A simple question from an Indian expat in New Zealand has set the internet abuzz—and not just among number crunchers. In a move equal parts homesick and hopeful, a 30-year-old NRI took to Reddit with a query that’s more relatable than we’d like to admit:
“Is ₹1 crore enough to settle back in my Punjab village, or am I dreaming in rupees?”
The Redditor, who travelled from India to New Zealand at the age of 19, has saved approximately NZD 200,000 (roughly ₹1.03 crore), owns a house in Punjab, and runs a Shopify side hustle, earning NZD 100,000 a year.
Enough for a homecoming worthy of Bollywood? Or just enough for chai and a humble two-wheeler?
Naturally, Reddit erupted with practical advice mixed with healthy humor.
One candid response was:
“Sure, ₹1 crore is nice—but unless you’re investing it or earning on the side, don’t expect to lounge around sipping lassi all day.”
Others warned of hidden costs: taxes on foreign income, the unpredictability of Indian real estate, and the fact that ‘back home’ lifestyles come in many flavors—especially if you have a family in tow.
A few dreamers (or realists, depending on your side of the fence) suggested pocketing remote work from abroad, dabbling in “kheti” (farming)—and above all, expecting less Kiwi luxury and more good old Indian jugaad.
In short, the crowd agreed: one crore isn’t a golden ticket, but with a pinch of planning and a dash of humor, it could open the door to a pretty good life back home.
Or, as one cheeky commenter put it, “You can always come back for the parathas—the crores are just icing on the cake.”
For NRIs everywhere, the big money debate is alive and well. But in the end, it’s not just about the bank balance—it’s about finding your own sweet spot between memory and reality, dreams and spreadsheets, New Zealand skies and Punjab’s mustard fields.
