In the pursuit of better quality of life and exploring better opportunities, many youngsters in tricity are settling abroad with their families. So, this week, we get in touch with a few Chandigarhians who decided to leave the ‘City Beautiful’ after spending many years in the lap of tricity. While it has been years since they settled abroad, their unconditional love for tricity continues to hold a special place in their hearts.
Nothing Can Replace Home!
AMIT CHAUDHARY & DEEPTI, BASED IN MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
Why did you decide to move abroad and when?
It all started in 2013 when Network18 had massive layoffs. Although I wasn’t affected but, I was a little shaken up to see the lack of job security. Later in 2014 when the new government took over, it became even harder to pursue journalism. Things were changing significantly, and I had never imagined about migrating to another country. However, the thought process started with one of my friends and we both started the process and finally, we got the Permanent Residency.
How did your family receive your decision of moving abroad?
My family was a bit taken aback when I first discussed my intentions of moving abroad. My wife was not ready as we were living quite a decent life and being in a good position in media while heading 3 states for the organization, was not easy to sacrifice. After all, it took me almost 15 years to get there. But then the decision was made and finally, we moved into the new territory.
What do you like the most there and what do you miss the most about Tricity?
My son was extremely excited when we moved there. He joined the local school and made heaps of friends in just a few days. It was a bit difficult in the early days as everything was to be started from scratch, but later it was awesome. We enjoyed a lot, after all, who hates lots of shopping and travelling in a country like Australia!
We like the open spaces, community, environment, and system (no sifarish type). Needless to say, moving here gave a lot of opportunities to my son as well.
However, it doesn’t matter how advanced country you settle in; it cannot take the place of your home. I really miss my hometown Chandigarh, where I was born and brought up. It is the place where I climbed the ladder of challenges and success in journalism. I miss my friends, Sukhna lake, sec 17, 22, 10, 15 and yes Stu C of Panjab University. We have heaps of things in our bucket list whenever COVID-19 allows us to travel again to home.
A Substantial Difference in Lifestyle
AKASH GHAI & MONIKA, BASED IN WINNIPEG, CANADA 
Why did you decide to move abroad and when?
My daughter has been living in Winnipeg, Canada for the past four years. So, I too decided to move here in 2018 and I finally managed in 2020.
How did your family receive your decision of moving abroad?
As we had visited Winnipeg and other parts of Canada and USA a couple of years back, we were very much familiar with most of the things here.
What do you like the most there and what do you miss the most of Tricity?
There is a substantial difference of lifestyle, culture, system etc between India and Canada. Definitely, I miss Tricity where I was born and brought up, and I miss my friends the most.
A City of Dreams and Opportunities
PAWAN SINGH & RADHIKA, BASED IN DUBAI
Why did you decide to move abroad and when?
It was in 2006 and at that time I was working with HT. After living in Chandigarh for almost 32 years, I thought to explore the outside world. So, the opportunity came to me and I just grabbed it.
How did your family receive your decision of moving abroad?
It was totally a new world to me and my family. After reaching here, the things were not very easy and I worked really hard for reaching my dreams and goals. My family came to Dubai in 2008 and it was indeed a different world for them as well. Coming from a small city to a multi-cultural environment was exciting and challenging at the same time.
What do you like the most there and what do you miss the most about Tricity?
I like the working culture the most as it gives utmost mental satisfaction, and no one bothers you. Dubai is a multi-cultural city. This is the city of dreams and opportunities. But my heart belongs to Chandigarh, wherever I go, whatever I achieve, I still miss the vibes of my city. I miss my family and friends and yes, the greenery around the city. I miss our unplanned trips to the hills.
Missing the Togetherness
TANISHA & PRANSHU KESTWAL, BASED IN IPSWICH, SUFFOLK, ENGLAND
Why did you decide to move abroad and when?
My husband had been working with an IT firm in Chandigarh and he got the opportunity to move to England. So, we decided to move altogether in September 2019.
How did your family receive your decision of moving abroad?
It was exciting and wonderful to be in England because of its big cities like London, Manchester etc. and its beautiful countryside. We have already lived here in the past, so it was not really new for us, but we were really happy to be back again. However, moving with the baby was a little challenging, as the weather here was really cold and was getting colder day by day and everything else was also new for her. But eventually, she got used to it and is now well adjusted with everything.
What do you like the most there and what do you miss the most about Tricity?
We really like the fact that there is no pollution here and less of traffic (especially in Ipswich). I like the fact that there are so many toddlers and kids’ groups in local library and churches here, where we can take our baby so they can learn and play altogether and interact with other kids. We miss our family, friends and our home in Tricity. The togetherness and joy of celebrating Indian festivals with family and friends. Household helper is also missed as they support our household activities. Authentic Indian food and street food which is irreplaceable in any way. The Medical System is a bit different here from India, so it becomes quite challenging sometimes.
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