Dr. Rajeshwari Iyer’s return to India ended with disappointment over societal issues, prompting her to move back to the U.S., sparking diverse reactions online.
Dr. Rajeshwari Iyer, a respected alumna of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the National Institute of Technology Puducherry, recently recounted her mixed experiences upon returning to India from the United States. Originally, she returned home with a strong desire to rebuild her life and contribute to her homeland, an aspiration that she hoped would bridge the gap between her expectations and reality.
In a post that quickly went viral on social media platform X, Dr. Iyer expressed her disillusionment with what she termed as the “ground reality” in India. She articulated her concerns over societal attitudes, highlighting issues such as high taxes, unchecked corruption, and what she perceived as a lack of meritocracy. “I used to find it funny when people said – ‘The end goal of every Indian is to leave India,’” she reflected in her post.
Dr. Iyer shared that her initial return from the United States was fueled by a sense of purpose and belief in contributing positively to her country. However, she felt let down by what she described as a society that often defends poor decisions and neglects fundamental problems. Eventually, she decided to return to the U.S., stating, “I’ve never felt more at peace.”
Despite the disappointment, Dr. Iyer emphasized that India holds a special place in her heart. Nonetheless, she revealed a reluctance to raise her children in what she called “an environment of hate, noise, and wilful ignorance.”
Her candid revelations ignited a range of responses online. Some users supported her decision as valid and highly personal. One user empathized with her choice, saying that prioritizing peace for family life needs no justification. They remarked, “Some of us stayed… and we’re trying. One small battle at a time.”
Conversely, some questioned her departure, suggesting that leaving might not resolve the issues she initially intended to tackle. A user questioned, “How far will we keep running? We need people like you to stay and fight.” Another person challenged her viewpoint, saying, “If your parents thought like you, you would not have known the wonder that is India… Your kids would be fine too. Stop with the obsession of perfection.”
Others acknowledged that imperfections exist in every country, but highlighted the “resilience” and “spirit” that make residing in India worthwhile. A user presented an introspective take on the situation, offering questions and empathy: “My sympathies are with you, and I can understand the challenges you faced. I have a few questions, if you’d be willing to answer honestly: What was the condition of India when you first went abroad? What were your expectations from Bharat when you returned? Have you noticed any changes during this period? I’d love to hear your perspective. Take care!”
Despite the variety of reactions, Dr. Rajeshwari Iyer remains steadfast in her decision, valuing her newfound clarity. For now, her choice for peace leads her back to the U.S., away from the country she once hoped to help reshape.