'Moving to India 8 years ago was my life’s best decision': Canadian tech influencer

Bengaluru: While foreign tourists frequently visit Indian cities, many international influencers often portray the country as an underdeveloped nation to the world. Videos highlighting lack of hygiene and insufficient infrastructure frequently surface on social media. However, Canadian tech influencer Caleb Friesen, who has lived in India for the past eight years, stands out from the rest.

In a video shared on X, Caleb, who views India as his home, stated that moving to the country was the best decision of his life. His post garnered widespread appreciation, with many commending his perspective.

Friesen explains that he has been observing India's transformation over recent years. He points out that foreigners, particularly travel influencers, often only showcase the troubled or underdeveloped aspects of the country.

He argues that focusing solely on cleanliness issues or crumbling infrastructure paints an incomplete picture and ignores India's rapid progress. Friesen believes this misrepresentation has led to India being underestimated globally, particularly regarding opportunities and potential.

The influencer highlighted massive progress in infrastructure, urban development, and quality of life. From modern airports and expressways to the mainstream adoption of digital payments, he notes that the changes are impossible to ignore.

Friesen commented that anyone visiting India regularly can clearly observe this growth, with new projects, buildings, and systems appearing rapidly. He further added that the country is at the forefront of technology.

Friesen's video quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, with numerous users agreeing with his observations. However, a section of users offered a counterpoint, noting that while infrastructure may be developing quickly, societal attitudes and behavioural patterns are becoming narrower, and this change may take longer to manifest