Startup Co-Founder leaves Mumbai for Bangkok, says ‘I wanted to live better’
The world of startups is known for its fast-paced and often unpredictable nature. Entrepreneurs and founders are constantly on the move, seeking out new opportunities and environments that can help their businesses thrive. Recently, Rikki Agarwal, Co-Founder of Blink Digital, made headlines when he announced that he was leaving Mumbai to start a new chapter in Bangkok. In a statement that has sparked a lot of interest and debate, Agarwal revealed that his decision to leave India’s financial capital was not driven by tax breaks or business opportunities, but by a desire to “live better”.
Agarwal’s statement is a telling commentary on the state of urban living in India, particularly in cities like Mumbai. While India has made significant strides in recent years in terms of economic growth and development, the country still struggles with issues like pollution, traffic congestion, and inadequate infrastructure. For many Indians, the idea of “living better” is often synonymous with leaving the country and seeking out greener pastures abroad.
In Agarwal’s case, the decision to leave Mumbai was motivated by a desire for a better quality of life. As he put it, “I wanted to live better”. This statement is significant, as it suggests that Agarwal was not driven by purely economic or business considerations, but by a desire for a more fulfilling and sustainable way of living. By leaving Mumbai and moving to Bangkok, Agarwal is seeking to escape the chaos and pollution of urban India and find a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Agarwal’s comments are also a testament to the fact that India has a lot to offer when it comes to building a business. As he noted, “India has everything to build a business”, suggesting that the country has a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, a talented workforce, and a growing market. However, when it comes to living well, India still has a lot of catching up to do. The country’s cities are often plagued by pollution, traffic congestion, and inadequate infrastructure, making it difficult for people to enjoy a good quality of life.
In contrast, Bangkok offers a very different kind of lifestyle. The city is known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and relatively low cost of living. As Agarwal noted, he can now “breathe without checking AQI” and enjoy “food that’s actually fresh”. These comments are a powerful indictment of the state of urban living in India, where air pollution is a major concern and food safety is often a worry.
Agarwal’s decision to leave Mumbai for Bangkok is also reflective of a larger trend among Indian entrepreneurs and professionals. In recent years, many Indians have been seeking out opportunities abroad, driven by a desire for a better quality of life, greater economic opportunities, and a more stable and secure future. This trend is not limited to entrepreneurs and business leaders, but also includes students, workers, and families who are seeking out new opportunities and experiences abroad.
As India continues to grow and develop, it is likely that more and more people will be seeking out opportunities abroad. While the country has made significant progress in recent years, there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of improving the quality of life, addressing issues like pollution and traffic congestion, and creating a more sustainable and equitable society.
In conclusion, Rikki Agarwal’s decision to leave Mumbai for Bangkok is a powerful commentary on the state of urban living in India. While India has a lot to offer when it comes to building a business, the country still has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to creating a better quality of life. As Agarwal noted, “I wanted to live better”, and his decision to leave Mumbai for Bangkok is a testament to the fact that many Indians are seeking out new opportunities and experiences abroad.
News Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/amp/trending/left-for-air-i-can-breathe-startup-co-founder-on-leaving-mumbai-for-bangkok
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