AI Generated Summary
- After calling a local mechanic in the early afternoon, Dhaliwal said the vehicle was collected, repaired, and returned the same day at a cost of about $110.
- According to him, living in Punjab offered a kind of social connection and hospitality that he struggled to find while living in the United States.
- An Indian-origin professional who once pursued higher studies in California has sparked a lively online debate after sharing why he chose to leave the United States and settle back in Punjab.
An Indian-origin professional who once pursued higher studies in California has sparked a lively online debate after sharing why he chose to leave the United States and settle back in Punjab. Sanjum Singh Dhaliwal said his decision was driven less by finances and more by a sense of belonging and everyday ease that he felt was missing abroad.
Dhaliwal, who studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), said many people questioned his choice to leave a place widely associated with the “American dream.” With its pleasant weather and global reputation, California is often seen as a destination few willingly walk away from. However, he argued that quality of life is not defined solely by income or location.
In a detailed post, Dhaliwal highlighted the importance of community support. According to him, living in Punjab offered a kind of social connection and hospitality that he struggled to find while living in the United States. He described this as an “ease of living” that made daily challenges feel less stressful.
He illustrated the contrast through two personal experiences involving car repairs. In the US, a government-operated garbage truck damaged his vehicle. He claimed that assistance from city authorities and his insurance provider was limited, while repair shops quoted costs running into thousands of dollars. Eventually, he and a group of friends repaired the car themselves for roughly $250.
Back in India, a separate mechanical issue with his car was resolved much faster. After calling a local mechanic in the early afternoon, Dhaliwal said the vehicle was collected, repaired, and returned the same day at a cost of about $110. What stood out to him was the mechanic’s approach — prioritizing the repair before discussing payment — which he said created a sense of comfort.
Dhaliwal emphasized that his decision to return was not purely about cheaper expenses. “Community,” he wrote, was the central factor, adding humorously that Amritsar’s famous kulche ranked among his personal motivations.
His comments quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions online. Some users argued that the difference in experiences could be explained by lower labor costs in India rather than stronger social ties. Others sympathized with his perspective, noting that the high cost of living and fast-paced lifestyle in many US cities can feel isolating. A few commentators pointed out that higher wages for workers in the US contribute to increased service prices.
The discussion reflects a broader conversation among Indians abroad who are reconsidering where they want to build their lives. While opportunities overseas remain attractive for many, Dhaliwal’s story highlights how cultural familiarity and community support continue to influence decisions about where “home” truly feels like.
