- Who is a digital nomad?
- Digital Nomad in India
- Why Bangalore should be your next stop as a Digital Nomad?
Who is a Digital Nomad?
To understand that term, the etymology of the word nomad – it comes from the ancient Greek word nomás (to wander in search of pasture). The characteristic of humans moving to find better opportunities arose from the need to move from an existing set up that was not conducive enough (yet).
Movements of humans have been happening for the past 60,000 years. Hunting, gathering, domesticating animals on the way to ultimately settling down upon finding places that were habitable and hospitable. It led to agriculture which is a practice that is about 10-12,000 years.
There is still existence of modern nomads especially in harsher climatic regions of the earth. They’ve mastered the art of moving around, sustaining themselves and the tribe. The connect with nature is strong and a symbiotic relationship with it allows them to keep sustaining themselves and nature around them.
Now, we’ve come to a time where the word (outside of anthropological & sociological circles) is clubbed with the digital. The digital nomad is a creation of the 90’s. As technology and communication are becoming near seamless in most parts of the world, the need to be located in one place to get work done seems rather rudimentary.
Humans have always had the insatiable need to travel, discover, learn and explore. It has been happening with scholars, monks and extraordinary individuals who pioneered the routes to take. On the foundation of Industrialisation, the wings of Globalisation have taken off which has also made travel seamless. Imagine, in a day you can be at the ends of the earth. A journey that was impossible to think of earlier and took probably years in the time prior to industrialisation.
The term Digital Nomad was popularized in a book by Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners in 1997 in a book titled Digital Nomad where they argued that new technology would allow people to return back to a state of nomadic existence and work from anywhere!
They were not wrong, it has happened in the last decade or so and accelerated by a global pandemic that made many sit at home and work which led to the realization that most work is definitely possible from anywhere (in terms of digital related work).
The statistics say that a rising percentage are choosing this style of work – 17 million Americans in 2023 call themselves digital nomads. The digital nomad in essence has been something that has taken place in countries with comparatively stronger currencies and higher standard of living. The strength of currency allows for a European, an American or anyone earning in those currencies to get more value out their existence in a different place.
People have chosen South East Asia, South & Latin America as favourable destinations because of favourable climate, hospitable people and relaxed visa policies. The ability to live, travel and work from a country of choice is a liberating option that satiates the thirst of travel with the need to earn at the same time.
Digital Nomad in India
This has mostly been the trend since the late 2000’s in Western countries, however there is a new generation of countries that are joining this. As gig projects are becoming easier to come by, a competitive market has emerged especially from South Asia (where large number of semi-skilled online work is available at a relatively cheaper price).
The pandemic definitely had that impact on Indian society. Many who were caught in cities (especially in tiny apartments) were looking for a way out. With travel and tourism abroad on a literal standstill, it seemed the smartest was to move within the borders of the country. Many office goers, either having moved back home or looking to get away from rented accommodations figured doing what they were doing in a more picturesque setting.
The end result was an uptick in the number of freelancers, consultants who figured that they could continue what they were doing as all they needed was a working internet connection and their laptop. There was the incentive to finish tasks sooner as the productivity levels were higher compared at home and office. This has given rise to the concept of a Workation that is no more an unknown entity in India.
As life has gone back to normal since, plenty of offices have since either remained operational on a remote basis (saving on utilities and rent) or moved to a hybrid model where people are required to be in the office physically couple of days a month.
The importance to work life balance has increased and with mental health being recognised in a legitimate way thanks to the pandemic, there is more sanctity around such things.
Why Bangalore should be your next stop as a Digital Nomad?
While life by the beach and mountain sounds idyllic, there’s no harm in exploring a buzzing city once in a while. The great thing is, after a Goa, Bangalore is a great spot for digital nomads and there are several reasons for that. Let’s check it:
1. Climate – The city boasts of great climate through the year, which means that there is no need to be stuck in either very hot summers or freezing winters. The climate is temperate and mild through the year and this is purely because the city is at a height of 915m unlike the other big cities of India.
2. Silicon Valley of India – Bangalore boasts as being the centre of everything digital in India. The IT and startup boom has given rise to plenty of tech companies that are always looking for consultants and freelancers. It is a fantastic city to network in as there are plenty of people looking to start and breakthrough with the next big thing.
3. Cosmopolitan – The amazing thing about the city is that is a great mix of people from all over the country. This reflects in the cuisine and people. The city is a great place to meet people from different cultures and places.
4. Modern – The city boasts of new cafes, restaurants, bars and is home to areas that aren’t seen outside of the biggest cities of India like Delhi and Mumbai. Church Street almost has a European appeal with its cobbled streets, cool and quirky shops and classy bars. There are of course high-end localities that boast of luxury and modernity.
5. Traditional –The city has also managed to keep its traditional aspects alive. There is rich history and heritage that the city has to offer. Old areas of the city still maintain that quaint neighbourhood charm that is quickly disappearing from most big cities. For those who are not familiar with south India, Bangalore is an easy entry point to start experiencing it. The city boasts of rich and diverse culture as people of all southern states can be found here. The culture of Karnataka has amazing stories to show and tell.
Experience all of this in Bangalore while working at the same time. A great place to stay that is perfect for digital nomads is Locul Midtown located in Indiranagar. The place is cool, affordable and well located. Based in a quiet neighbourhood, it is close to some of the best known bars, restaurants and other points of interest in the city.
You can book yourself a dorm bed here, click here
