India’s economic growth is a tale of contradictions. On one hand, there’s excitement about the country’s expanding businesses, new start-ups, and big dreams of becoming a global leader. But on the other, there’s worry about a weakening rupee and frustration over India’s poor infrastructure. Amid this uncertainty, and shortly after reports of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s decision to settle in London, a start-up founder’s viral social media post suggested that high-salaried individuals leave the country.
Settling abroad is a personal choice. But the start-up founder and many more like him appear to argue that their decision is not just personal but pragmatic, driven by sheer frustration with the way things work. According to them, high earners pay high taxes, which don’t translate into better public services or infrastructure.
It’s easy to understand the middle class’ motivations for moving abroad as they hardly get the same exposure and opportunities that rich Indians do. Why is the high-salary bracket choosing to do the same? Their conversations appear to be happening within an elite space, far removed from the daily realities of most Indians. India’s privileged class can, after all, create lifestyles that mirror those of people in developed nations. They have access to expensive equipment and private solutions, which allow them to bypass public system failures – luxuries the masses can ill afford.
Even though these arguments point to real, pressing problems, it’s truly baffling to see how disconnected they are from the plight of ordinary people. Those with the resources to drive meaningful change are choosing to post their hot takes on social media instead. After climbing the ladder of success in a system they now deride, a system built on slow but steady social mobility, they are complaining about taxes. Rather than using their wealth and connections to create similar opportunities for those left behind, they’re resorting to behaviour that mocks Indians who can’t dream of taking a flight in their lifetime.
They admire nations that provide basic amenities and better infrastructure to even those on the lowest rung of society. However, after moving abroad, many of them realise that self-sufficiency is non-negotiable in such countries, and struggle with the idea of doing everything on their own. As they navigate systems where labour is valued and fundamental rights are paramount, they forget how they built their comfortable lives in India on the backs of cheap domestic labour and inequalities, playing a monumental role in creating the society they ‘escaped’.
Take some responsibility
No wonder these people glorify selfish and impractical suggestions to leave India. They’re painting themselves as victims simply because they have to pay taxes. Taxes that are meant to fund the social mobility of those left behind so that they, too, can get opportunities and live a life of dignity. Now, after achieving success in society, giving back so that others can benefit seems like a burden to them. They can’t stomach that their desire to enjoy the perks of a developed nation isn’t immediately met after paying taxes, that their money is instead directed toward those who are more in need.
They do not understand that the systemic change they are complaining about is not just the responsibility of the government, civil society and philanthropists. Sure, issues of government will and corruption should be debated. But shouldn’t the rich also take responsibility for building and sustaining society? They are best equipped to challenge inequalities, support systematic reform, and create awareness. Shifting all burden onto the system and government while disengaging from their own accountability is not only unjust but immoral.
If the privileged choose to retreat into self-serving narratives instead of contributing to the collective good, no change will be possible. Giving back is a moral obligation for those who have benefited most from the system. This isn’t even about living in India – they can move to other nations and still give back to society. But please stop glorifying and promoting the act of leaving the country and abandoning those in need as some sort of righteous mission. Your departure won’t halt the growth of India or its people.
Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amana and Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Views are personal.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)
Author is right, Taxes should be the last reason to leave India. The only justiiable reason is the threat of a pending civil war with the way politics is progressing here.