Podcast

Life in India After 17 Years in Canada: One-Year Kolkata Update

Q: Why is health insurance critical for NRIs returning to India?

Abhishek strongly emphasizes health insurance because of India's high medical inflation (11-13% annually). He says: 'A single hospitalization will take away everything you've saved — it could be something as simple as a dental procedure or gallstone removal.' Important tip: Start health insurance early because most policies have a 1-year waiting period before you can claim. If you wait 5 years to get insurance, you add another year of waiting period and 'walk in a very risky zone.'

Q: How can NRIs find leadership jobs in India?

Abhishek's key advice: Don't wait until you move to India to start networking. He says: 'When I'll go to India in the first 3 months I'll start networking — that is a mistake.' Most advertised jobs are entry-level; leadership positions come through networking. Maintain your professional network while abroad — stay in touch with former colleagues, follow their career growth, learn about industry changes. Use LinkedIn actively. Without networking, 'you are actually Mr. no one' when you land in India, regardless of your Indian name.

Q: What are the biggest challenges when moving from Canada to India?

Abhishek identifies several challenges: 1) Weather adjustment — Kolkata summers are extremely hot and humid after years in Canada. 2) India has changed dramatically — 'We have an India in our minds we dream about' but the reality is different with Digital India, GST, and new systems. 3) Relationships need rebuilding — neighbors have changed, a new generation has emerged. 4) Things don't move at the speed you desire. 5) Emotional quotients (EQs) are very different between India and Canada. The faster you accept these realities, the better.

Q: Is it better to move to India in summer or winter?

Abhishek deliberately chose summer despite the heat challenge. His reasoning: Winter months (November-February) have higher expenses — flight tickets are expensive, and it's peak season for festivals, exhibitions, and socializing. Moving in summer helps you 'get adapted quickly' to the weather while saving money on relocation costs. However, be prepared for the heat if you're moving to cities like Kolkata — 'I'm not used to the weather anymore after being there in Canada for so many years.'

Q: What investment options should returning NRIs consider in India?

Abhishek recommends a priority-based approach: 1) Build 3 months of savings before moving. 2) After stabilizing, save 20% of salary monthly. 3) Get health insurance immediately (to start the waiting period). 4) Start SIPs — even ₹500/month works due to compound interest. 5) Maintain liquid cash for medical emergencies. 6) Only then plan for retirement. He notes that recurring deposits have evolved into SIPs, and the key is to 'start early' regardless of income level.

Q: Are there entrepreneurship opportunities for NRIs in India?

Yes, Abhishek highlights that 'the possibility has skyrocketed in India with new set of rules with the current government.' Not everyone wants a 9-to-5 job, and not everyone has a family business to join. The startup ecosystem has grown significantly. He also mentions opportunities in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. His advice: Know the taxation system, get your documentation ready (PAN, Aadhaar), and pursue your interest while leveraging your professional network.

Watch this episode on its own page

Abhishek moved from Canada to Kolkata in 2024 after 17 years abroad. In this honest 1-year update, he shares the real challenges — weather adjustment, financial planning, health insurance importance, and finding leadership jobs through networking. His key message: 'There is hope. The country has changed. There are ample opportunities.'

Avinash

25 Dec 202518 min read46 min watchUpdated 26 Mar 2026

In this story

Key Highlights from Abhishek's 1-Year Update
Life in India: Exciting Yet Challenging
The Weather Challenge: Why He Chose Summer
India Has Changed: Accept This Reality Quickly
The 3-Month Savings Rule: Don't Move Without It
Do You Miss Canada? The Honest Answer
Financial Planning: The 20% Savings Rule
Health Insurance: Why It's Non-Negotiable
Investment Strategy: SIPs and Emergency Funds
Finding Leadership Jobs Through Networking
Entrepreneurship Opportunities in India
Know the Taxation System
The Message of Hope
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Real Return Stories • Last updated: March 26, 2026

Life in India After 17 Years in Canada: One Year Update from Kolkata — Challenges, Financial Planning & Career Lessons

Abhishek moved from Canada to Kolkata in 2024 after spending 17 years abroad. In this honest follow-up interview, he shares what life has really been like — the weather challenges, financial planning lessons, health insurance importance, finding leadership jobs through networking, and why despite everything, there's still hope and opportunity in India.

