2nd generation Indian Americans turn to homeland

By siliconindia   |   Friday, 26 March 2010, 23:54 IST   |    13 Comments
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2nd generation Indian Americans turn to homeland
Bangalore: Since India provides excellent opportunities, younger generation of Indian American is now flying back to the land of their forefathers. The younger generation also wants to keep in touch with their roots and experience India's multiculturalism. From aspiring actors to professionals armed with Ivy League degrees and entrepreneurs, an increasing number of "returnees" have been making this giant leap over the last few years, at times giving up lucrative careers in the process. "It was the lure of freedom to pursue what you want to pursue on your own terms that brought me here," said Raj Shroff, a Mumbai-based actor and model. Shroff, who grew up in Texas, said the decision to move was spurred by his interest in Indian culture, literature, philosophy and music. "It was just something I felt like I wanted to do and wanted to see first hand, as opposed to just reading about it or seeing it on TV or through a movie. I wanted to live it." The unparalleled growth in the Indian economy and the arrival of multinational corporations has afforded the opportunities to move for many of these "returnees." The availability of familiar comforts like fast-food outlets such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut, designer labels like Tommy Hilfiger and Louis Vuitton, and a buzzing nightlife in the country's major cities are perks that were unavailable a few years ago. "This is a really fascinating time to be in India, for a unique time in its history," said Bangalore-based Nandu Madhava. For Madhava, a Harvard Business School graduate who runs a start-up, India offered several advantages - a large family, a sizeable talent pool and a better work-life balance. Often, the parents of the "returnees" were unhappy with their children's decision to move to the country they had left years earlier. "The first six months I moved here my dad would ask me every time I talked to him: 'So when are you coming back?'" said Meeta Baphna, who moved to India in 2007. The work environment in India is different-the rigid hierarchy, interactions with co-workers and even the infamous concept of Indian Standard Time. "It's been interesting to see the difference between work culture here and in the States. Time is a very abstract concept and that took a little bit getting used to," said entrepreneur Vaman Kamath.

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