Returning to the US of A after a year (exactly) was crazy and eye-opening. We hear so much in the news about how America is deteriorating and the quality of life is depreciating, etc, etc. But living in India just for a year has opened my eyes to the harsh realities that exist in third world countries that in this day and age are only getting worse. It begins with something even as simple as the airport restrooms. In the states, they are clean and people are courteous. Basic hygiene is in order. Then you step out of the airport and wow, the traffic is organized. There aren't swarms of cars getting in your way as you proceed in traffic. Civic Sense. Two magic words. It is a sigh of relief to KNOW for a fact that other people on the road or using other public amenities will behave in a certain manner. They will not be rude or intrude in your personal space.
Despite all the negative news coming from America, basic comforts remain untouched. It's business as usual for most professional people. They are still pursuing the American dream and enjoying basic liberties. Yes, there are some things very wrong in the political arena, and social issues often clutter democratic principles. But it is still possible to be away from that and life goes on. You can choose to not get involved and go about your everyday business. This concept is non existent in India. No matter how rich or upper class you consider yourself to be, everyone has to deal with the corruption, greedy politicians, dirty water and food scandals. Everyone's gotta watch his own back.
Granted, India has come a long way. More people have access to internet, telephones and televisions. Sure. But it's a long haul ahead. The educated class in India is self interested and self concerned. India is starting to suffer with an ego-centric culture. People are delving into reality shows and propaganda driven news rather than an awareness in a global sense. It's the same problem that America has been suffering from for the last decade, maybe longer. The few things that most Indians feel proud of are being lost to West-obsessed culture while the country itself is lacking in basic infrastructure, access to education, and most importantly a government that cares.
Most Indians that call themselves "patriotic" take offense to constructive criticism. They downplay the positive aspects of the first world. There is nothing wrong with loving your country, no matter how downtrodden it is. But unconditional zest with no room for social improvement is not constructive. One strong argument for India in this context is a powerful word: culture. India is known for it's rich heritage and customs. But that is in fact a hindrance to social and economic growth. People hold on to the culture argument with all their intellectual might. If all else fails, one can always come back and say, "Well, India has culture, it is secular yet relatively peaceful. What country has that?" Good point, but that doesn't make a great nation. Culture alone isn't enough to be a successful country. What about culture though? Since that too is declining. Youth are astray and chase instant gratification. Nothing wrong in that. But that's what most people dislike about America.
It's time we talk about what we like about America. Perhaps that will steer India in the right direction. Focusing on the negative is having an unwanted after effect. A fact that is unquestionably true and remains undebatable: America is a standard and trend-setter in the developed world. As Stephen Colbert wittingly titled his book : 'I am America, and So Can You'. India, the alarm is going off, and we can't snooze any longer...
Showing posts with label india. Show all posts
Showing posts with label india. Show all posts
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
And the prize goes to...
The world has seen some eventful last 7 days. The 'Royal Wedding' extravagant affair took a lot of attention from all around the world, President Obama finally released his long form Hawaiian birth certificate, and then the President produced Osama Bin Laden's death certificate. So now we can all sigh in relief. Or something like that.
The least interesting event of the three is definitely the wedding. Not only did it symbolize a gruesome waste of taxpayer money in a country that's struggling financially but it also showed how senselessly bedazzled the world is with unconcerning fancy parties. No, I'm not British so I probably don't understand the "true meaning" of what this might symbolize but while the world is in the midst of multiple wars and unrests, genocides, poverty, tsunamis and tornadoes, the fact that two normal people decide to tie the knot does not excuse ALL the news channels to air this event. There are enough people who find this a very important happening, but in the grand scheme of things it means nothing to people like you and me. We won't at all be affected by what happens and neither does it symbolize 'true love' as some people have been suggesting. 3 out of 4 of the Queen's children, including Prince Charles, ended their grand weddings in grand divorces. So let's get real. They're pretty normal, and raising them on a pedestal isn't going to change anything except belittle the issues that so need attention and action.
Of course we all heard about President Obama's birth certificate fiasco. A humorous reminder that ignorance can never be diminished and seeing how he's been questioned on the authenticity of what he provided, it's pretty clear that some people are never going to be satisfied with his responses. I hope he learned his lesson well and won't stoop down to prove the crazies right again. Maybe not until election time at least!
