From Canada to Bengaluru: Foreigner explains why he chose to call India home for 8 years

It is rare to hear about someone who moves to another country and stays there for years simply because they want to. Caleb Friesen, a Canadian who has been living in Bengaluru for more than eight years, recently shared his experience, and it is getting attention online. People are curious, but for him, the reason is simple: he enjoys life in India and has built a home here.Unlike short-term work assignments or tourist trips, Friesen’s choice is personal. For him, living in India is about accepting both the positives and the challenges of daily life while remaining optimistic.

The question he often hears

Friesen says that people often struggle to understand why he has stayed in India for so long. Most assume there must be a work-related or spiritual reason behind it.“I get this question a lot. People understand visiting India for tourism, they understand being sent here by a multinational for a few years for work, and they understand soul searching, but just living here? For 8+ years? Like a normal person? That’s something most people struggle to wrap their heads around,” he explained.Besides living here, Friesen has gained recognition for his videos highlighting public infrastructure issues in Bengaluru, helping raise awareness and encourage improvements.

Seeing India without bias

Friesen points out that some Indians themselves often carry negative views about their own country, but he does not. He believes in seeing India as it is, without prejudice or comparison.“I do not carry that baggage. I wasn’t born here, and I didn’t grow up absorbing that narrative. To me, India is what it is. The good and the bad. Every country has both. Canada has good and bad. America has good and bad. The UK has good and bad. Singapore had good and bad,” he said.He explained that frustration with daily issues is universal.“The anger I feel about a pothole-ridden road is the same anger a Dutch person feels about a single tiny crack in the road. The bad in every place is equally bad, not by objective measure, but by human measure.”

Staying positive and optimistic

Friesen also shared his approach to life in India. He avoids constant comparisons with other countries and focuses on optimism.“Comparison was the thief of joy,” he said. “I try to be optimistic wherever I am. In spite of the challenges we all face living in India, I keep my chin up, take people at face value, and give everyone the benefit of the doubt.”

Social media reactions

His story has struck a chord online, with many sharing similar experiences of moving to India or returning after years abroad.“Really, really well said. We recently moved to India and got so many people asking versions of that question and telling us we were leaving a better life,” wrote one user.Another added, “So well said. Choose to be happy where you are.”One American-Indian who returned after decades shared, “As an American-Indian who returned (after 27 years) and is living in India now, I get lots of hostility from many Indians who just don’t understand why I returned. I love it, though, the good and the bad.”A Canadian also commented, “I’m a Canadian, and I have spent about 10 years in India over the last 20 years. Currently living in Jaipur. I like the culture and the people. And every day is an adventure.”Disclaimer: This story is based on information shared on social media and has not been independently verified.Thumb image: Instagram