An Indian software engineer working in Europe on a temporary company project recently took to social media to share his transformative experience of living in Europe for two months. Known by the handle Ray (@sde_ray), his insights have gone viral, sparking conversations about lifestyle differences, systemic advantages, and areas where India could improve.
Observations After Living Two Months in Europe
In his now-viral X post, Ray highlighted key takeaways from his European stay, emphasizing the stark contrasts between India and Europe. Here’s what he shared:
- Clean Air and Water: Ray appreciated Europe’s air and water quality, which are critical to public health and environmental well-being.
- Transparent Food Labels: European food packaging stood out for being non-deceptive, ensuring consumer trust and safety.
- Friendly People: He noted the warmth and politeness of people, which made his transition smoother.
- Enhanced Hair and Skin Health: Ray observed noticeable improvements in his hair density and skin glow, attributing them to better environmental and lifestyle factors.
- Efficient Public Transport: Europe’s public transport system impressed him with its reliability and convenience.
- No Language Pressure: Unlike Bengaluru, there was no societal pressure to speak the local language.
- High-Quality Healthcare: While healthcare in Europe is expensive, its quality remains unmatched, making it a preference even for many Indian politicians.
- Strong Education System: Ray highlighted the superior European education system, questioning the irony of Indian politicians promoting “Make in India” while sending their children abroad for studies.
Related: India vs. Europe: Why Luxury Goods Remain a Distant Dream for Many Indians
The Bigger Picture: What India Can Learn
Ray’s post goes beyond personal observations, offering a broader perspective:
- Learning From Europe: He emphasized the need for India to learn from Europe to achieve developed-country status.
- Moving Beyond Pakistan Comparisons: “There’s no point in comparing with Pakistan because we are way ahead of them & don’t wanna be like them,” he wrote, urging Indians to set higher benchmarks.
This post has achieved over 486K impressions making it clear that his observations have resonated with many Indians. You can read his original post here:
2 months of living in Europe, and Here’re my observations:
– Clean air.
– Clean water.
– Food labels are not deceptive.
– People are friendly.
– Hair quality & density increased.
– Major glow in skin.
– Public transport is excellent.
– No pressure to speak there language… pic.twitter.com/9hjkjgdSPv— Ray (@sde_ray) January 12, 2025
Conclusion
Ray’s post serves as a reminder that comparing India with developed regions like Europe is essential for identifying gaps and driving progress. His observations highlight the need for India to focus on improving its environmental policies, infrastructure, education system, and healthcare services. By learning from such insights, India can chart a clearer path toward development.