
‘No place is perfect': US woman in India shares what she admires and dislikes about life here
(Also read: US woman living in India uses simple math to show why rupees offer better value than dollars)
The overlay text in her reel read: "As a foreigner in India I'm not ashamed to admit..." followed by a list of reflections. Among them were, "I miss my family, I prefer Indian food, I like being a minority, I hate Delhi pollution, India is a better place for kids, I think being veg is better, India is a more modest country, I hate the garbage on the streets, food is healthier here, hospitality in India is better, and local farming is better."
The video concluded with a message: "I don't think India is perfect. We must find our own happiness."
Watch the clip here:
Acknowledging flaws, choosing joy
In her caption, Fischer elaborated on her thoughts, writing, "As a foreigner living in India, I am not ashamed to admit that no place is perfect. I love India, but it is by no means perfect. It certainly has flaws and aspects I don't like. I love the USA, but it has a lot of problems and is not the perfect picture everyone thinks it is."
She added, "There will be flaws anywhere we go and our job is to learn to see the good in all of it, no matter what. I believe we have the power to create our own happiness no matter where we are. It is a choice. Will you choose to focus on the negative, or will you choose to see the positive? I believe that this outlook significantly affects our joy and satisfaction in life. Choose to focus on the good today. Choose happiness."
Online reactions full of warmth
The heartfelt post struck a chord with several users.
One user wrote, "Such an inspiring post. I have been focusing on the negative for quite some time now. But this post of yours and your writing motivated me to look into the positive." Another said, "I just love your content."
A particularly heartfelt comment read, "We love you too, not by seeing you as a foreigner, but by considering you an integral part of our country. Despite several problems in the country, we Indians will still love you like a family member."
Others praised her honesty. "I admire your honesty and you are absolutely correct! No place is perfect. If we can adjust comfortably, that's enough," one user noted.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India.com
9 minutes ago
- India.com
Big move by Mukesh Ambani as Reliance Consumer plans to acquire majority stake in...
Big move by Mukesh Ambani as Reliance Consumer plans to acquire majority stake in... Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, is set to grow his business even further with new projects and collaborations. The Indian Billionaire is known for investing heavily in various companies and acquiring stakes. Now, his next plan is to acquire a stake in a brand owned by Baidyanath group's Naturedge Beverages. What brand you might ask? It is none other than the premium zero-sugar fruit drink brand Shunya. Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance Retail Ventures, is in early-stage discussions in order to acquire a majority stake in the fruit drink brand. Who started Naturedge Beverages? The third generation heir of the Baidyanath group, Siddhesh Sharma launched Naturedge Beverages in 2018. The company offers functional, herb-based drinks under the name Shunya, offering flavours like 'zest apple' and 'zesty orange' to the masses. The Baidyanath Group is a privately held company, which was established in 1917, and operates throughout many sectors, like ayurvedic medicines, personal care, pharmaceuticals and food and beverages. As of now, it is not known how much stake Reliance will buy in the company. How many acquisitions would Reliance have in this industry? If the deal is secured, this would mark Reliance's fourth acquisition in the beverage industry. The company previously purchased Campa-Cola, Sosyo, and RasKik, nd markets the sports drink Spinner. One of the executives mentioned 'This move would allow Reliance to enter the healthy, functional, and Ayurveda-based drink category.' This acquisition aligns with Reliance's strategy of buying stakes in mid-sized consumer brands across various sectors like beverages, confectionary, and condiments. The company's broader portfolio now includes various brands like Ravalgaon, Toffeeman, Lotus Chocolates, and Sil Foods.


Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Why wellness design matters: Simple ways to create a home that feels calm, healthy and easy to live in
Homes are no longer just about good looks or plush finishes. Looks are fine, but if your home doesn't make you feel good, it's just another showroom. Interiors should go beyond matching curtains and trendy sofas. They should help you breathe better, sleep deeper and maybe even cut down on that constant mental noise. That's where wellness design comes in. Soft lighting, natural materials and airy layouts help create peaceful, breathable homes that support better moods and everyday comfort.(Meena Murthy Kakkar) It's about building spaces that support how you live, feel and function every day. Across Indian cities, more people are tuning in. They're starting to ask, 'Why does my home look good but still feel off?' This piece cuts through the fluff. It ditches the frills and keeps it straight to the point. We're talking real, workable ideas to make your home calmer, lighter and more in sync with the way you want to live. Why wellness design matters more now than ever Life is loud. Screens are constant. Sleep is messy. And if your home adds to that chaos with bad lighting, stale air or synthetic everything, it's not doing you any favour. Wellness design flips that. The focus shifts from just aesthetics to the vibe your space gives you. In India, we've always had a thing for balance with open verandahs, earthy textures, homes that breathe. This isn't new thinking, just a smarter application. Here's what it helps with: Better sleep and clearer focus Lower stress levels Spaces that support your routine Environments that feel lighter, calmer and more liveable Tips to adopt wellness design at home Wellness design is all about creating a home environment that supports your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From letting natural light in to choosing a soothing colour palette, there's a lot you can do to ensure that your personal space exudes a sense of calm. In an interview to you HT Lifestyle, Meena Murthy Kakkar, Partner & Design Head at interior and architecture firm Envisage, shares wellness design tips that you can incorporate in your home easily: 1. Let nature in. For real. Plants are nice, but wellness design starts with air, light and breathing space. The more your home connects with nature, the better it feels. 'Most homes shut out the very things that make them feel alive – sunlight, air, views and green elements. The planning of your windows and openings is key. Even small upgrades like bug meshes can help you leave them open and let your space breathe," shares Kakkar. What works: Let in natural light with sheer curtains Use bug meshes to keep windows open longer Add plants near natural light sources Choose materials like wood, linen and stone for texture and calm 2. Choose materials that won't mess with your air Not everything that looks sleek is safe. Some materials release toxins, especially in heat. Wellness design means knowing what your home is made of. 'Materials like epoxy may work in offices. But at home, they can emit fumes when the AC is off,' says Meena Murthy Kakkar. 'We always ask how the material behaves in heat, when the home is shut, or when it's locked for days.' What to look for: Low-VOC paints and adhesives Natural fabrics like cotton, jute or linen Locally sourced wood and stone Skip synthetics that trap heat or off-gas 3. Use lighting that matches your life, not just your ceiling Good lighting does more than brighten a room. It sets your mood, supports your sleep and helps you stay focused. 'Lighting should respond to your life, not the other way around,' says Meena. 'We suggest automating lights and curtains so they adjust with your routine and boost your energy levels.' What helps: Cooler lights for reading and focus Warmer lights for calm conversations Use smart lighting to shift tone across the day Place work zones near natural light for better energy efficiency Why Wellness Design Deserves Your Attention(Meena Murthy Kakkar) 4. Build pockets of quiet, even in a full house Your home doesn't need to be silent, but it should have at least one space that gives your brain a break. 'Soft materials do more than just look cosy. Rugs, fabric walls, and even drywall partitions help buffer noise,' says Meena. 'Acoustical paints and layered furnishings can completely shift how a space sounds and feels.' What works: Soft furnishings like carpets and dense drapes can help soak up everyday sounds Add fabric panelling or soft wall hangings Create drywalled or partitioned zones for work or rest Try acoustical paint if you can't redo the walls 5. Use Vastu like a design guide, not a rulebook. Vastu can be practical when you keep the superstition out. It's about flow, balance and function, not rituals. Meena adds, 'Vastu has solid logic. Kitchen in the southeast keeps it dry. Avoiding bed heads in the north helps with sleep. Even layout tweaks like keeping the northeast light and the southwest heavier can improve ventilation and energy flow.' What helps: Place the kitchen in the southeast or northwest for ventilation Avoid placing your bed head facing north Keep the northeast area open and uncluttered Let the southwest zone carry the weight by placing larger furniture there Wellness design isn't a trend. Think of it