By Avinash, NRI Return Specialist 📅 Published: December 25, 2025 | 🔄 Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Real Story Canada to India Financial Planning Health Insurance Career Networking

Key Highlights from Abhishek's 1-Year Update

Moved from Canada to Kolkata in 2024 after 17 years abroad
Deliberately chose summer for the move to save on relocation costs
Lived on savings for the first few months before finding work
Recommends minimum 3 months of savings before moving
20% savings rule: Save 20% of salary immediately after stabilizing
Health insurance is critical due to 11-13% medical inflation in India
Networking is the only way to find leadership positions
India has changed dramatically — accept this reality quickly
Still misses Canada at times, especially during weather transitions
Describes his India experience in one word: "Experimentation"

The Message of Hope: "There is hope. The country has changed. There are ample opportunities. If you tap at the right avenue, if you knock at the right door, you will be able to see the opportunity." — Abhishek's encouraging words for NRIs considering the move.

Life in India: Exciting Yet Challenging

It's been almost a year and a half since Abhishek moved from Canada to Kolkata after spending 17 years abroad. When asked how life has been, his answer captures the essence of the NRI return experience:

"Life in India has been exciting, I would say. Not to say there are no challenges — but it was exciting. It's a learning process."

This balanced perspective — acknowledging both the excitement and the challenges — is what makes Abhishek's story so valuable for NRIs considering the move. He doesn't sugarcoat the difficulties, but he also doesn't let them overshadow the opportunities.

The Weather Challenge: Why He Chose Summer

The foremost challenge Abhishek faced was something he had technically prepared for but still found difficult: the weather.

"I moved in summer and the summer in Kolkata is very, very hot. I'm not used to the weather anymore after being there in Canada for so many years. That was a huge challenge."

But here's the interesting part — he deliberately chose summer for the move. Why?

Why Summer is Better for Moving to India

Lower costs: Flight tickets are cheaper in summer
Less competition: Winter months are peak season for travel
Faster adaptation: Get the hardest weather adjustment done first
Avoid festival rush: Winter has more festivals, exhibitions, and social events

"In the winter months, India is a country where people are more outside their home — vacations, lots of festivals and exhibitions. It's very good from a socializing perspective, but when you're moving, the expenses are high, the flight tickets are high."

India Has Changed: Accept This Reality Quickly

One of the most important lessons Abhishek shares is about managing expectations. After 17 years abroad, the India in your mind is not the India you'll return to.

"We have an India in our minds — we dream about an India. When you are away for a minimum of 10 years outside India and you come back, we have to actually adapt with the fact that India has also changed — in leaps and bounds, not just a little bit. The faster we accept this reality, the better."

What has changed?

How India Has Transformed

Digital India: UPI payments, digital services, online everything
GST system: New taxation structure affecting expenses. If you are relearning the system after years abroad, the official GST portal is the cleanest starting point.
Social dynamics: Neighbors have changed, new generation has emerged
Cost of living: Inflation has significantly impacted expenses
Medical costs: Healthcare inflation at 11-13% annually

Abhishek and his wife approached this with openness: "We both were open to this change. Of course, we found glimpses of our childhood years, but at the same time, we have to adapt to the new things."

The 3-Month Savings Rule: Don't Move Without It

Abhishek's most practical advice for anyone planning to move to India is about savings:

"For the first year, before we moved on to work, ideally we were living on our savings. Something very critical for someone who is moving out of any nation — when you decide to move to India, first you should build up your savings. Ideally, 3 months of savings will actually help you to navigate the surprises when you come to India."

Why 3 months specifically?

Why 3 Months of Savings is Essential

Uneven initial expenses: First 3 months have unpredictable costs
Setup costs: Buying things, setting up home, groceries
Job search buffer: Time to find the right opportunity
Adjustment period: Understanding your real budget takes time

"When you have the savings, then only you move. By the time you get to the point when you are completely depleting your savings, the next opportunity came in — or rather, you have to continuously try because the savings will deplete at one point."

