NEW DELHI: A British Indian individual, who spent three years traveling and living in India, has sparked significant discussion online with a detailed critique of their experience, reflecting on his experience, he stated, “I’m just done with India, and trust me, I tried to give it a chance.”
Initially hopeful of reconnecting with their heritage, the traveler shared their frustrations with India’s infrastructure, pollution, and bureaucratic complexities. Despite an open mind and a desire to embrace the country, they found themselves exhausted by poor air quality, erratic public transport, and a lack of cleanliness. He stated “No civic sense, poor infrastructure”, the challenges of navigating India’s legal and administrative systems were also major hurdles, leading the individual to decide to relocate to Vietnam.
This critique comes at a time when concerns about the safety of foreign tourists in India are on the rise. A Japanese woman was sexually assaulted by a group of men during the Holi festival in New Delhi, an incident that sparked outrage across social media. The video of the assault, which showed the woman being groped and smeared with colors by several men in the Paharganj area, quickly went viral. In a separate incident, a Korean vlogger was harassed by a man while live-streaming her visit to Rajasthan. The man stalked her, flashed at her, and chased her down a flight of stairs in Jodhpur, prompting calls for stronger action to protect tourists.
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In their review, the traveler acknowledged India’s rich history and cultural diversity but noted that societal pressures and communal tensions were overwhelming. Despite being of Indian origin, they described feeling isolated and disconnected from the culture, which contrasted sharply with their expectations. They found the challenges of daily life in India combined with its infrastructure struggles unbearable. In contrast, Vietnam’s better infrastructure, affordability, and welcoming atmosphere led them to feel liberated after relocating there.
The review has sparked mixed reactions online. Some users sympathized with the traveler’s frustrations, agreeing that India’s rapid urbanization has created significant challenges. Others criticized the review as being overly harsh, pointing out that India’s complexities are often difficult to understand from an outsider’s perspective.
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This story highlights the challenges faced by diaspora individuals reconnecting with their roots and the broader concerns regarding India’s development, safety, and infrastructure. As the country moves forward, it must address these critical issues to improve the experience for both residents and visitors.