I read an interesting article today about The Exit of the Middle Class (Indians).
The author writes, 'Middle class disenchantment is not new. But in recent times, I do believe it has grown to fierce proportions.'
I belong to the same group of 'middle class' that has physically exited India and living in Germany and I seem to share this observation. This is just based on looking around the number of fellow Indians who have also moved near us in Germany and to other parts of the world. Indians moving abroad is also not a big deal but in my observation, more and more middle aged and even older people are moving abroad at so called 'later' stages in life.
Years ago, it was mostly the young generation that aspired to study/work abroad and perhaps settle down there. Most people gave up any such plans once they got married, got their feet stuck in the ground with a home loan and finally when they had kids that started going to school.
On the other hand, families that lived abroad used to consider returning to India when their children needed to start schooling.
But now I see a lot of families in this phase of their life moving abroad, especially stating the reason, 'for the sake of our children.' Not to mention the salaries in a different currency eases the debts etc. I know multiple families who have made conscious decisions to move abroad with their kids, enrol them in International schools (that cost a lot in these countries) so they can get a balanced education and opportunities to explore other talents as well.
For those middle class living in India and 'exiting mentally' its no wonder that there is such a rush for premium gated communities - Spanish villas, New York styled loft apartments...and the big big business of International Schools all over urban India. These International schools are expensive, independent from the prescribed school system of India and perhaps provide the flexibility for parents to and students to transfer from one such school to another (if need be) anywhere in the world. Also might prepare the students better to compete internationally post school ?
Most of all, they promise an education that is not purely academics oriented - the reputation Indian education system has.
Almost every aspect of life in India (education, infrastructure, resources, gender, safety, economy....) is a ticking time bomb. With ONE life to live, for those need to think of the future of their children, is there much of an option left?
Not many of those who like to wear their patriotism on their sleeve will agree and accept the fact that they have indeed mentally exited!
The author writes, 'Middle class disenchantment is not new. But in recent times, I do believe it has grown to fierce proportions.'
I belong to the same group of 'middle class' that has physically exited India and living in Germany and I seem to share this observation. This is just based on looking around the number of fellow Indians who have also moved near us in Germany and to other parts of the world. Indians moving abroad is also not a big deal but in my observation, more and more middle aged and even older people are moving abroad at so called 'later' stages in life.
Years ago, it was mostly the young generation that aspired to study/work abroad and perhaps settle down there. Most people gave up any such plans once they got married, got their feet stuck in the ground with a home loan and finally when they had kids that started going to school.
On the other hand, families that lived abroad used to consider returning to India when their children needed to start schooling.
But now I see a lot of families in this phase of their life moving abroad, especially stating the reason, 'for the sake of our children.' Not to mention the salaries in a different currency eases the debts etc. I know multiple families who have made conscious decisions to move abroad with their kids, enrol them in International schools (that cost a lot in these countries) so they can get a balanced education and opportunities to explore other talents as well.
For those middle class living in India and 'exiting mentally' its no wonder that there is such a rush for premium gated communities - Spanish villas, New York styled loft apartments...and the big big business of International Schools all over urban India. These International schools are expensive, independent from the prescribed school system of India and perhaps provide the flexibility for parents to and students to transfer from one such school to another (if need be) anywhere in the world. Also might prepare the students better to compete internationally post school ?
Most of all, they promise an education that is not purely academics oriented - the reputation Indian education system has.
Almost every aspect of life in India (education, infrastructure, resources, gender, safety, economy....) is a ticking time bomb. With ONE life to live, for those need to think of the future of their children, is there much of an option left?
Not many of those who like to wear their patriotism on their sleeve will agree and accept the fact that they have indeed mentally exited!
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