India’s ‘warmth and comfort’ can’t be replicated: US vs India woman’s post goes viral; networkers react | Today’s news
India’s “warmth and comfort” cannot be imitated, said an Indian woman living in California. Manali Dey, a content creator on Instagram, said that moving abroad made her appreciate India even more.
Her post took the internet by storm as her point-by-point comparison between the United States and India went viral. “You travel abroad… and then you realize why India is actually better,” she captioned her viral post.
Manali highlighted everything from the horror of expensive US delivery fees and rigid social calendars to the comforting warmth of Indian festivals and casual roadside conversations.
The viral post perfectly captured why India’s unique blend of cultural connection and everyday convenience remains irreplaceable, especially for those moving abroad.
Read also | Indian mom shares story of stranger’s kindness in Singapore subway in viral post
USA vs India – Here’s what Manali Dey had to say:
In her viral post in India, Manali said “the food arrives before you even decide what to watch on Netflix.” While in the US, she said, “Delivery arrives when promised… but definitely not in 10-20 minutes. And the delivery fee, service fee, convenience fee and tip cost more than the food itself.”
She said that the customer service in India is polite: “Sir, please stay on the line, we are working on it.” But in the US it’s “Please listen carefully as our menu options have changed,” followed by 45 minutes of music holding.
Manali Dey said that India does ₹50 pani puri which means instant happiness. But in the US, street food is a $12 sandwich plus tax and tip. “Why am I spending so much to make her sad?” she asked.
On public transport, she said India has “options everywhere – bus, subway, car, taxi…” But in the US, if you “miss one bus, your whole day’s schedule collapses”.
Manali noted that even the festivals are very different in the two countries; while entire Indian neighborhoods celebrate together with lights, sweets, music and endless family visits, the US celebrates Diwali from 6pm to 9pm “because everyone has work tomorrow”.
In “Indian festivals really feel like festivals. Family, food, celebrations and holidays,” she said, noting that in the US it’s “Happy Diwali! …and I’ll see you at the office tomorrow morning.”
Read also | Indian woman in US explains why many NRIs stay abroad after saving ₹10 crore
She also emphasized that India has more value for money – in India,” ₹100 still gets you something useful.” But in the United States, “$10 is gone before you know where it’s gone.”
Regarding health care, Manali said: In India, people can simply ‘walk into a clinic, see a doctor, get treatment without having to plan their lives around it. While in the US, “The first available appointment is next Thursday. The medical bill will arrive before your symptoms go away.”
She also highlighted the luxury of “household help” in India, comparing it to the US, saying: “Congratulations. You are now a maid, cook, driver and maintenance department.”
“Chaotic Perfection”
Manali called India “chaotic perfection—it’s noisy. It’s crowded. It’s emotional. It’s frustrating at times. But it’s also warm and welcoming and full of life.”
After living in the United States, she realized that it’s not about which country is “better” — “The US is an incredible country with amazing opportunities, infrastructure, and quality of life in many ways. But there’s something about India that’s hard to explain until you leave.”
She noted that India has the warmth of the people, the sense of community, the way festivals bring everyone together, random conversations, neighbors who become family and a culture that makes you feel like you belong.
“Yes, India has faults. Every country does,” she said, adding that “considering what India has been through, centuries of invasion, colonial rule, partition, poverty and countless problems – the progress we have made in such a short time is remarkable.”
Read also | ‘Fuck India!’: Texas man rips up Indian flag as anti-immigration crowd cheers
“From UPI revolutionizing payments to some of the fastest delivery networks in the world, from affordable access to healthcare for millions to a thriving startup ecosystem, India is building things that many countries are now watching closely,” Manali wrote in the viral post.
She insisted that instead of constantly glorifying other countries, perhaps the generation should focus on building an even better India. “Not because India is perfect. But because it is ours.”
“We leave for our dreams, but somewhere between the quiet neighborhoods, the scheduled social life and the expensive delivery fees, we realize something: No matter where life takes us, there really is no place like home,” she said.
Read also | Anand Mahindra welcomes Indian entrepreneurs’ leadership in US unicorn startups
How netizens reacted:
Social media users were not too moved by the comparison, saying that Manali “idealized a version of India that doesn’t really exist”.
“Many of the points you mentioned may have been true for you, but they are not true for every city in India,” the user said.
“If life is so great here – why is literally EVERYONE desperate to move out the first chance they get?” another user said.
A user asked: “What about the basics? Air quality, cleanliness, value of human life.”