The key insight: Don't wait passively for opportunities. Use the savings buffer to actively search while you have financial security.

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Do You Miss Canada? The Honest Answer

When asked if he misses Canada, Abhishek gives a refreshingly honest answer:

"If I give you the honest answer — yes, there are many instances. When we are navigating the challenges amidst a whole new city which has evolved, the surroundings have changed, neighbors have changed, I'm meeting mostly newer people, a generation has emerged."

The challenges that trigger these feelings:

When NRIs Miss Their Adopted Country

Relationship rebuilding: Having to equilibrate relationships at every domain — personal and professional
Pace of things: Things don't move at the speed you desire
Emotional differences: EQs are very different between India and Canada
Weather transitions: Missing snow during winter, struggling with humidity in summer
Things not going your way: Many times things were not happening to our liking

"We definitely felt, and we still feel — I should say it's present — that yes, I miss Canada. Like this is the time when we are moving out of the summer... we are used to seeing snow everywhere, which we are not. So yes, the answer is yes, we do miss Canada."

This honesty is valuable because it normalizes the experience. Missing your adopted country doesn't mean you made the wrong decision — it's a natural part of the transition.

Financial Planning: The 20% Savings Rule

Abhishek emphasizes that financial planning is critical in "new India" — without it, you won't be able to combat general inflation, medical inflation, or any other kind of inflation.

"Your salary is the key to running because your salary — the number — will actually determine your financial planning."

The First 3 Months: Expect Uneven Expenses

Don't try to budget strictly in the first 3 months after arrival:

"The first 3 months for anyone who has moved, it's very difficult to calculate because when you get your first money initially when you're trying to settle down, your expenses will be very, very uneven. You are buying things more than you require, your grocery, you are probably ordering food from outside — that trend has changed."

After Stabilizing: The 20% Rule

Once you've stabilized (typically after 3 months), implement this formula:

Abhishek's Financial Planning Formula

Priority	Action	Details
1	Save 20% of salary	Immediately after receiving salary, before any spending
2	Health Insurance	Start early to complete the 1-year waiting period
3	Start SIPs	Even ₹500/month works — compound interest is magic
4	Emergency Fund	Liquid cash for medical emergencies
5	Retirement Planning	Only after basics are covered

"First health, then wealth — that's how I think. That mantra will work for most of them, and the real salary doesn't really matter."

The beauty of this formula is that it works at any income level:

"If someone is thinking, 'I came to India and I just started a day job and I'm getting only ₹15,000' — this formula of 20% saving and health insurance and SIPs can also work for them. You can start a SIP with as low as ₹500. Start early — that is my biggest advice."

Health Insurance: Why It's Non-Negotiable

Abhishek's strongest advice is about health insurance. He admits he wasn't a believer before, but India's medical inflation changed his mind.

"One of the next major challenges in India is medical inflation. Compared to other countries, the medical inflation has exponentially increased over the years — give or take, it's around 11-13%, which is quite high."

The Reality of Medical Costs

"As I looked into the medical inflation and looked around myself in India — people who are getting hospitalized, just the daily amount of medications they are buying, thousands of rupees spent. A single hospitalization will take away everything you've saved. It could be something as simple as a dental procedure or a gallstone removal."

The Waiting Period Trap

Here's the critical insight most people miss:

"Start the health insurance early because most health insurance — you cannot really have the advantage of the insurance, you cannot claim in the first period. Ideally, it's 1 year. So if you start early, you will be finishing up those 12 months quickly. If you start after 5 years, then you have to add another year to your waiting period, and you are now walking in a very risky zone."

⚠️ Critical Advice: Get health insurance immediately after moving to India — even if you're healthy. The 1-year waiting period means you need to start early to be covered when you actually need it.

For more on health insurance options, see our comprehensive guide on health insurance for NRIs moving back to India.

Investment Strategy: SIPs and Emergency Funds

Abhishek notes that investment options have evolved since he left India in 2008:

"In our times, there was something called a recurring deposit. That formula has now changed — it comes up with a new phenomenon: SIP. We know the SIPs are a must."

