Living abroad does not reduce an NRI’s connection with India. In many cases, responsibilities at home actually increase with distance.
Parents may need medical assistance. A property may require maintenance, documentation or tenant management. A vehicle might need to be sold, government paperwork completed, or an urgent family situation handled. These may appear to be small matters, but managing them from another country can become stressful because of time differences, travel costs and the absence of someone dependable on the ground.
Technology helps, but local presence still matters
Digital banking, video calls and government portals have made many tasks easier. Documents can be reviewed online, payments can be monitored, and official grievances can sometimes be submitted electronically.
However, technology cannot accompany an elderly parent to a hospital, inspect a property, supervise a repair or physically verify that an important task has been completed correctly.
Build a reliable support system
In my view, an NRI does not need one person for every responsibility. What is required is an organised network of trustworthy professionals—lawyers, doctors, property managers, accountants and responsible local representatives.
Authority should always be limited and properly documented. Important decisions should have written instructions, bills and photographs. Property and financial matters should be handled only after appropriate legal and professional advice.
My personal view
Being present in India without living here is possible, but it requires planning rather than dependence on last-minute favours.
The real value of local support is not merely convenience. It is the confidence that parents, property and important responsibilities are being handled with transparency and dignity.
Distance should change an NRI’s location—not weaken their relationship with India.
—Tushar Kumar