A couple who spent nearly 15 years building their careers and lives in the United States has chosen to return to India, citing prolonged immigration uncertainty and growing opportunities in Bengaluru‘s thriving startup ecosystem.
According to a report by Business Insider, Astha Chaturvedi, founder of Mouri Living, and her husband had established successful careers in the US, working with major organisations including Big Tech firms, McKinsey and Ripple. Despite their professional success, the couple faced years of uncertainty due to lengthy green card backlogs.
Chaturvedi’s husband had been waiting for permanent residency since 2015, while her own application had been pending since 2020. The prolonged wait prompted the family to reassess their future.
A work trip that changed everything
The idea of moving back took shape during a visit to India in 2024 while Chaturvedi was exploring talent for her startup. A conversation about India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem encouraged the couple to seriously consider relocating.
What followed was a carefully planned move. The family sold their San Francisco home for approximately $2.3 million and shifted to Bengaluru, initially renting before purchasing a home in the city.
Building a new life in Bengaluru
The transition brought both opportunities and challenges. While the couple found Bengaluru’s business environment vibrant and promising, they also had to adapt to traffic congestion, administrative procedures and day-to-day logistical hurdles.
However, Chaturvedi said the benefits outweighed the difficulties. She highlighted access to healthcare, domestic support services and, most importantly, a strong sense of community.
The couple’s daughter has settled comfortably into her new school, while friendships and support networks have helped the family adjust to life in India.
For the family, the move represented more than a change of address. It was a decision to regain control over their future and embrace new possibilities in a country they once thought they had left behind.