as everyday logic, just with sharper choices and improved lighting. The goal isn't to turn your home into a spa. It's to make it a place that supports how you live, sleep, think and recharge. Small tweaks, not massive overhauls, make the biggest difference. Let your space breathe. Let the light in. Use materials that aren't silently working against you. And create corners that feel like a break. Because at the end of the day, a calm home is way more useful than a fancy one. Similar articles for you 10 popular Indian art forms you can use in your home decor Why vintage decor is making a comeback: Textile museum designer Ravisha Merchant weighs in Best mattresses for a peaceful and comfortable sleep; Here are our top 8 picks for you Mattress matters: Find your dreamy match made in heaven; Nap like a champ! Wellness design for homes: FAQs Do I need a complete makeover to try wellness design? Not at all. Small changes like better lighting, breathable materials and a few indoor plants already make a big difference. Is wellness design only about natural materials? Natural materials help, but it's more about how everything works together—light, air, layout and sound all play a role. Can I still follow wellness design in a rented home? Yes. Think sheer curtains, rugs for quiet, movable plants and avoiding harsh lights. No renovation needed. What's the easiest place to start? Start with your windows. Let in more light, get bug meshes, use sheer curtains and place a few plants nearby. The author of this article holds a Master's Degree in Interior Design and has spent over a decade in research, teaching, and designing homes from scratch. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Kiara Advani's clean diet for ‘War 2' revealed: Here's how protein pancakes, grilled chicken and sattu chaas helped her achieve a toned, action-ready look
Kiara Advani , who is currently embracing motherhood with the birth of her baby girl, has also been grabbing headlines for her stunning transformation and powerful action scenes in the upcoming film 'War 2'. While the actor is cherishing the joys of new mum life, glimpses from the trailer of 'War 2' have left fans awestruck, particularly her high-energy sequences and lean, action-ready look. Not crash dieting, but clean and sustainable eating In a chat with Pinkvilla, celebrity nutritionist Nicole Linhares Kedia explained, 'Kiara had a fairly clean eating style, she loves ghar ka khana but for this transformation. The biggest change was dialing in her macros, specifically increasing her protein intake while keeping her in a steady caloric deficit. We had to be extremely precise. Our goal was to tone and build lean muscle while reducing body fat, and that meant every ingredient had to be measured, even down to the oil used in cooking or a few shavings of Parmesan on her Buddha bowl. It wasn't about removing foods she loved, but optimising what she ate to align with getting her into her best shape.' Protein pancakes were her morning staple Despite a packed training schedule and rigorous shoot hours, Kiara maintained her daily rituals especially her breakfast. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like After Losing Weight Kevin James Looks Like A Model 33 Bridges Undo Her go-to meal to kickstart the day? Protein pancakes. These pancakes were made using oat flour, walnut flour and protein powder. She would top them with maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener, fresh berries, and a generous dollop of homemade hazelnut butter. The high-protein, fibre-rich breakfast gave her a satisfying and energising start to the day, while still aligning with her fitness goals. Grilled chicken, curries and veggies for main meals Kiara's lunch and dinner plates were always full of flavour and nourishment. Nicole revealed, 'Lunch and dinner often featured grilled chicken, chicken curries, asparagus, baby potatoes, avocado, edamame pesto hummus, vegetable crudites, foods she genuinely enjoys. We kept her meals light but high in protein and tailored them closely to her training and shoot schedule.' Her desi secret for post-workout recovery For her post-workout and snack sessions, Kiara returned to a familiar Indian classic, sattu chaas. This refreshing drink is made using roasted Bengal gram flour, jeera (cumin) powder and coriander leaves. Known for its cooling properties and high protein content, this old-school remedy helped her stay hydrated and refuelled without turning to protein shakes or energy bars. This choice once again reflected Kiara's commitment to incorporating traditional, wholesome Indian foods into her fitness journey. Kiara's high-octane role in 'War 2' Kiara Advani isn't just romancing onscreen in 'War 2', she's taking charge, quite literally. The trailer has taken fans by surprise with her full-fledged action avatar. From aiming a gun at Hrithik Roshan 's character to engaging in a gripping combat scene, Kiara is clearly not playing a passive role. Her involvement in gunfights and intense sequences hints that she has a far more pivotal role than initially expected. 'War 2', which also stars Jr NTR , is shaping up to be a high-stakes action thriller packed with showdowns, power-packed stunts and emotionally charged confrontations. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the much-awaited sequel is set for a release on 14 August 2025.