An Indian-American woman has recently captured widespread attention on social media after sharing her experience of moving back to India following 17 years of living in the United States. Dhara, known on Instagram as 'twinsbymyside,' opened up about her family's decision to relocate and the realities they have faced since their return.
A Mixed Experience of Returning Home
Dhara explained that she and her family packed up their entire lives to make the move, and after living in India for the past six months, she has come to several realizations. She described the experience as a mixed bag: some days feel easy, while others are incredibly difficult. Having left India at the age of 15 and grown up in the United States, she noted that even though India is supposed to be home, it often feels like she is starting over from scratch.
Life in India has introduced her to new routines, unfamiliar systems, and a completely different pace of living. "There are days when I feel overwhelmed, a little out of place, where I miss the comfort and familiarity and the life we built for so many years," she said.
The Benefits of Slowing Down
Despite the challenges, India has also offered her more time with family, the chance to slow down, and the ability to be fully present for her children, whom she homeschools. "To teach them more about our culture, while I am still learning it myself," she added. Dhara emphasized that the slower pace of life in India has allowed her to rediscover herself and evolve into a new version of who she is. "So here we are, six months later, we are still adjusting, we are still learning, and still growing into this life," she concluded.
Social Media Reactions
Many internet users resonated with Dhara's perspective and appreciated her honest account of the repatriation journey. One commenter said, "Wow this is so good...love it. I feel like no one talks about this side of moving back." Another added, "On our way end of May, this is inspirational." Several people in the comments shared that they are also considering or have already made a similar move from the US to India. One user asked, "We are contemplating a move to India too. Did you find any issues with finding schools for kids? Did you see any issues that you didn't foresee facing, if you were Indian citizen?"
Broader Context of Reverse Migration
Since the beginning of the second Trump administration in January 2025, life for immigrants in the US has become increasingly difficult. The US President raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 and intensified ICE deportations of undocumented immigrants. Additionally, online hate and racism against Indians in the country have become a major concern. A 2026 survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace described the US as the "epicentre of anti-Indian digital racism," highlighting the severity of the situation. These factors have prompted many Indians to decide to leave the US and return to India.
