After 5 years in the US, I have decided to move back to India.
Umm, yeah.
I leave New York around November 20th. I had originally planned on traveling a little before I got home, but that does not seem plausible right now.
People often ask me why. They assume that I was unable to "make it" in the US. Somehow, going back to where you came from, is regarded as a backward step in life. Why would an immigrant ever go home unless he or she has been deported?
When I left India, I was leaving for an experience. I wanted to be abroad, in a university, meet diverse people, and just follow life wherever it took me. I was looking for stimulus, challenge, and just something new. I had no vision for the "rest of my life".
Today, I am in the same spot. I need a change. I want to shift everything about my life and at the same time be closer to my family. India has transformed in several ways and I want to reconnect with it as an adult. I still don't have a big-picture vision, but what's the point of having one?
I have to admit, there is a certain fear associated with going back. The idea has a quality of permanence to it. When you're abroad and you don't like it, you can always go home. But if you're home and you're craving for something else, then that's a problem.
This is an experiment. I'll just have to observe patiently. As with every experience I've had, I know it's what I need to do.
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