Hey there! 👋 I’m Mani Karthik.

Just another techie who lived the American Dream. And then chose to wake up.

The usual story. Almost.

Mani Karthik

2008: Packed two suitcases. Moved to the US.

Typical IT job. Typical Indian area. Typical Indian friends.

Weekend Indian grocery runs.

Potlucks. Movie nights.

The works.

Living in a bubble of desi comfort while chasing the elusive green card.

Mani Karthik - Life in the USA

Then something changed.

Maybe it was mom’s daily calls.

Or those midnight cravings for proper street chai.

Perhaps watching my kid grow up celebrating Halloween over Diwali.

The crazy decision.

My Policy

2017: I did what many dream of but few dare.

Packed up my American life into four suitcases (funny how stuff multiplies).

Said goodbye to my beautiful apartment.

Hugged my confused American friends.

Mani Karthik in USA

And moved back to India.

Yes, I chose traffic jams over freeways.

Chaos over order.

Family over 401(k).

And I haven’t regretted it. (Most days 😅)

Now?

Mani Karthik Clebrating Xmas After Returning to India

I help NRIs like you navigate the journey back home. Through this blog and BackToIndia.com

I also mentor few startups in India with marketing and growth.

Brands Mentored by Mani Karthik
Mani Karthik with Startup Founders in India

I’m happy doing what I’m doing and where I am.

Not having to worry about visa issues, and the ambiguities with my status.

Not having to deal with identifying myself as a “Temporary Alien”.

And being with my folks whenever I want to.

That’s a MasterCard moment. <3

What about you?

Secretly thinking about returning to India?

Whether you’re:

  • Dreaming about it during your morning commute
  • Planning it secretly on Excel sheets
  • Or just keeping it as a “someday” plan

I’ve been there. Done that. Made all the mistakes.

And lived to write about it.

What you’ll find here

  • No sugar-coating about reverse culture shock
  • Real talk about money matters
  • Practical guides on everything from NRI accounts to finding schools
  • Stories that’ll make you laugh (and maybe cry a little)
  • Zero judgement about your choices

The boring stuff

(Because some of you will ask)

I’ve been quoted and mentioned in the media couple of times.

Mani Karthik's TEDx Talk on Return to India

But really…

I’m just that friend who took the leap you’ve been thinking about.

Who misses Trader Joe’s but loves having mom’s dosai for breakfast.

Who sometimes gets stuck in Bangalore traffic and questions all life decisions.

But then has coffee with old friends and knows this is home.

Let’s connect!

Drop me a message. Share your story.

Tell me about your secret Excel sheets. 😉

Or just rant about H1B woes.

We’re in this together. ❤️

P.S. – Yes, mom is much happier now.

Want to know more?

Check out my [Return to India Guide] or join thousands of others in my weekly newsletter where I share insights, stories, and practical tips about making the move back home.

Because sometimes, the American Dream leads you right back to where you started.

Just a lot wiser. And with better organizing skills.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

(Found this quote in a fortune cookie during my last week in the US. Seemed fitting.)