This presents the dichotomy of working in the home country and going abroad through an allegory. A sapling (a research idea or a career in making) if planted anywhere in the neighbourhood of Laapataa’s home, faces the risk of damage or destruction due to various environmental reasons. It’s always safe in some cases to donate/sell it to a nursery (representing a developed economy) where it will be protected and nurtured. However, it the may get lost in a collection of much bigger and more attractive plants (more accomplished researchers).
