Backward 'Brain Drain' Calls Indians Home From US

While much of the world suffers economic meltdown, India’s economy is comparatively healthy—and that may be reversing a longstanding “brain drain” of Indians to American shores, Sandip Roy reports for NPR. “It’s the hottest topic at potluck dinners all over Silicon Valley—which friend or colleague has decided to R-2-I, or return to India,” he notes.

The average returnee, surveys see, is a thirtysomething with an advanced degree. For many Indians in the US, “going back” is a long-held dream. Why? Many give the same answer: “I am looking forward to spending a lot more time with my parents.” Still, the trend is stirring inevitable cultural clashes as Indians used to the US grapple with the return to traditions of their—or their parents’—homeland. (More India stories.)