I left USA 2 days after finishing PhD at MIT. Why? Story of an IIT-MIT graduate

Summary

The video discusses the advantages and challenges of building a career and a startup in India versus the US. The speaker highlights that while the US offers opportunities for exposure to ambitious people and higher education, India provides a more cost-effective environment to bootstrap startups, particularly in fields like AI. They emphasize the freedom and control that comes with staying in India, free from the pressures of visa and green card issues. The speaker encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to make decisions based on their long-term goals, urging them to follow their passion without worrying about external perceptions of success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vision and hard work are key to building something meaningful, especially in the Indian startup ecosystem.
• 😀 The desire to create world-class businesses often leads entrepreneurs to work harder and more passionately.
• 😀 While working in the US may be financially beneficial for employees, India is a great place to bootstrap a startup with lower operational costs.
• 😀 In India, entrepreneurs can maintain high-quality teams at a fraction of the cost compared to the US.
• 😀 Pursuing education at top global universities can significantly change one's perspective and help build a network of driven and visionary individuals.
• 😀 Time spent with ambitious and brilliant people at universities like MIT can inspire entrepreneurs to think bigger and dream more boldly.
• 😀 The challenges of returning to India after studying abroad, such as cultural adjustments and daily life frustrations, may be worth it for those focused on a larger goal.
• 😀 India's startup environment offers great potential for those who wish to build businesses without the constraints of visa issues or high living costs.
• 😀 The decision to return to India after gaining international experience is a personal one, but it can offer greater independence and control.
• 😀 Entrepreneurs should prioritize their long-term goals and not be deterred by minor inconveniences or societal perceptions when returning to India.
• 😀 Personal fulfillment and the ability to create meaningful impact can often outweigh the temporary discomforts associated with life back in India.

Q & A

Why is having a long-term vision important when building something meaningful?

A long-term vision helps drive sustained effort and passion, leading individuals to work harder and more persistently towards their goals. It gives purpose to their endeavors and often results in building something of lasting value.

What makes India an attractive place to build a startup compared to the U.S.?

India offers significant advantages, such as lower operational costs, the ease of starting a business without visa restrictions, and the ability to build world-class teams at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S.

What are the advantages of being in India for AI research and development?

In India, it's possible to conduct AI research and maintain high-quality teams at a lower cost, which would be financially prohibitive in countries like the U.S. This allows startups to operate with fewer constraints and still produce impactful work.

Is it better to study at a university in the U.S. for those aspiring to build something of their own?

Studying at top universities in the U.S. offers valuable exposure to a network of highly-driven individuals and provides a transformative experience that challenges your thinking, helping you dream bigger and aim higher.

What kind of personal transformation happens when you study at top U.S. universities?

Studying at top universities exposes you to exceptional peers who push you to think in new ways, fostering a mindset that encourages ambition and global thinking. It changes how you approach problems, communicate, and envision your future.

What are some challenges individuals may face when returning to India after working or studying abroad?

Challenges include adjusting to local conditions, such as different standards of living, micro-aggressions, and occasional rudeness. Individuals may also miss the convenience and amenities they had abroad. However, these challenges are often outweighed by the opportunities to make a significant impact in India.

How does the cost of living and running a business differ between India and the U.S.?

In India, the cost of living and running a business is significantly lower than in the U.S., allowing entrepreneurs to bootstrap their companies without the need for external funding. In contrast, starting a similar business in the U.S. would involve much higher expenses.

What is the speaker's perspective on the U.S. visa system and how it influences their decision to work in India?

The speaker dislikes the feeling of being a second-class citizen due to the U.S. visa system, which led them to avoid the H1B or green card process. This experience reinforced their decision to build their future in India, where they felt more in control and aligned with their values.

What would be the personal and professional trade-offs for an individual who decides to return to India after studying or working in the U.S.?

The trade-offs include potential sacrifices in lifestyle, such as lower living standards in some areas, and the loss of a certain social perception tied to working in the U.S. However, the trade-off can be worthwhile for those focused on long-term goals, contributing to India's growth, and pursuing their own entrepreneurial vision.

How do the speaker's experiences and values influence their decision to work in India over the U.S.?

The speaker values independence, control, and contributing to the local ecosystem, which led them to choose India over the U.S. Despite the challenges, they believe that India offers more opportunities to make a meaningful impact, and that’s more aligned with their long-term goals.