Most NRIs only exist, they do not live

India’s widely read banker-turned contemporary writer Chetan Bhagat, who boasts an unrivalled fan following in millions, was in Dubai early this week to ‘inspire’ non-resident Indians on living life better.
“NRIs just exist, they do not live life,” said the author, columnist and speaker.
Majority of expats claim to be happy based on factors such as an annually increasing bank balance, bigger homes and seeing kids in good educational institutions that they forget to ‘live’ life.
Settling down into thus they begin to ‘fade’ away with no enthusiasm to be alive, he opined.
Quoting extensively from his own experiences to validate his opinions, Bhagat claimed that he hates giving advice, especially to a crowd comprising Dubai expats.
“If you can afford to be here, you don’t require my advice,” was his opening line of the talk titled – ‘An Inspirational evening by Chetan Bhagat’ - before generously suggesting dos and don’ts.
Challenging Indian politics, its social and cultural mindset, the speaker urged NRIs to live life, take risks and pursue ones dreams. But when posed a direct query – should one chase dreams ignoring relationships?
“Well, relationships are equally important. It’s good to find a balance,” he clarified and quickly added, “family is the base for him” and even confessed about his dream of being a househusband, which he lives without regret today.