An Indian technology professional based in Canada has announced his decision to return to India after the death of his mother, saying the loss forced him to question the purpose of living far from family in isolation.
In a heartfelt Reddit post that has since gone viral, the 28-year-old senior software developer shared that his mother passed away due to cardiac arrest, just days after expressing her wish that he move back to Bengaluru to spend time with her and his 15-month-old son.
‘What was the point of being so far away?’
The techie said he had spent eight years in Canada, secured permanent residency, bought a house and was preparing to apply for citizenship. Yet, when his mother died, he felt the sacrifices no longer made sense.
“I was in Canada for eight years… PR, about to apply for citizenship. Purchased a house and was stuck,” he wrote. “I feel what was the point of doing what I was doing if it didn’t serve me, or the purpose of taking care of my mom who sacrificed a lot for us.”
He described struggling with isolation, harsh weather and the absence of family support systems, adding that he could not even be present for his mother during her final moments.
Decision to start afresh in India
Despite admitting that he and his wife do not have significant savings, the techie said the family is prepared to sell their home in Canada and begin again in India.
“At this point, I have decided for good or worse I’m going to sell my home in Canada and move back to India,” he wrote. “I want to raise my child with people and values, not in isolation.”
He added that returning home would allow his son to grow up surrounded by family and cultural values, something he felt was missing abroad.
Mixed reactions online
The post sparked a wide debate online, with many users supporting his decision and urging him to prioritise family over financial comfort. Several commenters offered condolences and shared similar experiences of loss while living overseas.
Others, however, advised caution, suggesting he take time to grieve before making irreversible decisions, noting the challenges of readjusting to life in India.
The story has resonated strongly among Indian professionals abroad, reopening conversations around migration, loneliness and the emotional cost of living far from home.