A graduate in political science from New York University, Radhika reflected on the contrasting situations in the US and India during the period when she was deciding where to build her future.
India’s Growth Inspired Confidence
Recalling the political climate in the United States, Radhika noted that the country was experiencing uncertainty as Donald Trump was emerging as a major political force during the presidential election campaign.
“So Trump was just becoming president. The election campaign was going on. Things were really in turmoil at that point,” she said.
In contrast, she observed that India appeared to be entering a phase of rapid transformation and growth. She pointed to the strong electoral mandate secured by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as well as major advancements in public infrastructure and digital services.
According to Radhika, initiatives such as Aadhaar, UPI, and the expansion of Jio signaled that India was moving forward at an unprecedented pace.
PM Modi’s Rally Left a Lasting Impression
Radhika also revealed that attending a rally addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York played an important role in shaping her outlook.
She recalled attending Modi’s event at Madison Square Garden, where she witnessed the enthusiasm and optimism surrounding India’s future.
“Our honourable Prime Minister came to America and held this rally at Madison Square Garden. I attended it, and it felt like there was so much promise in India,” she said.
At the time, she noted, India’s economy was growing at around 8.5 percent, significantly faster than the United States, which was expanding at a rate of approximately 2 to 3 percent.
“These were vital decision points,” she added.
The Importance of ‘Emotional Infrastructure’
Beyond economic and political considerations, Radhika emphasized what she described as “emotional infrastructure” — the support system provided by family, community, and personal roots.
“I think there’s an emotional infrastructure to life as well. That is your parents and the community around you that has helped build you,” she said.
According to her, having strong emotional foundations can be an even greater asset than physical infrastructure such as roads and railways.
A Sense of Responsibility Toward India
For Radhika, who currently serves as Executive Director of her family’s pharmaceutical business, Encore Healthcare, the final factor behind her decision was a desire to contribute to India’s development.
She explained that her choice was guided not by financial opportunities but by a sense of moral responsibility.
“As a person, it depends on your moral standing. I had a huge feeling of responsibility to build for the country,” she said.
Radhika concluded that her decision to return to India was shaped by a combination of economic optimism, political confidence, strong personal ties, and a commitment to participating in the nation’s growth story.
