Nayrhit, co-founder of Gushwork, and his wife, Rishita Das, an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IISc Bengaluru, returned to India last year after spending several years in the United States. The couple, who both graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur in 2016, had moved to the US for higher education. With one year of resettling in India behind them, they recently shared their reflections on the contrasts between life in India and the US, offering insights particularly relevant to young Indians considering a similar move.
One of the most significant differences the couple noted was the accessibility and affordability of domestic help in India. “The cost of labour may be low, but the convenience of having domestic help cannot be overstated,” remarked Nayrhit, highlighting the additional 15-20 hours of free time they now have each week as a working couple. This, he suggested, is a luxury that would be difficult to replicate in the US.
Traffic conditions were another area of comparison. While not necessarily worse than in busy American cities like New York or San Francisco, traffic in India was described as more unpredictable and frustrating. The couple did not see an imminent solution to this issue.
The digital infrastructure in India, according to the couple, far surpasses that of the US. India’s quick commerce platforms, which can deliver goods within minutes, were praised for their efficiency. “Intra-city logistics here are superior and more efficient,” noted Nayrhit, contrasting India’s offerings with US services like Instacart and DoorDash.
On the cultural front, the couple observed a significant difference in personal connections. Nayrhit found it challenging to form deep relationships in the US, stating that interactions there often remained superficial, limited to casual meetups and conversations about work or sports.
The digital payments landscape in India was another area where the couple felt India had a clear edge. While both Apple Pay in the US and UPI in India offer comparable user experiences, the key difference lies in the cost. UPI, as part of India’s government infrastructure, is free, whereas Apple Pay involves transaction fees that benefit private companies.
However, the couple did miss the orderly queues common in the US, finding that lines at counters, security checks, and other places in India could often be chaotic. Despite this, the couple appreciated the diversity of food in both countries, although they expressed a preference for Indian dishes like dosas and biryanis, while occasionally missing the variety of cheeses, breads, and desserts available in the US.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the couple noted that the US has a distinct advantage. “If you are passionate about hiking, biking, or spending time at the beach, you might find India lacking in these areas,” they observed.
On social issues, the couple highlighted that India still has progress to make regarding LGBTQ+ acceptance. While certain urban areas are more open, broader societal acceptance remains limited. Nayrhit expressed hope that the situation would improve in the coming years.
Finally, the couple touched on the job market, pointing out that while finding a job in India may be easier, securing a high-paying position comparable to those in the US, particularly one that supports a similar lifestyle, is more challenging.
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