An Indian woman residing in the United States has sparked a discussion online by arguing that certain traditional habits from India are not just relics of the past, but essential “anchors” that actively enhance the quality of life abroad.
In a recent Instagram post, Pragya Gupta, an NRI traveler based in Houston, shared a video detailing the five Indian habits she refuses to abandon, explaining why they are beneficial in a Western environment.
“People think moving to the US changes everything about you… but some Indian habits actually make your life better here and I refuse to let them go,” Gupta wrote.
The Five Essential Habits
Pragya Gupta outlined her five core practices and the reasons behind them:
- Keeping the House Shoe-Free: She explained that maintaining a shoe-free house is a simple yet highly effective way to keep her living space clean and hygienic.
- Maintaining the Indian ‘Jugaad’ Mindset: Gupta described the ‘jugaad’ mentality—a flexible approach to problem-solving and improvisation—as a “superpower in the US.” She noted it helps her to “solve problems quickly, adapt fast, and make the most of any situation.”
- Saving More Than Spending: She highlighted the financial discipline instilled by this habit. “The US can make you spend without thinking with the variety of options and forced consumerism. But that Indian discipline of saving first protects me from heavy lifestyle creep and financial stress,” she explained.
- Regularly Eating Home-Cooked Food: This habit, she said, helps her stay “grounded, healthier, and connected” to her roots and heritage.
- Staying Connected with Family: Regardless of the time zone difference, she prioritizes regular communication. “Regular video calls, picture updates, and small check-ins keep me rooted and emotionally steady,” she wrote.
Gupta concluded her post by emphasizing that “Moving abroad doesn’t erase who you are. Some habits actually make you stronger here.”
The post generated significant engagement, including supportive comments from others in the diaspora. One individual wrote, “I’m a north Indian and raised in the US, and I think I actually have picked up a lot of Indian habits, maybe some more than my immigrant parents.”
Pragya Gupta’s Instagram bio indicates she is a traveler who has visited 24 countries on four continents and currently resides in Houston, USA.