Nine years in Germany, yet heart in India! AI tech founder says no to foreign citizenship

Panja, who first went to Germany as a doctoral researcher, later founded AI firm Populations.

Panja recently wrote on X, explaining his decision to remain an Indian citizen, despite having the chance to change his citizenship.

Despite sharing several reasons behind taking such a decision, Panja mainly highlighted that he still did not feel himself to be German.

"I have been here 9 + years and I became eligible for the German passport a year back. I could have applied for citizenship a year ago, but I did not. I have thought about this a lot and I am increasingly coming to the conclusion that I can’t do this. Because I don’t feel German. I know it is only a document, but at the end of the day I am Indian and it would feel odd to become German," Panja wrote on X.

He said: "I can’t relate to German stories, the history, the language and the culture. I can understand them, sure, but that is not the same as actually relating. I can blend in pretty easily in international culturally ambiguous settings in Berlin and scientific and tech circles but beyond that I can’t really integrate. I don’t feel anything when Germany loses or wins a football game. Sure I experience second hand happiness but beyond that nothing. An Indian World cup win would make me euphoric. And it would always be that way."

He said: "I see myself as a friend of Germany but never truly one of Germany. It is a subtle but important distinction."

He said: "But above all this, the most important thing is this: the moment I become a citizen I would be expected to align my ideals, values and ethos with those of Germany. And rightfully so. I, myself, wouldn’t feel comfortable being a new citizen and expect existing culture which has developed over centuries to adapt to my whims and fancies. I am perhaps too proud to enter such an unequal relationship."

He said: "In India, even if my opinions do not resonate with the overwhelming majority I feel entitled to stand my ground and try to nudge things towards what I feel. I am a part of India. My opinions are by definition Indian opinions."

Social Media reacts

Social media users reacted to his decision and shared their thoughts in the comment section.

One netizen said: " You’re very different from the rest of your countrymen then. Most Indians would throw their grandma into a volcano for a German passport."

Another said: " Very well written. I can totally relate to this. It took me almost 15 years where now I feel very strongly about Germany and consider it my own land. And thus finally I have started my citizenship process. Taking it just for the sake of it, always felt so duh."