Investor Cites Safety And Quality Of Life Concerns For Leaving India; Here's How Internet Reacts

Himanshu Upadhyay, an investor and president of the Indian Business Chamber of Luxembourg, has drawn attention on social media after revealing that he relocated abroad due to worsening living conditions and personal safety concerns in India. In a candid post, Upadhyay described his decision to leave the country as a response to what he termed a "morally bankrupt environment" and deteriorating standards of urban life.

Sharing insights from his time in Noida, where he lived in a gated community, Upadhyay highlighted persistent issues that contributed to his move, ranging from rampant corruption and severe pollution to erratic water and electricity supply. Despite the area's reputation as an upscale neighborhood, he painted a grim picture of the lived reality.

“No matter how many tall buildings and trees Noida has, it’s still a hell,” he stated.

With more than 20 years of experience across financial markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, Upadhyay said he was deeply disillusioned by the disconnect between India’s growing skyline and the actual quality of life on the ground. His remarks reflect broader frustrations voiced by segments of the Indian diaspora and urban professionals who, despite access to premium housing and infrastructure, find the overall ecosystem lacking in reliability, transparency, and basic livability.

I lived in a so called posh colony in Noida. The only reason I left India was the incompetent and morally bankrupt people around me.

There wasn’t a day that I didn’t struggle with basic things, not only outside of the house but also indoors. Electricity, water, pollution,… https://t.co/olyl6IZ8iE

— Hims 🪷 🚴 🌱 🧘 (@maveinlux) May 3, 2025

In a post on X, Upadhyay wrote, "I lived in a so-called posh colony in Noida. The only reason I left India was the incompetent and morally bankrupt people around me... Electricity, water, pollution, neighbours, commuters. Everyone seemed to be always angry and frustrated, ready to kill." 

He went on to allege that even highly educated residents in his neighborhood were complicit in corrupt practices, pointing to electricity theft as a case in point. Upadhyay’s remarks were made in response to a social media user who had praised the quality of life in Noida.

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Internet Reacts

While many users echoed his concerns about the city’s living conditions, others pushed back, defending Noida’s infrastructure, amenities, and ongoing development efforts. “It’s true that on average Indians are more corrupt than people from developed countries. Maybe because their quality of life is already good they don’t need to be venal or may be Indians have a character defect,” wrote one of the X users.

“I also stay in Noida. Never faced any problem. It is all about experience. Not all get the same experience and everybody has different struggles. Yes India has corrupt people, but imagine those who are not having resources what they will do. Life is not easy whether India or abroad, you have to adapt. Many people don't have good experiences outside,” wrote a second user.

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