Why Did I Return to India? "Rediscovering India: A Personal Journey of Return, Growth, and Commitment to Nation-building"

Allow me to elucidate my journey for you.

Introduction: In the quest for a brighter future, many individuals, including myself, have ventured beyond the borders of India. My journey started three decades ago when I applied for immigration to Canada, driven by dreams of a promising life outside of India. Over the years, my career took me to Germany, where I built an empire and established companies worldwide. However, despite the success abroad, the call of my Indian roots and the desire to contribute to my homeland led me back to India.

A Cultural Odyssey: Growing up as a part of Generation X, I faced the challenges of job uncertainty and career ambiguity in India, like others had earlier in late 80s and 90s. Despite the struggles, I harbored a deep connection to Indian culture and principles. From active participation in cultural fests during my school and university days to being inspired by organizations like Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS), Scouts, Indian Army, and Indian Airwing, my cultural foundation was strong. However, the allure of opportunities abroad initially pulled me away from this rich cultural tapestry.

Global Ventures and Cultural Isolation: Relocating to Germany brought about a new chapter in my life. Initially, I was one among the few Indians in the country, witnessing the exponential growth of the Indian community over time. While building my career and expanding my ventures across Europe, the USA, UK, and Canada, I realized the profound impact of cultural isolation. The struggle for acceptance, the challenges of combating racism, and the constant quest for progress took a toll on personal and family life.

The harsh reality of being away from one's roots became evident, as I grappled with the absence of familial bonds and a sense of belonging. The dreams of financial prosperity clashed with the emotional vacuum created by the physical distance from loved ones.

The Idealogical Crossroads: Despite the success abroad, a sense of alienation prevailed. I grappled with the realization that while I could understand and appreciate other cultures, living with them was a different challenge. This internal conflict led me to reassess my ideologies and values, shaped significantly by my formative years in India. The yearning for change in my homeland, the desire to contribute to India's growth, and a deep-rooted connection to Indian principles fueled my resolve to make a difference.

India: Contrary to the past perception of India as a land lacking in opportunities and growth, my return marked a significant shift in perspective. The landscape had evolved, presenting ample opportunities for innovation, creativity, and growth. The narrative of India as a land to leave was transforming into one where individuals could contribute meaningfully and witness tangible progress.

Meeting Prime Minister Modi in 2015 and during the year 2022, became a catalyst for change. Inspired by the interaction, I founded MakeIntoIndia.com and became a founding member of the India Business Forum in Germany. The vision was clear - to channel my experiences and skills to develop talent in India and elevate the nation's economy.

The Unwelcome Return: Despite the determination to contribute to India's growth, my return was marred by unforeseen challenges. I was unaccepted at my home. A sudden expulsion from my home in Germany left me on the streets, relying on the kindness of an Indian friend for support, a politician serving Government of Karnataka, India. This period of adversity highlighted the importance of connections and the fragility of relationships. Even in my homeland, challenges persisted as I faced intellectual property theft and financial exploitation. I hardly have any trustworthy here whom I could share future plans for exploration.

Navigating Challenges in India: The struggle continued post-return, with encounters with individuals who exploited my ideas and dodged financial responsibilities. The resilience fostered by my experiences abroad became crucial in navigating these challenges. The question of why I returned to India became a source of humiliation, but my commitment to uplifting talent and contributing to India's progress remained unwavering.

I experienced humiliation from a family member who boasted about having $1.5 million, owning seven cars, and possibly possessing extensive land today. According to him, he is now the wealthiest in the family. He reminisced about a time when I was the wealthiest, and he used to pick me up at Bangalore Airport. Not only him, but everyone used to eagerly await my arrival, forming a queue to receive me and bidding farewell upon my departure.

He went on to mockingly suggest that I am now destitute, claiming that I am left with no money today and implying that my only option is to resort to begging, associating it with the stereotype that LGBTQ individuals in India are only beggars.

He further humiliated me by suggesting that I should remove my top and bra, asking people for a meager 50 Indian Rupees, insinuating that this is the unfortunate state of my life now.

Indeed, money is not everything, and its ability to acquire certain aspects of humanity is limited. While it can generate superficial expressions of sympathy and attract people who might stand by you for material reasons, it does not grant ultimate power or control over all aspects of life on this planet. True richness lies in qualities such as empathy, compassion, and meaningful connections, which cannot be purchased with wealth alone.

The Vision for India's Future: Today, seated among professors, innovators, and investors, I am committed to uplifting talent, fostering innovation, and contributing to India's growth story. As a Pravasi Bharatiya, I aim to be an integral part of the Indian narrative, bringing forth patents, intellectual properties, and marketable solutions that contribute to the nation's prosperity.

A Commitment to Nation-building In the face of challenges, the protagonist's commitment to India emerges stronger than ever. This chapter narrates the journey of channeling expertise into uplifting talent, fostering innovation, and contributing to the nation's intellectual capital. The protagonist becomes a catalyst for change, collaborating with professors, innovators, and investors to bring forth marketable solutions and inspire the next generation.

Embracing Pravasi Bharatiya The final chapter encapsulates the protagonist's unwavering commitment to India, rejecting the notion of being an alien and embracing the identity of a Pravasi Bharatiya. It underscores the significance of contributing to the nation's growth and development, emphasizing that India is not just a place to leave but a canvas for transformation and prosperity.

As the nation embraced diversity and inclusivity, social reforms aimed at eliminating discrimination and promoting equality gained momentum. Empowerment programs for women, affirmative action for marginalized communities, and efforts to eradicate poverty contributed to a more equitable society.

In the early 21st century, India underwent a transformative journey that led to the emergence of a "New India." The nation experienced rapid economic growth, technological advancements, and social reforms, propelling it into a new era of prosperity and global relevance.

The foundations for this New India were laid through comprehensive reforms in various sectors. The government focused on promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and digitalization, fostering a dynamic and vibrant startup ecosystem. Education underwent a significant overhaul, with an emphasis on skill development and research, preparing the youth for the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Against this backdrop, the concept of "Amrit Kal," or the Golden Age, gained prominence. It represented a collective aspiration among Indians for a period of unparalleled prosperity, unity, and well-being. The vision of Amrit Kal encompassed a society where every citizen enjoyed the fruits of development, where education and healthcare were accessible to all, and where the nation stood as a symbol of progress and harmony.

Every Indian eagerly awaited the realization of Amrit Kal, where the country would continue to evolve as a global powerhouse, contributing to the well-being of its citizens and the world at large. The journey toward this golden era was marked by a sense of optimism, resilience, and a shared commitment to building a brighter future for generations to come.

Conclusion: In the intricate tapestry of my journey, the return to India was not a retreat but a renaissance. It was a journey back to my roots, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the country I call home. As India emerges as a land of opportunities, my narrative becomes a testament to the evolving landscape, where individuals can contribute, innovate, and thrive on the rich cultural fabric that defines India. The question of why I returned is not a question of abandoning a brighter future but of embracing a future where India stands as a beacon of growth, innovation, and unity.

I aspire for my journey to serve as inspiration for many, and my desire is to cultivate meaningful connections with individuals who share a passion for substantial developments. I eagerly await your responses and look forward to engaging with like-minded individuals on this journey.