Soundarya Balasubramani, the CEO and Co-Founder of Unshackled, has always embraced the complexity of life’s dualities. Her recent post on LinkedIn reflects a journey that transcends geographical borders and personal transformation. Soundarya’s narrative isn’t about glorifying one country over another, but rather about acknowledging the richness that comes from being between two vastly different worlds: the United States and India.
Soundarya Balasubramani’s journey to the United States began when she was just 21 years old—an age when idealism often intertwines with the excitement of new beginnings. She was drawn to America not just for its opportunities but for the intoxicating promise of freedom. Growing up in a conventional South Indian family, where societal expectations were firmly rooted in tradition, the allure of an entirely different cultural landscape was undeniable. For Soundarya, America symbolized the freedom to be herself, without the restrictions that had once felt like an invisible cage.
Her time in the U.S. introduced her to numerous facets of life that she came to cherish. The diversity of cultures she encountered while living in community houses in San Francisco was life-changing. Soundarya Balasubramani thrived in an environment where people from over 10 nationalities shared a space, exchanged ideas, and broadened her understanding of the world. To her, the U.S. represented not only a place of professional opportunity—through her work at prestigious institutions like Columbia University and Salesforce—but also a sanctuary for intellectual growth, personal freedom, and immense potential.
Soundarya’s experiences in the U.S. also showed her what could be accomplished when systems of infrastructure, education, and opportunities were designed to foster growth. The high quality of education and career prospects in America opened doors that were once thought to be impossible. Yet, despite the many advantages, Soundarya was forced to leave due to the rigidity of immigration laws and visa restrictions. This pivotal moment marked the end of a chapter she had once believed would last forever.
In early 2023, Soundarya Balasubramani returned to India, not just for a brief visit, but to re-establish her life in a country that, until recently, she had distanced herself from. Her transition back was marked by a sense of return, but also of reinvention. As she noted, her relationship with India was now different. The country she had once left behind was not the same.
Living in India post-2023, Soundarya found herself falling in love with aspects of her home country that had once been overlooked. Family ties, for instance, became stronger than ever. The closeness and consistency that her family provided filled a gap that the novelty and fast-paced life of San Francisco couldn’t offer. The unpredictability of life abroad, while exhilarating, had often left her yearning for the comfort of familiarity. In India, Soundarya rediscovered that groundedness.
In a way, her return to India highlighted the importance of roots—something that transcends geography and speaks to the heart. She acknowledged that while cities like San Francisco were vibrant and full of adventure, there was something deeply comforting about the stability and support systems that her homeland provided. This wasn’t just about the tangible conveniences—like the rise of digital payments or the lower cost of living compared to American cities—but the intangible comfort of a place where life felt slower, but more meaningful.
Yet, this is not a story of idealization. Soundarya Balasubramani’s post makes it clear that the comparison between India and America is not about choosing one over the other. In fact, she doesn’t claim that either place is inherently better. Rather, her reflections urge others not to judge a location based on preconceived biases, but to give each place an honest chance. Every place has its strengths and weaknesses, and only through genuine engagement can one truly appreciate the complexities and possibilities each offers.
Her words carry weight, particularly for those navigating the crossroads between cultures and countries. Soundarya’s life story reflects a deeper truth about personal evolution: one’s identity isn’t fixed in place but is constantly shaped by experiences, people, and the environments we choose to inhabit. For Soundarya Balasubramani, this balance between India and the U.S. represents the freedom to explore both worlds and make the most of what each has to offer.
Moreover, Soundarya’s journey is a testament to the power of choice. In a world where many people are either bound to or choose a single location, Soundarya embraces the privilege of living in both countries, alternating between them based on her needs and aspirations. Her openness to this bi-continental existence illustrates the flexibility that modern life allows for those who dare to redefine traditional norms. This mindset is pivotal for entrepreneurs, thinkers, and creatives like Soundarya, who are willing to cross boundaries—literally and figuratively—in search of personal and professional fulfillment.
Soundarya Balasubramani’s post also serves as a reflection on what truly matters in life: relationships, growth, and the pursuit of one’s passions. She shares her journey candidly, shedding light on the complexities of her life choices, from her marriage to the U.S. to her return to India and the creation of her book, Unshackled. Each chapter in her life builds upon the previous one, but none of them define her entirely. Rather, they form the mosaic of a woman who is continually learning, evolving, and embracing the world as it is.
In conclusion, Soundarya Balasubramani’s reflections provide much-needed perspective on the ever-changing landscape of life and identity. She encourages us to reconsider our biases about places and cultures, to appreciate the advantages of both home and abroad, and to embrace the opportunities that come from exploring the intersections of diverse worlds. Her journey exemplifies the power of self-discovery, the importance of home, and the constant search for balance—wherever that may take us.
