Recently, I decided to watch one of the cult classics of India,"Swades." What astonished me was how could a movie made nearly two decades back, still hold a significant relevance to today's seemingly advanced society. With these recent happenings all around, it makes me wonder hasn't going to abroad been the ultimate Indian dream.
A foreign degree, international exposure, in America or Canada, maybe a shiny post from Times Square and the promise of a better life — is the dream every middle-class household secretly nurtured. But something has shifted.
The same young Indians who once chased that dream with blind hope are now forced to pause and think harder. Is migration really worth the cost, risk, and uncertainty? Do the benefits still outweigh the struggles? And in light of how Indians abroad are sometimes perceived — especially after certain viral incidents — Should India’s global image suffer because of a few “uncultured” actions in the pretense of "culture" by its citizens overseas?
Source- Inventiva
For the first time in years, many of us are asking: is migration really worth it, and what are we leaving behind — or escaping from?While countries like the U.S. and Canada still remain popular, youth are more aware of the challenges than ever before. Yes, we still want opportunity, exposure, and stability — but the path to that isn’t as smooth as it once seemed.
As America keeps tightening its H-1B and student visa systems, countries like Australia and Canada struggles to manage its overcrowded immigration stream. Meanwhile, tuition, rent, and daily expenses abroad now often outpace the rewards. Several viral warnings on social media platforms have even advised parents not to send their children right now due to rising exploitation minimizing employment opportunities.
Videos of Indian students sleeping in cars or basements are no longer rare — they’re warnings. More students are realizing how vulnerable they can be in foreign countries. And then comes something even deeper — a loss of faith in civic life at home.
What is the "CIVIC SENSE" in question?
It’s hard to ignore how the civic sense in our cities seems to be deteriorating. Littering, road rage, vandalism of provided facilities, broken queues, disregard for public spaces, unfortunately have become everyday experiences for most Indians.
As I decided to dig deeper into the issue, a common pattern immerged. The youth says one of the reason they want to move abroad not just for higher salaries or better opportunities, but for basic dignity, discipline, and cleanliness.
Source- The Indian Express
It’s a harsh truth but lets face it, we dream of foreign countries not just for their wealth, but for their order. But the dilemma remains, that the country that wishes to remain a first party country and wishes to be a global host, a Vishwaguru—fails to act like one.
This frustration has quietly become a major part of the migration narrative.
When young Indians say they want to “live better,” they often mean “live more respectfully with dignity.” The mindset has matured. Migration isn’t rejection of Pride and Respect for India, it’s a search for dignity and opportunity, wherever it exists.
But is Pride over Peace Disrupted really worth it?
In the recent light of events, the question of India's global image and acceptance dangles over us. This Diwali, videos of Indians abroad setting off fireworks in residential neighborhoods while ignoring local rules, littering streets, disturbing neighbours, went viral. Occurred Police interference. And suddenly we had been labelled as "loud," "disruptive," and "entitled."
It wasn't solely about the fireworks, but about changing perceptions. Why turn New Jersey into Delhi? Is preserving your culture while undermining peace and harmony really worth it?
And just as painful are the instances of Indians — both in India and abroad — making racist or xenophobic remarks. Whether it’s mocking a bunch of African students in Indian cities, or a few entitled Indian expats abroad insulting other ethnicities or even fellow Indians from different regions — every such incident chips away at the image of a nation that once called itself culturally-rich and secular nation.
We forget that racism doesn’t need to wear a white face with an incomprehensible accent— it exists in brown ones too. And when it surfaces, it stains our reputation far more deeply than we realize.
Should India's Image Suffer ?
Is it fair that a few thoughtless individuals define the whole country? — NO. The Indian community is among the most successful and respected in the world — leading global firms, contributing to science, education, and innovation. Be it any field, the Indians have made their mark.
But as we commence towards a technologically advancing era, perception becomes a fragile concept. The world sees what trends online, every racist comment, every careless act, every noisy, law-breaking celebration abroad sends out an image — and that image travels faster than reason.
So, while India’s image shouldn’t have to suffer for the actions of a bunch, it inevitably does — because in a hyperconnected world, one person’s behaviour becomes the whole nation defined.
Is it only the Government's responsibility to build our Nation's Image?
The truth is simple: every Indian abroad and at home represents more than themselves.
They represent 1.4 billion people — a country fighting to be seen as modern, capable, and still rooted to its culture. And honestly speaking it is a heavy responsibility, and it doesn’t stop at the airport gate.
How we speak, how we behave in public, how we treat others and how we present ourselves — these things matter just as much as what degree we hold or what job we land.
So whether we stay or leave, one truth stands firm: India’s reputation abroad isn’t built by its embassies — it’s built by its people. And how we behave, both within our borders and beyond them, will decide how brightly that reputation shines.
To put a conclusion to it all, I would say, we still want better lives, but it is also essential to realize that better begins within — in our actions, our mindset, and our respect for others, wherever we go since, global respect isn’t earned just through economic power, but through personal conduct as well.
As an Indian youth observing the world closely, I don’t think our generation is giving up on migration — we’re redefining it. We want opportunity, yes, but not at the cost of our identity or integrity. Migration will always be part of India’s story. But the narrative is evolving. And if we truly want to change how the world sees us, the first step is simple: let’s change how we see ourselves.
