IITian Still Regrets Leaving Bengaluru 8 Years Ago: “We Didn’t Just Leave a City, But a Way of Life”
Eight years ago, Ritesh Kumar (name changed), an IIT graduate and tech enthusiast, packed his bags and left Bengaluru for what he thought would be a better life. Today, settled in a slower city with a stable job, he often finds himself longing for the vibrancy, chaos, and comfort of Bengaluru. “We didn’t just leave a city,” he says, “we left a whole ecosystem that nurtured dreams, innovation, and identity.”
Why Bengaluru Felt Like Home
For thousands of young professionals like Ritesh, Bengaluru is more than India’s tech capital — it’s an emotion. With its blend of startup culture, cosmopolitan vibe, and pleasant climate, the city welcomes dreamers, creators, and changemakers.
“I moved to Bengaluru after graduating from IIT Kanpur in 2012,” Ritesh recalls. “At first, it was the job opportunities that brought me there. But soon, I realized Bengaluru offered so much more — the freedom to experiment, the thrill of building something from scratch, and the energy of people who were hungry for success.”
From working in a fast-paced startup in Indiranagar to late-night chai sessions with fellow coders in Koramangala, Ritesh experienced a lifestyle that was intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling.
Leaving Wasn’t a Choice, It Was a Responsibility
In 2017, Ritesh had to make a tough decision. His father suffered a medical emergency, and Ritesh returned to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh to manage family affairs. “It wasn’t easy. But when family needs you, you don’t think twice. I thought I’d adjust — after all, home is home.”
However, the transition was far from smooth. The tech ecosystem in his hometown was limited, the work culture rigid, and opportunities scarce. “Suddenly, I was no longer part of brainstorming sessions, tech meetups, or product launches. I was managing legacy systems in a government contract, disconnected from the future I once helped build.”
Missing the Bengaluru Culture
What Ritesh misses the most is the sense of community. “In Bengaluru, I could walk into a coffee shop and overhear a conversation that inspired a new idea. Everyone was building something — an app, a startup, a solution to a real-world problem.”
The diversity of people — from artists to developers to digital nomads — made the city vibrant. The food, weekend treks, bike rides to Nandi Hills, and live gigs at pubs added to the experience. “It was a complete life — not just work, but passion, people, and growth.”
Remote Work Didn’t Fill the Void
Even when remote work became the norm during the pandemic, Ritesh says it wasn’t the same. “Yes, I worked with a Bengaluru-based company from home. But those Zoom calls couldn’t recreate the magic of in-person collaboration or the buzz of being surrounded by smart, driven people.”
He tried building a small team locally but struggled with the talent gap. “In Bengaluru, even a fresh grad thinks like a founder. That mindset is rare outside metro startup circles.”
Looking Ahead with Hope
Now in his mid-thirties, Ritesh dreams of returning to Bengaluru — not just for career opportunities, but for the life he left behind. “I want my kids to grow up in a city where they can think big. Where going to robotics workshops or art classes is just a part of childhood.”
While responsibilities still tie him down, the dream of returning stays alive. “Bengaluru gave me purpose. It taught me to dream without limits. I owe it to myself to go back someday.”
In his own words, “We didn’t just leave a city. We left behind a version of ourselves that dared to dream bigger — and I want that back.”
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