Why Do Most Indian Individuals Shift Abroad Nowadays

Every year, millions of individuals migrate to different parts of the world for various reasons. The allure of a better life, education, and a change of scenery is enticing. However, the reasons behind the mass exodus of individuals from India are multifaceted and reflect deep-seated societal issues.

The Dilemma of Higher Education

One of the most prominent reasons for individuals migrating is the pursuit of higher education. Every year, lakhs of students go abroad for education, driven by the hope of pursuing prestigious colleges and universities. This is particularly true for fields like engineering, medicine, and management. While some students leave for fun or personal growth, a significant number are motivated by the desire to escape the intense competition and pressure within the education system back home.

The Struggle with Fairness and Equality

In the Indian education system, particularly in competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the concept of meritocracy is often challenged by unfair allocation of resources and opportunities. Despite the objective assessment of academic performance, caste and socio-economic background play a crucial role. For example, an Other Category (OC) candidate and an Other Backward Class (OBC) candidate can be awarded the same score but, often, the OBC candidate gets the seat due to reservation policies.

This disparity is a significant source of frustration, as it can be emotionally draining and demotivating for students who see their efforts not being recognized. In contrast, abroad, the education landscape is perceived as more fair and equitable, as seen in the case of a student who could pursue his education with more ease in Canada. He recalled, “When [I] and [my] family came to India to renew [our] passport and [our] parents’ visa, [I] asked [him] how [they] were teaching there. He said, ‘it was fine. [He] was 1 year smaller than [me], [I] was studying 12th grade and [he] being 11th, [I] gave [him] some basic chemistry periodic table and physics gravitation, maths limits question. Just CBSE. [He] was asking [me] to give easier ones. I started laughing and telling [him] that this is the most basic ones and in 12th you will see questions more complicated and tricky ones.’”

Migration and Acceptance Abroad

Moving abroad for work is another compelling reason for many Indians to leave. The desire to earn more and return to India with financial stability is a common dream. However, how many of these individuals truly return? Many foreigners comment on the sense of relief and adjustment when they first arrive in a foreign country, especially for those who come from a less privileged background. As one cousin from Canada put it, having seen him when he and his family came to India to renew their passport and visa, “He joked that he prayed to God that he had gone to Canada when he was 7th grade itself or else he would have gotten mad and crazy if he was still staying here.”

Some individuals view the hectic academic and professional life back in India with unease and seek peace in foreign lands. They find a way to adapt and integrate into the new culture, while those who experience difficulties and cultural shocks often find themselves settling permanently.

The Reality of Home

Furthermore, the harsh reality of life in India often triggers a sense of longing for a more comfortable and peaceful existence. Challenges such as unfairness, corruption, and unstable social conditions contribute to the collective despair of many Indians. The dream of a better life abroad transcends mere financial gain and becomes a quest for a more just and equitable society.

Conclusion

The reasons for the surge in migration from India are complex and interconnected. While the allure of higher education, better job prospects, and a peaceful life abroad are undeniable, the reasons are deeply rooted in the systemic issues faced back home. It is a call for a more equitable and fair society, where individuals do not need to seek their dreams in foreign lands.