The death of Osama bin Laden was pretty big news, though. Aside from the exciting-spy-thriller-movie-like-mystery about covert and clandestine operations by the CIA and Navy Seals, it was just a 'wow okay' moment. Millions of dollars spent and thousands of men looking for this al-Qaeda kingpin for the last fifteen years, and this guy is sitting in a mansion 60 km from the capital city of Pakistan. I mean if the Pakistani government had no clue that he was there (as they are claiming) then the term Pakistani Intelligence is definitely an oxymoron rather than an organization. I was watching the news anchors on all major networks last night speaking with either Pakistani journalists or some members of the Pakistani government and they are in complete denial that this is even possible. Pervez Musharaff, an ex-President of Pakistan, was quoted in an article yesterday stating that the United States, by entering Pakistan and attacking Osama's mansion, committed a breach of sovereignty and is irresponsible. Hello! We only gave them, what, ten years and ten billion dollars each of those years to strengthen their infrastructure, army, weaponry, and "intelligence" so that they could help us catch this guy. He's been sitting under their nose and they have no idea and yet they are talking about irresponsible breach.
So out of the three events, due to the nature of mystery unraveled and questions raised with meaningful answers that can shape diplomatic relations across the world for decades to come, the prize for the best happening this week goes to the blowing up of Osama bin Laden. No offense to any Pakistanis, and I know tons of them coming from Chicago, but this episode is a blunt indication of the shadiness that exists in this country. India has been screaming on the top of its lungs for the last four decades regarding Pakistan's credibility and their leanings towards housing terrorists. President of Afghanistan, Hamad Karzai has been pointing his finger towards Pakistan as the major terrorist State. No one listened. Now Pakistan has to answers some very difficult questions without posing to be a victim of the circumstance, which is what's usually done. Good luck Gilani, where are you going to hide now?
The least interesting event of the three is definitely the wedding. Not only did it symbolize a gruesome waste of taxpayer money in a country that's struggling financially but it also showed how senselessly bedazzled the world is with unconcerning fancy parties. No, I'm not British so I probably don't understand the "true meaning" of what this might symbolize but while the world is in the midst of multiple wars and unrests, genocides, poverty, tsunamis and tornadoes, the fact that two normal people decide to tie the knot does not excuse ALL the news channels to air this event. There are enough people who find this a very important happening, but in the grand scheme of things it means nothing to people like you and me. We won't at all be affected by what happens and neither does it symbolize 'true love' as some people have been suggesting. 3 out of 4 of the Queen's children, including Prince Charles, ended their grand weddings in grand divorces. So let's get real. They're pretty normal, and raising them on a pedestal isn't going to change anything except belittle the issues that so need attention and action.
Of course we all heard about President Obama's birth certificate fiasco. A humorous reminder that ignorance can never be diminished and seeing how he's been questioned on the authenticity of what he provided, it's pretty clear that some people are never going to be satisfied with his responses. I hope he learned his lesson well and won't stoop down to prove the crazies right again. Maybe not until election time at least!
The death of Osama bin Laden was pretty big news, though. Aside from the exciting-spy-thriller-movie-like-mystery about covert and clandestine operations by the CIA and Navy Seals, it was just a 'wow okay' moment. Millions of dollars spent and thousands of men looking for this al-Qaeda kingpin for the last fifteen years, and this guy is sitting in a mansion 60 km from the capital city of Pakistan. I mean if the Pakistani government had no clue that he was there (as they are claiming) then the term Pakistani Intelligence is definitely an oxymoron rather than an organization. I was watching the news anchors on all major networks last night speaking with either Pakistani journalists or some members of the Pakistani government and they are in complete denial that this is even possible. Pervez Musharaff, an ex-President of Pakistan, was quoted in an article yesterday stating that the United States, by entering Pakistan and attacking Osama's mansion, committed a breach of sovereignty and is irresponsible. Hello! We only gave them, what, ten years and ten billion dollars each of those years to strengthen their infrastructure, army, weaponry, and "intelligence" so that they could help us catch this guy. He's been sitting under their nose and they have no idea and yet they are talking about irresponsible breach.
So out of the three events, due to the nature of mystery unraveled and questions raised with meaningful answers that can shape diplomatic relations across the world for decades to come, the prize for the best happening this week goes to the blowing up of Osama bin Laden. No offense to any Pakistanis, and I know tons of them coming from Chicago, but this episode is a blunt indication of the shadiness that exists in this country. India has been screaming on the top of its lungs for the last four decades regarding Pakistan's credibility and their leanings towards housing terrorists. President of Afghanistan, Hamad Karzai has been pointing his finger towards Pakistan as the major terrorist State. No one listened. Now Pakistan has to answers some very difficult questions without posing to be a victim of the circumstance, which is what's usually done. Good luck Gilani, where are you going to hide now?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Spicy people spice up on governmental blandness..
My recent rant in the last blog posted was heard by a higher power. Recent events in New Delhi definitely signal to that possibility. Late last week, a social activist Anna Hazare from Maharashtra went on a hunger strike demanding 're-conception' of a "India Against Corruption" bill locally known as the Jan Lokpal Bill. Currently the government has a bill in place that is responsible for following up on corruption charges against government officials, but clearly this bill is not being exercised with full potentiality.
