A Redditor expressed concerns over the worsening AQI in Mumbai, where he was born and brought up and then came back to feeling homesick from Canada after living there for three years. The Reddit post went viral as he said he can’t wait to return to Canada again after seeing the changed face of Mumbai, the pollution, the scarcity of open spaces to walk comfortably etc. The Redditor explained that there was no absolutely pressing reason for his return — he only felt a bit homesick. But now he wants to go back. Such social media posts often rake in a lot of reactions, as many expats consult these groups before taking the decision to go back to India.“I had a good job and a good life in Canada, with nothing much to complain about. However, I am more privileged here in terms of my living situation. We own homes, my parents have a separate home, and I own an apartment in a very good locality. Considering all these factors, I decided to move back,” the Redditor said.But the city he called home changed and that shocked him enough that he is again considering returning to Canada and this time through Permanent Residency. “But after coming here, I feel that Bombay is not the same anymore. I am now considering returning to Canada next year with PR, and I am preparing for French to make that happen. However, I still find myself in two minds sometimes,” he said.“Whenever I step out, I feel like escaping. I really don’t like the environment here. But when I am at home, life feels so comfortable. I have my own space, my assets, and a certain level of rootedness here,” he said, explaining the duality of the situation he has been facing. “At the same time, I am alarmed by the recent developments in Mumbai, and I personally feel that things are going to get worse. However, when I see people around me living their lives normally, seemingly unconcerned about the AQI or anything else, I start questioning myself. Maybe I am exaggerating things in my mind. Maybe things aren’t as bad as I perceive them to be.”“Money isn’t much of a concern for me. I can rent out my apartment, and my assets in India aren’t going anywhere. I can return to Canada, work there, and build my life there.Is Mumbai really going to get worse? Should I focus completely on securing my PR and plan to leave as soon as possible, or am I letting my concerns about the city influence my decision too much?” the Redditor asked.
‘India is the best country if you don’t get outside’
The comment section highlighted how cities in India live inside gated communities and the outside world does not have much to offer. Many Redditors shared their similar experience of coming back to India from US, Canada, New Zealand and then moving out again. Many people, however, found the Redditor too privileged to be complaining about both Canada and Mumbai. “You moved to Canada and after 3 years moved back because you were homesick. A lot of us are homesick whether living away from home in or outside of India but we don’t just get up and move. You now don’t feel great because in 3 years you don’t think Mumbai is the same anymore. Well! Just like anything and anyone else, cities too evolve and don’t remain the same. What did you think will happen to Mumbai in the years you weren’t here?” one wrote.