
New Delhi, December 29, 2025: A fierce online debate has been ignited following a viral video shared by an Indian expat residing in Canada. On December 28, 2025, a content creator identified as Vishal shared a clip that has since amassed millions of views across Instagram and X. In the video, Vishal is observed walking through a serene, snow-covered neighborhood, asserting that a “middle-class life in Canada is 10x better” than its equivalent in India. The claim has struck a nerve with both the Indian diaspora and residents back home, triggering a massive discourse on quality of life versus cultural belonging.
The core of the argument presented in the video focuses on the sensory experience of daily life. Vishal was seen panning his camera across empty, quiet streets, highlighting the total absence of “inconsiderate honking” and traffic congestion. He was heard inviting his viewers to listen to the sound of birds chirping—a luxury he claims is rarely experienced in the polluted and overcrowded metropolitan cities of India. This comparison of civic sense and public infrastructure has been described by some as a “harsh reality check” for urban Indian planning.
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A significant portion of the debate has centered on the utilization of taxpayer money. In the video, it was argued that while both countries impose significant taxes, the “outcome” is starkly different. Vishal noted that in Canada, the public can clearly see their money being used for well-maintained roads and organized public spaces. In contrast, he lamented the state of Indian infrastructure, which he described as being marred by potholes and garbage despite the high taxes paid by the middle class. This specific point has resonated with many Indian professionals who feel the “social contract” in their home country is imbalanced.
The internet’s reaction to the video has been deeply polarized. While many users agreed with the observations regarding clean air and disciplined living, a large section of the audience pushed back against the “clinical” nature of life abroad. It was argued in thousands of comments that the “warmth, festivals, and family proximity” found in India cannot be replaced by quiet streets or better roads. Critics of the video also pointed to the rising cost of living and the “loneliness epidemic” faced by many immigrants in Canada, suggesting that “quality of life” is a subjective metric that varies from person to person.
As the year 2025 draws to a close, this viral moment is being viewed as part of a larger trend of Indian expats openly discussing the “struggles and perks” of life overseas. Earlier in the year, other videos showing massive job fair queues in Canada had painted a much bleaker picture of the immigrant experience. Analysts suggest that these conflicting narratives reflect the complex reality of modern migration—where the dream of better infrastructure often clashes with the reality of economic hardship and cultural isolation. The debate remains a focal point for those weighing the pros and cons of seeking a “better life” away from home.