after 30 yearsWhat convinced him to move back to IndiaHow his American wife adapted to life in IndiaRaising children between the US and IndiaBuilding DriveU and India's startup ecosystemLiving between two countries for over a decadeChallenges of relocating after decades abroadFinancial planning and managing assets in both countriesOpportunities for NRIs returning to IndiaAdvice for professionals considering a move backFinding purpose after a successful career abroadWhether you're planning to return to India, exploring career opportunities, or simply curious about life after decades in the US, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone who has lived both worlds. #NRI #MoveBackToIndia #DesiReturn #LifeInIndia #NRItoIndia #ReturnToIndia #IndianAbroad #NRIlife #IndiaVsUSA #MovingToIndia #OCI #ReverseMigration #NRIParents #LifeAfterMovingBack #HealthcareInIndia #nrilife #backtoindia #nrishaala #backtoroots Chapters0:00 Introduction1:05 Background 4:14 Why leave silicon valley?9:17 Any apprehension to move to India?12:05 Why most people never return14:30 Building DriveU17:55 Spouse transition23:10 Living in both countries27:04 Reality of life in India31:40 Kids after move35:17 Financial planning39:32 Advice & opportunities46:52 Why People are moving back to India51:03 Future Plans

  8. Jul 16

    Episode 158: We Chose India Instead of Waiting for Our Green Card | 13 Years in India

    Need Indian tax filing help as an NRI or returnee? https://desireturn.com/services/india-tax-filing?utm_source=youtube​ Planning your return to India? Don’t guess — plan it right 👉 https://access.desireturn.com/planner-yt👉 Need help with shipments, taxes, RNOR, investments & more:https://services.desireturn.com🇺🇸➡️🇮🇳 They Left America After 12 Years. Was It the Right Decision?After spending 12 successful years in the United States, Sumit and Naina made a decision that most NRIs only talk about—they moved back to India.Now, 13 years later, they look back with complete honesty.Was it worth leaving before getting a Green Card?How did their children adjust?Did they regret the move?What really happens after returning to India?In this episode of Desi Return, we go far beyond the usual "pros and cons" discussion. This is a deeply personal conversation about identity, family, parenting, career, finances, and building a fulfilling life after returning home.Whether you're seriously planning your move or simply wondering if life in India could be right for your family, this episode is packed with practical lessons and emotional insights.In this episode, we discuss:✅ Why they chose India before getting a Green Card✅ Planning their return over four years✅ The biggest fears before moving back✅ Career sacrifices and starting over✅ Financial planning before returning✅ 401(k), investments, and retirement planning✅ Raising kids in India after growing up in the US✅ CBSE vs Cambridge curriculum✅ Why their son chose Europe instead of the US✅ The challenges their daughter faced after moving✅ What they would do differently today✅ Advice for NRIs considering returning to IndiaIf you've ever asked yourself..."Should I move back to India?"...this conversation will give you one of the most honest perspectives you'll find. #NRI #MoveBackToIndia #DesiReturn #LifeInIndia #NRItoIndia #ReturnToIndia #IndianAbroad #NRIlife #IndiaVsUSA #MovingToIndia #OCI #ReverseMigration #NRIParents #LifeAfterMovingBack #HealthcareInIndia #nrilife #backtoindia #nrishaala #backtoroots Chapters0:00 Introduction1:00 Background & Why move back4:56 How Life would be in US8:21 Timing the move19:30 Biggest Fear23:54 Career Sacrifices30:31 Six month unknown?34:50 Financial planning39:46 Tradeoffs42:51 Kids Transition45:36 Curriculum and college admissions51:35 Why Transition from CBSE to IGCSE55:27 JEE Entrances Readiness for Cambridge students59:18 Reflecting life After 13 Years1:07:52 Advice

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About

Welcome to the Desi Return! Our mission is to provide support and guidance for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who are considering or planning to return to India. On this show, we share inspiring journeys of families who are planning or already returned to India as well as informative content about frequently asked questions related to finance, culture, job opportunities, etc.,. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about your move to India and to ensure a smooth transition back to your home country. Subscribe to our show to stay updated on the latest content.

Information

  • Creator
    Desi Return
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    169
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Desi Return
  • Show Website
    Desi Return

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