A 28-year-old Indian software professional living in Canada has decided to move back to India following the sudden death of his mother, questioning the sacrifices he made living abroad after being unable to be with her in her final moments.
In a viral Reddit post, the senior software developer, who had spent eight years in Canada and was close to applying for citizenship, said his mother died of cardiac arrest just days ago. He reflected on the emotional toll of living far from family, describing life in Canada as isolating, marked by harsh weather and a lack of support systems.
The techie said his mother had wanted him to relocate to Bengaluru so she could spend time with him and her 15-month-old grandson. Instead, he found himself questioning the purpose of staying abroad when he could not care for her after all she had endured, including years in an abusive marriage.
Despite owning a home in Canada and having permanent resident status, he said he and his wife are prepared to sell their property and start over in India, even with limited savings. His priority, he wrote, is to raise his child surrounded by family, community and Indian values rather than in isolation.
The post struck a chord online, with many users supporting his decision and urging him to be close to family, while others advised taking time before making such a life-changing move. Messages of condolence poured in, with several commenters sharing similar experiences of living abroad during family loss and emphasizing that emotional well-being often outweighs financial stability.
The story has sparked broader conversations among NRIs about migration, identity, and the personal cost of living far from home.