- Pankhuri and family returned to India from the US after 13 years in 2023
- The move was driven by a desire for cultural belonging and identity ease
- Living near aging parents and valuing family relationships influenced the choice
Moving to another country can change the way people think about family, work and the life they want. After spending 13 years in the United States, one woman said her family decided to return to India because their priorities had changed. Pankhuri shared the story behind her family's decision to return to India from the US in an Instagram video. She explained that the family made this choice in 2023. According to her, the move back to India was not prompted by visa issues, loneliness, or a lack of friends and community in the US.
Pankhuri detailed why the family decided to return after living in the US for 13 years. She noted that they faced no visa troubles and enjoyed a strong community and circle of friends there; yet, she felt something was missing from their lives.
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A key reason for returning to India was the desire for a sense of belonging. Pankhuri mentioned that in the US, she often had to spell out her name and explain aspects of her identity and culture to others.
She expressed a preference for living among people who share a similar cultural understanding-an environment where there is no need to constantly explain oneself.
Living closer to her aging parents was another factor in the family's decision. Pankhuri admitted that being apart from them had become increasingly difficult over time.
She began to question why the time spent with her parents should be limited to FaceTime or WhatsApp video calls.
She mentioned, "The third reason was our kids. We started thinking about what kind of childhood we really want to give them and what kind of relationships we want them to have with our family and friends."
The couple also considered their children's future when making the decision. They reflected on the kind of childhood they wanted for their kids, taking into account not just daily routines but also relationships with extended family and friends.
"And honestly, what do I want their everyday life to look like? Those conversations really made us realise that maybe that's what we want for them at this point in life. The fourth reason was domestic help. Let's be real. Both my husband and I were working from 7 am to 9 pm every day. There were absolutely no breaks, and we were tired," she added.
Pankhuri also spoke about the constant pressure associated with immigration issues. According to her, the family had to plan various aspects of their lives while keeping visa appointments, regulations, and immigration procedures in mind.
She noted that her life priorities have shifted significantly since she was 25. She observed that a person might spend years building a life that they may not even want in the long run.
Pankhudi stated that the decision to return to India was merely the first step. She explained that while relocating is a major decision, starting a completely new life afterward presents a different kind of challenge.
Social Media Reaction
Many people responded to her post; some users agreed with her perspective and found her words relatable.
One user commented, "Sense of belonging is so real."
Another user said, "I can totally relate to her."
"You two took a brave and inspirational step," added a third user.
