Noida-based entrepreneur cites corruption, pollution, and lack of civility as key reasons for relocating abroad despite upscale living conditions.
May 5, 2025 | Luxembourg/Noida:
An Indian-origin entrepreneur now settled in Luxembourg has stirred a social media storm after labeling Noida — a satellite city of Delhi NCR — as “hell” and accusing Indian society of “moral bankruptcy.” In a candid response to a tweet praising the region’s infrastructure, Himanshu Upadhyay, who previously lived in a gated community in Noida, outlined his reasons for leaving India, emphasizing widespread incompetence, corruption, and societal decay.
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“I lived in a so-called posh colony in Noida. The only reason I left India was the incompetent and morally bankrupt people around me,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that everyday life in India was plagued with struggles — from water and electricity issues to toxic neighborly behavior.
I lived in a so called posh colony in Noida. The only reason I left India was the incompetent and morally bankrupt people around me.
— Hims 🪷 🚴 🌱 🧘 (@maveinlux) May 3, 2025
There wasn’t a day that I didn’t struggle with basic things, not only outside of the house but also indoors. Electricity, water, pollution,… https://t.co/olyl6IZ8iE
Despite being surrounded by luxury, Upadhyay said the environment was unsuitable for raising children and lacked the civility he expected from an educated society.
“As much as I love the country, people around me made it hell… So matter how many tall buildings, how many trees — it’s still a hell,” he added.
🧭 A Debate on Morality and Modernity
The post triggered a fierce debate online. While some users lauded Upadhyay for voicing an uncomfortable truth, others accused him of generalizing and overlooking positive experiences in other parts of the country.
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- “On average, Indians are more corrupt than people in developed countries,” said one user.
- Another rebutted: “I live in Noida and have had a completely different experience. Life has challenges everywhere — you adapt.”
- One comment highlighted: “Civility and common sense have declined over generations. The elite class often sets a poor example.”
Some users emphasized that Noida is not representative of India as a whole, suggesting the businessman explore other cities before drawing sweeping conclusions.
🧩 Underlying Issues Cited by Upadhyay:
- Pollution and environmental neglect
- Rampant electricity and water theft
- Aggressive and frustrated civic behavior
- Lack of social accountability and ethics
- Unreliable basic services even in affluent areas
While the remarks have struck a chord with many urban professionals, they’ve also reopened conversations about the disconnect between infrastructure development and societal progress in rapidly urbanizing India.
🏷️ Tags:
Indian diaspora, Noida, social commentary, urban life in India, Luxembourg, corruption, migration, civic sense, Indian society