India changed me.

The India Most People Don't See

Whenever I visit the Netherlands, conversations about India tend to be remarkably similar. People talk about the horrible traffic, the bureaucracy and the immense inequality. And while none of those topics are entirely inaccurate, they only tell a very small part of the story.

Throughout my years here, I've made it somewhat of a personal mission to challenge the narrative. Not because India is perfect—it certainly isn't—but because the picture many people in Europe have in their minds is hopelessly outdated.

I've travelled extensively across this immense country. I've visited Kerala multiple times, explored Tamil Nadu, spent time in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi, and even travelled to the Himalayas. Every region feels like a different country; the food changes. They speak a different language. And traditions change.

The scale of India is difficult to comprehend until you've experienced it yourself. What continuously surprises me is the speed at which things evolve. Entire neighbourhoods transform within a few years. New metro systems emerge. Airports rival those in Europe or the Middle East. Digital payment platforms are used by everyone—from corporate executives to small street vendors.

India changes at a very rapid pace.

However, drive about 100 kilometers into the countryside from any tier-1 city and you’ll see the traditional India; this the India people probably know from the history books; dusty towns with farmers, who struggle to make ends meet.

Two Countries Living Side by Side

One of the lessons India taught me is that multiple realities can coexist. On one side, there is the poverty. Even after almost ten years, seeing children living on the streets still affects me. At the same time, there is another India. A growing middle class that is expanding at an astonishing pace. Families buying their first homes. Young professionals travelling abroad. Entrepreneurs building global businesses. Engineers working on products used by millions of people worldwide.

When I walk through one of Pune's modern shopping centres, I sometimes need to remind myself that many Europeans still view India through a lens that belongs to the 1990s. The India I experience every day is young, ambitious, increasingly affluent and exceptionally well educated. And that matters for businesses.

Life Here Is Different. Very Different.

Compared to the Netherlands, almost everything works differently. Some differences make me smile. Others occasionally drive me mad. Take paperwork. Every year, I need to notarise my rental agreement. There are stamps, signatures and procedures that sometimes feel as if they've travelled through time from another century.

Another thing which is different, especially compared with The Netherlands, is authority. Hierarchy plays a huge role here in India. Business owners are glorified; more than often, I’ve seen a statue of the late-founder, in front of the headquarters.

Luckily, there are also areas where India genuinely surprised me in a positive way. Healthcare is one of them. I've been admitted to hospital twice during the last three years. While nobody enjoys being a patient, both experiences left me impressed. The care was excellent. The doctors were highly knowledgeable and the entire approach was remarkably patient-centric.

Healthcare in India; tiered, but very good

Yes, India has a tiered healthcare system, and access varies greatly depending on financial circumstances. But if you compare the speed, availability and personal attention with some healthcare systems in Europe, there are certainly lessons that can be learned.

And there is a reason why Indian doctors are respected globally. Many people are surprised when I tell them that approximately one in five doctors practising in the United States was born in India.

India produces talent at an enormous scale.

Endless number of professionals.

Not only doctors. A growing number engineers, architects, project managers. finance professionals.

Analysts, cyber security professionals, consultants, software developers, buyers are available to start working for companies in The Netherlands. Here at WorldEmp, we employ a growing number of them to our expanding list of clients.

The Weather Helps Too

There is another reason I enjoy living here; the weather. As a Dutchman, spending most of the year without worrying about freezing temperatures still feels like a luxury. Let's be honest: waking up in January without scraping ice from your car has its advantages. The only exception is the monsoon.

While many people love it, I remain unconvinced. The endless rain, flooded streets and permanently damp shoes are not among my favourite Indian experiences. But every country has its imperfections.

My Conclusion After Nearly Ten Years

When I arrived in India in 2016, I promised myself something simple: Observe first. Judge later.

Looking back, that may have been one of the best decisions I've ever made. India is not perfect. Neither is the Netherlands.

But after almost ten years living and working here, I can confidently say that India deserves far more attention from European business leaders than it currently receives.

And if you're still unsure about India, my advice remains the same as it has been for years:

Come and see it for yourself. You might discover, just like I did, that India changes far more than your business plans. It changes your perspective.