‘Overpriced Samosas And Nostalgic WhatsApp Groups’: Harsh Goenka’s NRI Post Triggers Debate – News18

Last Updated:April 20, 2025, 07:00 is

Harsh Goenka mentioned various ironies of the NRI lifestyle, such as spending more on spices, missing traditional foods and celebrating Diwali in a grand yet unrealistic ways.

Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Group, recently sparked debate after making controversial comments about non-resident Indians (NRIs). He poked fun at their experiences by claiming that they feel “amazing” after paying a high price for “butter chicken.” The industrialist mentioned various ironies of the NRI lifestyle, such as spending more on spices “that cost more than a bottle of wine,” missing traditional foods while eating quinoa and celebrating Diwali in a grand yet unrealistic way. He also joked that NRIs create WhatsApp groups to discuss their life in India and save dollars just to fly back home. While his comments made a few people laugh, not everyone was impressed by his opinion.

Taking to X (Formerly known as Twitter), Goenka wrote, “Indians move abroad to eat overpriced butter chicken from a Punjabi with a fake Italian accent. Buy Haldi and hing that costs more than a bottle of wine. Miss golgappas while chewing on sad quinoa. Celebrate Diwali like it’s the Met Gala, minus celebs, plus aunties in Swarovski sarees. Make only Indian friends and discuss how ‘Things are better back home.’ Form a WhatsApp group called Desi Squad and then save up in dollars, just to fly back and tell their parents how amazing life is over there.”

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “They just want some basic facilities, sir. Clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, public parks to walk in without dodging garbage, accessible healthcare without bribery, and the dignity of decent pay with a work-life balance. They’re not abandoning their Indianness; they’re just seeking a better quality of life. Provide those things here, and trust me, no one’s lining up at VFS for a visa.”

Another shared, “Not true. Not everyone is born with a golden spoon and established businesses. People who are deprived of meritocracy in India get recognised in other countries for what they are truly worth. No termite likes corruption ‘abroad’. Better standards of living, running water. Good roads.”

“And don’t forget to argue about whose mom makes the best biryani while standing in line for overpriced samosas at the one Indian store 30 miles away,” a comment read.

An individual shared, “100% agree. In addition to your views, to add to it, land, the colour of water and trees remain the same, only cleanliness, human beings with different coloured skin and looks, which makes overseas relocation different. India’s greatness, one can only notice after travelling overseas.”

Another mentioned, “Sir, I live in Africa. Indian food is a luxury, fellow Indians are rare, but the warmth here makes every stranger feel like extended family. Grateful, always.”

One more added, “NRIs used to be called as ‘Non-Reliable-Indians.’ Now they are called ‘Nostalgic Relatives of India’.”

While Harsh Goenka’s comments about the NRI lifestyle started the debate, a more serious concern is affecting many immigrants in the USA. Ever since Donald Trump started his second term as President, fear of deportation has increased. Even small issues can now lead to someone losing their visa or being sent back to their country. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security has reminded all non-citizens who are 18 or older that they must always carry proper documents. The government has made it clear that they will take strong action if rules are not followed.

Location :

Delhi, India, India