The Investment Priority Order

Abhishek's Investment Checklist

Regular SIPs: For long-term savings — start with even ₹500/month
Liquid cash: Medical emergency fund for uncertainties
Health insurance: To cover hospitalization costs
Retirement plan: Only after the basics are built

"You should also have some liquid cash as a medical emergency fund or a fund for uncertainties. Suppose the cashless option is not working — then you need that liquid cash."

What NOT to Bring from Abroad

When it comes to physical assets, Abhishek has practical advice:

"Particularly when you're moving from Canada or any part of North America to India, the core category of things that completely becomes out of the question is electronics — because you cannot really run the electronics that you purchased in Canada in India. It's an issue."

What to bring: Emotional items like photographs and things with sentimental value. What to leave: Electronics and items that won't work with India's electrical system.

Finding Leadership Jobs Through Networking

Abhishek's career advice is perhaps the most valuable part of his experience. At 40+, he was looking for leadership positions, not entry-level jobs.

"At my age, I'm in my 40s. I was actually looking for a position which is more of a leadership position. I was completely ditching out the entry-level positions because that will not work for me at my age — based on salary, work satisfaction, or leadership."

The Networking Mistake Most NRIs Make

Here's the critical insight:

"Many people, when they talk to me, always say: 'When I'll go to India, in the first 3 months I'll start networking because I know that country, I was born and raised there.' That is a mistake."

Why? Because most advertised jobs are entry-level. Leadership positions come through networking — and that networking needs to happen while you're still abroad.

Abhishek's Networking Strategy

Never detach from your network: Stay in touch with former colleagues throughout your time abroad
Follow peer growth: Know who got promoted, what institutions are doing well
Stay updated: Follow industry news, salary structures, pros and cons
Use LinkedIn: Keep the networking going on professional platforms
Don't ask for jobs: Network by asking "What are you doing? How are things?"

"If I just land up from nowhere in India — because we have higher populations — you are actually treated as a foreigner. Doesn't matter if we have an Indian name or Indian surname, you are actually Mr. No One and you have just landed up. People are busy with themselves and their growth. All of a sudden I'm entering someone's domain and saying 'I want a job' — that really doesn't work, especially when you are looking for leadership jobs."

Key Insight: "The next job is actually hidden there [in your network]. That's all I would say."

For more on career transitions, see our guide on choosing between product and service jobs when returning to India.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities in India

For those who don't want a traditional 9-to-5 job, Abhishek highlights the growing startup ecosystem:

"There is one domain which I haven't touched — the area of 'I want to become an entrepreneur.' Starting a new venture, a startup — that possibility has skyrocketed in India with new set of rules with the current government."

Not everyone has a family business to join, and not everyone wants a corporate job. The avenues for entrepreneurship are much easier now than when Abhishek left India in 2008.

Opportunities in India for NRIs

For-profit sector: Plenty of opportunities in corporate roles
Not-for-profit sector: Growing opportunities in NGOs and social enterprises
Hybrid models: Institutions that combine both (like schools with social missions)
Startups: Easier regulations and growing ecosystem

Abhishek himself works in a hybrid institution: "I am working in an institution which is kind of a hybrid of for-profit because it runs a school, and also not-for-profit. So I'm learning from both the domains."

Know the Taxation System

Abhishek emphasizes the importance of understanding India's taxation system before and after moving:

"When you are finding a job, when you are working on your finances, definitely know the taxation system of your country. When I'm moving to India, I should be well-versed with the taxation system of India because from the first year — if not from the second year, in my case it was the second year — you have to file the income tax. Review the official Indian income tax portal before your first filing cycle after the move."

Documentation Checklist for Returning NRIs

PAN Card: Essential for all financial transactions
Aadhaar Card: Required for many services
Bank accounts: Convert NRE/NRO to resident accounts
Tax knowledge: Understand income tax filing requirements

"We cannot really ditch the financial part — that's of foremost importance. And in parallel to that, the health part. Without these two, don't even think of moving to India. That's a reality — it might sound harsh, but that's the reality."

For detailed guidance on taxation, see our article on the new Indian Tax Bill 2025 and its impact on NRIs.

