It’s been over a year since my wife and I returned to India after spending 7+ years in the U.S. I’m forever grateful for the incredible opportunity to be a part of the Silicon Valley ecosystem—it truly is a special place that fosters innovation, diversity, and excellence. The experience shaped me in countless ways, and I’ll always carry those lessons with me.
Returning to India was not an easy decision, nor was it a rejection of the opportunities and experiences we had in the US. Instead, it was a conscious choice to embrace what we value most—family, roots, and the chance to contribute to the growth of our home country.
Living in the U.S. is undeniably a wonderful experience for many. It’s a land of opportunities, diversity, and innovation. But settling there is also a multigenerational decision. It’s not just about the life you build for yourself—it’s about the lives your children and grandchildren will lead. A question that often comes up is: will future generations ever truly feel integrated? While the first generation of immigrants often thrives, the journey for the second or third generation is more complex. They may find themselves caught between cultures, with ties to their heritage fading over time and full acceptance into their adopted society still a challenge. And as present times suggest, maybe there is a hint of truth to the possibility that our future generations in the US would never have been fully accepted into the fabric of American society.
History also offers lessons. While the U.S. is a country of laws and rights, moments like the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII remind us that these rights are not always unshakeable in turbulent times. It’s not a fear, but rather an awareness, that shaped our thinking about where we wanted to grow our roots. An interesting point to reflect on is that, despite Indian Americans being recognized as one of the highest-earning and most accomplished ethnic groups in the U.S., only a handful make it onto the list of the 400 richest Americans. Some may dismiss this by citing population ratios or call it presumptuous to imagine oneself as a future billionaire. Yet, I see it as a subtle marker of whether a society truly views you as an equal stakeholder—someone who can own and lead its most influential enterprises.
The idea of staying in one’s native land holds a strong pull. Decades ago, when Indians moved abroad, it was largely an economic decision. Back then, India didn’t offer the same opportunities it does today. But times have changed. India is now a land of immense possibility, growth, and innovation. The question then becomes: can we participate in that growth and contribute to its story? The answer for us was yes.
Of course, India isn’t perfect. It has its own challenges, and we aren’t naïve about them. But the sense of belonging here is unparalleled. This is our native land—a place where we don’t need to explain ourselves or prove our loyalty. It’s a place where, no matter the difficulties, we feel grounded.
We also recognize that the future is uncertain everywhere. If circumstances change, our children will have the freedom to decide whether they want to stay here or move elsewhere. But for now, based on the current realities, India offers us the right balance of opportunity and connection to family and culture.
Our return was about choosing to be closer to loved ones, to embrace our roots, and to live in a country that feels like home in every sense. It’s not a rejection of the U.S. but an affirmation of what India means to us.
Ultimately, this decision wasn’t just about where we live—it was about where we truly belong. And for us, the answer is here in India.
Yash Tambawala 