A Canadian man living in Bengaluru has sparked conversation online after sharing a video explaining why he chose to settle in India for more than eight years. His reflections have drawn attention because many Indians often aspire to move abroad for work or lifestyle opportunities.

A question he hears often

Caleb Friesen, who currently lives in Bengaluru, posted a video on Instagram responding to a question he says people frequently ask him about his decision to live in India.

"India. Why do you choose to live in India? I get this question a lot," Friesen said in the clip.

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He explained that the question is often asked with a sense of disbelief. "It's not just why do you live in India? It's also why would anyone want to be in India voluntarily?"

According to Friesen, the reaction reflects a broader mindset in which many people assume that opportunities or lifestyles abroad are automatically better.

Observations about aspirations abroad

In the video, Friesen said he has noticed how people often favour international brands or products even when local alternatives may offer similar quality.

He also spoke about the expectations some parents have for their children to build careers overseas. Conversations with families, he said, frequently revolve around financial success or property ownership abroad.

"This is all superficial stuff," Friesen said while questioning whether achievements like a high salary or a house in another country necessarily bring fulfilment.

Friesen also addressed the idea that living in a more developed country automatically guarantees a better life.

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"There's this underlying assumption that living in a more developed place makes you happier," he said. "But those places have issues too. New York, London, Singapore - they just have different kinds of issues."

'India is where I am'

In the caption accompanying the video, Friesen said that many people struggle to understand why someone might choose to live in India long-term without a particular reason such as work assignments or tourism.

"There's a segment of Indian society that carries with them an underlying, subliminal disdain for their own country," he wrote, adding, "I do not carry that baggage."

Friesen also noted that every country has its advantages and challenges, including Canada. He suggested that people sometimes judge their own countries more harshly while idealising life abroad.

"Comparison is the thief of joy, and many people in India do a lot of comparison," he wrote.

He concluded by explaining his perspective in simple terms, "India is where I am. And wherever I am, I choose to be optimistic and make the most of the time that I have."

How did people react?

Reacting to the post, people praised Friesen's perspective and said, "Really really well said. We recently moved to India and got so many people asking versions of that question and telling us we were leaving a better life. But we saw the potential of living a more fulfilling life here and decided to take a chance on it. Love your content and keep it up!"

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Another said, "Come to uttarakhand will be glad to host you."

"I’m a Canadian and I have spent about 10 years in India over the last 20 years. Currently living in Jaipur. I like the culture and the people. And every day is an adventure. But I also love going back to Canada for the summer. I am very lucky and I know it. Very very very grateful," said another.