The Message of Hope

Despite all the challenges, Abhishek's overall message is one of hope and encouragement:

"I was discouraged big time. After staying for about 15+ years, people said: 'Why are you moving? You won't be able to cope. India has a lot of challenges.' Yes, there are challenges. I miss Canada — I go back to what I just said. But there is also hope. And enough hope to make this country socially, culturally, and economically beautiful by contributing."

Abhishek's Encouraging Words

"The country has changed. There are ample opportunities. If you tap at the right avenue, if you knock at the right door, you will be able to see the opportunity. There are plenty of opportunities."

His advice to NRIs considering the move:

"Pick your own interest, pursue it, and go by your gut feeling. Your professional network which you have built for years of networking will be able to guide you. So do come back to India. Please come back and be a part of the nation, and you will be able to do a lot of things and also achieve your dreams. There is hope."

One Word to Describe Life in India

When asked to summarize his India experience in one word, Abhishek chose:

"Experimentation" — "At every step, I have seen it's not a feeling that 'I have achieved this, so this is done.' At every step, I'm opening a new box and experimenting with it. The results are unknown, but it's falling into my favor. So it's an ongoing experimentation."

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much savings should I have before moving to India from abroad?

According to Abhishek's experience, you should have at least 3 months of savings before moving to India. This buffer helps you navigate the surprises and unexpected expenses during the initial settling period. The first 3 months after arrival will have very uneven expenses as you buy things, set up your home, and adjust to the new cost of living. Only after stabilizing can you understand your real budget.

Q: What percentage of salary should NRIs save after moving to India?

Abhishek recommends saving 20% of your salary immediately after you stabilize (typically after the first 3 months). His formula: 20% goes to savings, then prioritize health insurance, start SIPs (you can begin with as low as ₹500/month), maintain liquid cash for medical emergencies, and only then think about retirement planning. His mantra: "First health, then wealth."

Q: Why is health insurance critical for NRIs returning to India?

India's medical inflation is 11-13% annually — much higher than other countries. Abhishek warns: "A single hospitalization will take away everything you've saved — it could be something as simple as a dental procedure or gallstone removal." Important: Start health insurance early because most policies have a 1-year waiting period before you can claim.

Q: How can NRIs find leadership jobs in India?

Don't wait until you move to India to start networking. Most advertised jobs are entry-level; leadership positions come through networking. Maintain your professional network while abroad — stay in touch with former colleagues, follow their career growth, learn about industry changes. Use LinkedIn actively. Without networking, "you are actually Mr. No One" when you land in India.

Q: What are the biggest challenges when moving from Canada to India?

Key challenges include: 1) Weather adjustment — summers are extremely hot after years in Canada. 2) India has changed dramatically with Digital India, GST, and new systems. 3) Relationships need rebuilding — neighbors have changed, a new generation has emerged. 4) Things don't move at the speed you desire. 5) Emotional quotients (EQs) are very different between India and Canada.

Q: Is it better to move to India in summer or winter?

Abhishek chose summer despite the heat challenge because: Winter months have higher expenses — flight tickets are expensive, and it's peak season for festivals and socializing. Moving in summer helps you "get adapted quickly" to the weather while saving money on relocation costs.

Q: What investment options should returning NRIs consider in India?

Priority order: 1) Build 3 months of savings before moving. 2) After stabilizing, save 20% of salary monthly. 3) Get health insurance immediately. 4) Start SIPs — even ₹500/month works. 5) Maintain liquid cash for medical emergencies. 6) Only then plan for retirement. The key is to "start early" regardless of income level.

Q: Are there entrepreneurship opportunities for NRIs in India?

Yes, Abhishek highlights that startup possibilities have "skyrocketed in India with new set of rules." There are opportunities in for-profit, not-for-profit, and hybrid sectors. His advice: Know the taxation system, get your documentation ready (PAN, Aadhaar), and pursue your interest while leveraging your professional network.

Ready to Plan Your Return to India?

Abhishek's journey shows that returning to India requires careful planning — from savings to health insurance to networking. Whether you're considering a move in 6 months or 6 years, having a structured plan makes all the difference.

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