For many people, the decision to give up Indian citizenship and acquire a foreign passport seems like a gateway to a better life. The lure of a "stronger" passport, often associated with more opportunities, freedom of movement, and a higher standard of living, can be powerful. But how much of this is reality, and how much is just a dream?
When someone decides to give up their Indian citizenship, it's not just a legal change – it’s an emotional and cultural shift as well. Many people feel excited and proud when they first hold their new passport. It symbolizes hard work, a step into a more prosperous world, and, in many cases, a higher global standing. But how long does this excitement last?
### The Illusion of Special Status
In some communities, holding a foreign passport can initially feel like an elevated status. There’s a sense of achievement, a feeling of distinction from others. However, over time, most people realize that a passport, no matter how powerful, doesn't fundamentally change life’s challenges.
Whether you’re holding a passport from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or any other country, the human experience remains the same. People still face the same struggles – finding happiness, building relationships, managing finances, and navigating life's ups and downs. The real question is: did the passport truly deliver the dream, or was it simply an illusion?
### The Obsession with Passports and Visas
In many desi communities, there’s an overwhelming obsession with acquiring foreign passports and permanent residency (PR) status. The mindset is that once you get the PR or passport, you've "made it" in life. This belief often leads to extreme excitement and a rush to leave behind Indian citizenship, hoping for a better, more prosperous future abroad.
But isn’t it time we challenge this thinking? A passport alone doesn’t guarantee happiness or success. Yes, it might open doors to new opportunities, but those opportunities come with their own set of challenges. People who are born with these foreign passports still have the same human problems as anyone else – from job security to work-life balance, from personal growth to finding true contentment.
### Does the Excitement Fade?
For many, the initial joy of obtaining a foreign passport eventually fades. Over time, the excitement of having access to more countries without a visa or the pride of holding a more "respected" passport dulls as the reality of everyday life sets in.
Those who migrate may find themselves working harder, dealing with new societal expectations, and often missing the cultural and familial connections they left behind in India. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people who, after years abroad, feel a sense of loss or disconnection despite having achieved what they once thought was the ultimate goal.
### Beyond the Passport: A New Perspective
It’s important to reflect on what truly defines happiness and success. A passport is just a document; it doesn’t guarantee a life free of problems or challenges. The real key to a fulfilling life is not in the citizenship you hold but in your mindset, your goals, and how you choose to live your life.
Isn’t it time we raised our collective mindset beyond the obsession with passports and visas? Success should be measured by personal growth, relationships, and the ability to live a fulfilling life, no matter where you are or which passport you hold.