Most of NRI live ordinary life
Once someone get an opportunity to work on a overseas job and leave his country for his livelihood, it is assumed by his countrymen back home that this guy must be very rich. The show off done by any visiting NRI during their vacations in their home town is a culprit behind. Most of the visiting NRI just to impress others do spend on luxury rented cars, mid night parties in hotels, wearing glittering clothes , flashy shoes , expensive sunglass , giving heavy tips to the waiters thus superficially creating an image that he is a super rich guy.
The ground reality is totally different. Most of the NRIs are living an average life in Europe , USA , Canada , Australia and Gulf countries. They do have to manage their daily life on monthly Budget. Work for 12 to 16 hours of shifts to meet their daily expenses and sustain financially. They also have to pay heavy monthly Bills of rent, electricity , gas , transport, children education, insurances cost and same time face heavy income tax deductions .
But there are few exception . Few NRI manage to start their own business, or get higher qualifications in foreign country and excel in their field. They manage to earn good wealth in 5 to 15 years and become fairly rich NRI. Few of the big business house out side India are owned by Indian who are super rich.
My #ESKmehta personnel experience being an NRI for many years is that I do find most of the NRI are struggling for better life due to low income , hence struggle to meet their and their family daily needs . Many of my colleagues avoid frequent travelling to their native countries just to save travel expenses and send it to their aged parents to support them financially. Most of the time majority are facing hand to mouth situations. The saving potential of NRI who are living with their family overseas is negligible , unless all the adults in the family are working. Housing , education , healthcare , Car, Insurances and mortgage cost make a big dent to their savings .
Now you might be curious to know that how rich I can be being an NRI for over 30 years ? The answer to your question is that ”I am super rich” by heart at least, if not in Dollars. ( NRI are like a flying paper Lantern shining high in the dark sky , which other mistook them as a Star )
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Well said and it does reflect the true picture how some NRI’s act.
Thanks Steven for your comments
Very interesting article which portrays the facts about expat’s real life.All the best Mehta Saab for your new venture….
Thanks Ajesh for your comment
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT SIR.
Well , Your quotation in the end that “I am super rich by heart at least, if not in Dollars ” is out of focus now . People are more interested in your dollars & bling bling you carry than your good heart. Somewhat due to this they are fascinated to get “NRI” tag to themselves. But the picture is entirely different …..very informative , clear cut blog….Goodluck!!!!!
I agree , Dollar do matters .
Your quotation in the end ”I am super-rich” by heart at least, if not in Dollars” is out of mind in the present scenario. People are more interested in your dollars and bling bling you carry rather than your good heart which gives them a bloodline to get themselves the “NRI” Tag. Very realistic blog…..Good luck!!!!
YOUR NRI EXPERIENCE –
Experience of a daughter of an NRI / Immigrant parent.
Hi! My name is Sara and my father has recently started this blog which talks about the ups and downs of an NRI. I wanted to share my experience as the daughter of an NRI/Immigrant parent. I have been brought up in Dubai for the last 21 years of my life so this is what I call home. However, for my parents home is always India. It’s a place that gives them peace and security, a place where all their family and friends are. When I travelled to Canada for my undergrad answering the question “where are you from?” has always been confusing. I always say Dubai, but not saying India makes me feel guilty, I end up having to explain my whole life history of where I was born and brought up. Children of NRI/Immigrant parents are always stuck in a dilemma of where “home” is. It’s confusing but it is also something to be proud of that we have more than just one place to call home, different places for security, and a different place to get in touch with your roots. All in all, regardless of the disorientation, I am extremely proud to be the daughter of NRI/ Immigrant parents and appreciate all the struggles they have come across and tackled to give themselves and me, a life I will be forever grateful for.
I understand your feeling Sara .
The bling and the unnecessary show off seem to be a facade to hide the daily struggles that everyone goes through as an immigrant. Now these struggles are varied and depend on what walk of life you come from.
In my experience,this also has to do with the mindset of the person and the environment you have been raised in. A person who is content will stay away from the ‘Show off Charades’ while visiting their homeland. The others, who want to prove that they made it, will resort to such acts and it might satisfy their egos for the while but in the long run, it doesn’t help.
The bling and the unnecessary show off seem to be a facade to hide the daily struggles that everyone goes through as an immigrant. Now these struggles are varied and depend on what walk of life you come from.
In my experience,this also has to do with the mindset of the person and the environment you have been raised in. A person who is content will stay away from the ‘Show off Charades’ while visiting their homeland. The others, who want to prove that they made it, will resort to such acts and it might satisfy their egos for the while but in the long run, it doesn’t help.