NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Kristen Fischer, an American woman who has made India her home, recently took to Instagram to share her reflections on living in India compared to the United States. Fischer, who is raising her three children in India, highlighted the contrasting lifestyles of the two countries, sparking a debate on social media.
In a candid video, Fischer addressed the question she often receives about why she left the U.S. to settle in India with her family. While she acknowledged her deep connection to America, where she was raised and where her family resides, she pointed out that America, like any country, is not without its flaws.
“Now, don’t get me wrong, I love America. I was raised there. I have my family there. It’s a great place, but it’s by no means a perfect place,” Fischer said in her video. She described the U.S. as a highly individualistic society, where people often lead socially isolated lives and focus on personal success. “It’s a very ‘every man for themselves’ kind of mentality, and people are hardly willing to go out of the way to help people that they don’t know.”
In contrast, Fischer highlighted what she sees as the key strengths of life in India: its sense of community, hospitality, and togetherness. “India, on the other hand, is full of life and color and culture and community in an overall of togetherness. People are so hospitable, and they go out of their way to help people,” she noted.
Fischer emphasized that India’s bustling environment, where one is “never alone,” offers a stark difference from the often isolating atmosphere many experience in America. “I have met so many Indians living in America that have said, ‘Where is everybody? Where are all the people?’ and they have felt very socially isolated and alone living in America,” she said.
Fischer also challenged the notion that financial opportunities should be the sole factor in choosing where to live. While acknowledging that one might earn more in the U.S., she argued that India offers something deeper. “I believe that there is so much more to life than just making money,” she stated. “There are a lot better reasons to want to live somewhere and raise your family somewhere. And I believe that that joy and that fulfillment and that kind of life is what we can find living in India.”
In her post’s caption, Fischer further elaborated on the perceptions that often drive the debate between living in the U.S. versus India. She argued that many Indians and Americans alike mistakenly believe that the U.S. represents the pinnacle of success and quality of life. “I think my kids are being set up for a more successful life and future in India,” Fischer wrote. “They will have such a rich life, experiences, and community that they would never have gotten in the USA.”
Fischer’s post quickly went viral, eliciting a wide range of reactions from her followers. Many appreciated her positive view of India, but some questioned whether her perspective truly represents the reality for most Indians.
One commenter, Reema Chitalia, who has lived in both countries, posed a series of pointed questions, challenging Fischer’s idealized portrayal of India. “Do you live with your in-laws where you have to shoulder all the extra people responsibilities whether you like it or not?” Chitalia asked. She raised issues such as safety concerns in big cities, poor compensation in multinational companies, office politics, and the grueling daily commute on crowded local trains in cities like Mumbai.
Chitalia argued that Fischer’s experience is not reflective of the majority of Indians who face everyday struggles. “The festivals and the color and culture are brilliant, but it’s because you live the life 99.99% Indians don’t. So your opinion is not representative of a major population of India where they struggle to make ends meet to just get basic food!!” she wrote.
Not all comments were critical. Another follower, who identified as a Tibetan born and raised in India but now a Dutch citizen, shared Fischer’s positive sentiments. “Perfectly said👌 I’m a Tibetan, born and raised in India but now Dutch Citizen. When I was in India my life was way better in terms of mind and health. You never feel alone. I’m thinking of moving back to India next year!” the user commented.
Cover photos credit: Kristen Fischer, Instagram
