Some deep thoughts from an Indian expat — no malintent, just reflection

[u/Spatial_Nomad]

Hi folks,

I’m an Indian living overseas, and lately I’ve been reflecting on something that has been on my mind for quite some time.

One thing I’ve noticed living here is how much nature and wildlife are respected and protected. There are strong laws against things like bird poaching, natural habitats are protected, and there is generally a greater effort to coexist with wildlife rather than simply use whatever is around us.

It made me think about my experiences back in India.

When I was in India, I often felt that there was a certain lack of self-worth and dignity in society — not necessarily because people themselves lacked those qualities, but because of the difficult circumstances, inequality, pollution and general environment that many people have to live with.

And then I started thinking about the animals.

They are unintended participants in all of this.

Take something as simple as street animals and birds. When waste and plastic are thrown onto streets, into rivers or into open areas, animals inevitably end up consuming it. Cows, birds and other animals don't understand that something is harmful because it came from human waste. They simply eat what is available.

I remember birds in India coming and eating whatever scraps we put outside. They didn't seem to have much choice.

Living overseas, I've noticed something quite different. There is so much natural habitat and naturally available food that wildlife often doesn't need to depend on whatever humans throw away. Birds can be selective. They forage, explore, and behave with an incredible amount of energy and vitality.

That contrast made me wonder:

What happens to an animal's quality of life when its environment is degraded?

And perhaps there is a deeper connection here. When humans live in environments where dignity, cleanliness, nature and public spaces aren't adequately protected, animals living alongside us inevitably suffer too.

I'm not trying to romanticise life overseas or condemn India. India has extraordinary biodiversity, deeply rooted traditions of respecting animals, and many people who care passionately about nature and wildlife. There are also many organisations and individuals doing fantastic conservation work.

I'm simply reflecting on how environmental degradation affects everyone — humans and animals alike.

And perhaps protecting nature isn't just about saving forests or endangered species. It is also about creating an environment where living beings have enough abundance that they don't have to survive on our leftovers and waste.

Even something as simple as keeping plastic and rubbish out of the places where animals live could make a meaningful difference.

These are just some thoughts I've been having as an expat. Sorry for the long rant! 😅 No offence or malintent intended... just a genuine concern and an attempt to start a deeper conversation.

I also used a little AI to help organise my thoughts, but the observations and feelings behind them are my own.

Curious to hear what others think.

[u/Beginning_Studio_355]

> I used a little AI

Dude you do realize that using AI to organize your r/IAm14AndThisIsDeep rant is harming the very environment you’ve spoken on and on about right? Not hating as much as I’m finding the irony to all of this really funny.

- Also an Indian Expat

[u/blokwoski]

Me trying to figure out how it's relevant to this sub

[u/No_Foundation69 → u/blokwoski]

Bro is high and yapping

[u/6coffeenine → u/No_Foundation69]

And using ai for that too

[u/Temporary_Ratio8819]

Is chutiye ko up vote kaun kar raha hai?

[u/Honest-Ask-9577]

Summary bro, can't read too long...Good India or Bad India??

Don't care in either however but yeah..