Backward 'Brain Drain' Calls Indians Home From US

Economy exerts pull on well-educated thirtysomethings
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted May 19, 2009 2:10 PM CDT
Backward 'Brain Drain' Calls Indians Home From US
Reserve Bank of India Governor D. Subbarao, second left, looks on before the start of a meeting with bankers in Mumbai, April 21, 2009.    (AP Photo)

While much of the world suffers economic meltdown, India’s economy is comparatively healthy—and that may be reversing a longstanding “brain drain” of Indians to American shores, Sandip Roy reports for NPR. “It’s the hottest topic at potluck dinners all over Silicon Valley—which friend or colleague has decided to R-2-I, or return to India,” he notes.

The average returnee, surveys see, is a thirtysomething with an advanced degree. For many Indians in the US, “going back” is a long-held dream. Why? Many give the same answer: “I am looking forward to spending a lot more time with my parents.” Still, the trend is stirring inevitable cultural clashes as Indians used to the US grapple with the return to traditions of their—or their parents’—homeland. (More India stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X