Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram: The Migrant Cities and the Debate on Urban Growth

Serial entrepreneur Rajesh Sawhney's comments on the role of migrants in building key Indian cities sparked a heated debate on urban development and cultural identity.

MigrantsUrban DevelopmentBengaluruMumbaiGurugramReal Estate MumbaiJun 28, 2025

Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram: The Migrant Cities and the Debate on Urban Growth

Real Estate Mumbai:Serial entrepreneur Rajesh Sawhney stirred up a storm on X this weekend with a post praising Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram as 'cities built by migrants'—only to face a swift backlash from locals defending the deep-rooted legacy of their hometowns, particularly Bengaluru.

In his post, Sawhney wrote, “Mumbai, Bangalore and Gurugram—these three Indian cities have been built by migrants and are the most cosmopolitan in nature.” He credited migrants with transforming sleepy towns into hubs of finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.

He described Mumbai as the original business capital, shaped by national talent drawn to MNCs, banks, and industrial houses—from the Tatas to Adanis. He claimed Bengaluru was a quiet city until the IT boom, attracting talent from across southern India. Gurugram, he said, evolved from a dusty village into a startup hotspot thanks to BPOs and entrepreneurial migrants.

“Natives have benefited enormously from these transformations and should celebrate this contribution by the migrants instead of being instigated by Politicians to resent migrants,” Sawhney wrote.

That sentiment didn’t sit well with many Bengalureans. One user replied: “Bangalore was a sleepy town? Really? Please do your research.” They pointed out pre-IT institutions like HAL, DRDO, and BEML that shaped Bengaluru’s industrial identity long before the tech boom.

Another user wrote, “Kempegowda built a city 500 years ago with town planning. Bengaluru got electricity before most of Asia. It attracted PSUs and IISc long before startups arrived.”

Others accused Sawhney of dismissing local legacy in favor of a migrant-centric narrative. “Humble request to all migrants: go back and build your native places. Bengaluru will become a better place without you,” one user wrote, echoing a rising sentiment around overpopulation and cultural erosion in major Indian cities.

While some agreed with Sawhney’s view on cosmopolitan growth, the larger response reflected growing unease about urban congestion, infrastructure strain, and a perceived lack of respect for local history and culture.

The debate highlights the complex interplay between migration, urban development, and cultural identity in India's rapidly growing cities. It underscores the need for a balanced approach that recognizes the contributions of both migrants and locals in shaping the urban landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rajesh Sawhney?

Rajesh Sawhney is a serial entrepreneur known for his contributions to the startup ecosystem in India. He is the founder of several successful ventures and is an active voice on social media platforms.

What did Rajesh Sawhney say about Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram?

Rajesh Sawhney praised Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram as 'cities built by migrants' and credited migrants with transforming these cities into hubs of finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Why did his comments spark a debate?

His comments sparked a debate because they were perceived as dismissing the local legacy and contributions of these cities. Many locals, especially in Bengaluru, felt that their history and identity were being overlooked.

What are some key institutions that shaped Bengaluru's industrial identity?

Bengaluru's industrial identity was shaped by pre-IT institutions like HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), and BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited).

What are the concerns raised by locals about urban development?

Locals raised concerns about urban congestion, infrastructure strain, and a perceived lack of respect for local history and culture. They emphasized the need for a balanced approach that recognizes the contributions of both migrants and locals.