I don't really want to bore with the minute details of the amendments in policy that the new bill will bring, but in summary this bill gives the average citizen the power to report corrupt doings by a government official and actually demand a consequence or punishment. It was interesting to see the youth of Delhi (all of India, actually) get riled up about a civic issue. Whenever I am in conversation with someone about how frustrating certain chores and dealing with government entities can be, I'm always given a simple response: It's just like this in India, can't do much about it.
Well, I guess the addictive zest for protest among people has swept along with some radiation (haha) from the rest of the globe. Mr. Hazare stirred up the population using non-violent resorts in order to demand something from the government, which is very well deserved in the world's largest democratic nation. Politicians will be politicians, of course. They got agitated and bounced back saying that giving people the power to put an official to trial is giving them too much power that can be misused.
But seriously? It was rather astonishing to see how many politicians were openly arguing that this bill was a bad idea. How so? Unless one is afraid of getting prosecuted due to corruption themselves, why would a 'public servant' be opposed to giving people the power to punish the system abusers. Even young politicians, such as Rahul Gandhi, didn't find it necessary to come show support for this bill on national television. I guess corrupt politicians are too afraid to take a stand. After all, how will their campaigns get funded if they don't support this bogus mindset of "buying into power" or "excuse granted in exchange of rupees" program. Perhaps a youth leader that can take this policy forward and be an example to others needs to take over this Gandhi legacy that's so prevalent in India since partition. It's a little overwhelming with no backing.
This India Against Corruption policy to fully take effect is the first step that India can take as a third world country to join the league of developed countries. Not that corruption doesn't exist in the Americas. Oh, it is so omnipresent there in the higher levels of institutions, including the government. But an average police officer will not seek a bribe when he pulls you over, neither will a court clerk demand money in exchange for speedy service. It is safe to assume that most everyday tasks don't include bribery. That's why civilians obey basic rules of the road, have common courtesy when standing in lines, littering, accidents, etc. There is a regard for consequences. You can't buy your way out of everything.
So this is a good thing. A good start anyway. Let's see where this will take us.
I don't really want to bore with the minute details of the amendments in policy that the new bill will bring, but in summary this bill gives the average citizen the power to report corrupt doings by a government official and actually demand a consequence or punishment. It was interesting to see the youth of Delhi (all of India, actually) get riled up about a civic issue. Whenever I am in conversation with someone about how frustrating certain chores and dealing with government entities can be, I'm always given a simple response: It's just like this in India, can't do much about it.
Well, I guess the addictive zest for protest among people has swept along with some radiation (haha) from the rest of the globe. Mr. Hazare stirred up the population using non-violent resorts in order to demand something from the government, which is very well deserved in the world's largest democratic nation. Politicians will be politicians, of course. They got agitated and bounced back saying that giving people the power to put an official to trial is giving them too much power that can be misused.
But seriously? It was rather astonishing to see how many politicians were openly arguing that this bill was a bad idea. How so? Unless one is afraid of getting prosecuted due to corruption themselves, why would a 'public servant' be opposed to giving people the power to punish the system abusers. Even young politicians, such as Rahul Gandhi, didn't find it necessary to come show support for this bill on national television. I guess corrupt politicians are too afraid to take a stand. After all, how will their campaigns get funded if they don't support this bogus mindset of "buying into power" or "excuse granted in exchange of rupees" program. Perhaps a youth leader that can take this policy forward and be an example to others needs to take over this Gandhi legacy that's so prevalent in India since partition. It's a little overwhelming with no backing.
This India Against Corruption policy to fully take effect is the first step that India can take as a third world country to join the league of developed countries. Not that corruption doesn't exist in the Americas. Oh, it is so omnipresent there in the higher levels of institutions, including the government. But an average police officer will not seek a bribe when he pulls you over, neither will a court clerk demand money in exchange for speedy service. It is safe to assume that most everyday tasks don't include bribery. That's why civilians obey basic rules of the road, have common courtesy when standing in lines, littering, accidents, etc. There is a regard for consequences. You can't buy your way out of everything.
So this is a good thing. A good start anyway. Let's see where this will take us.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Who needs diplomacy when there's cricket!
So much craziness happening in the world right now. I generally refrain from commenting on big happenings such as Egypt, Libya, Japan like incidents because there is just too much being said already. You can't possibly do justice to such occurrences without being at "Ground Zero", if you will.
However, being in New Delhi and witnessing the madness surrounding the India-Pakistan World Cup Semi Final cricket match is an experience, to say the least. The 'sophisticated' cricket fans try to be politically correct and state that this is after all just a game and that someone has to lose, no matter what. But scratch a little bit beneath the surface and it becomes ample clear that this is SO much bigger than just a game. It is a build up of every political, cultural, social disagreement, event, misunderstanding between the two conflicting countries and this match actually signifies who is the weak one to succumb to pressure.
I am not a cricket lover. I have actually always found the game quiet long, drawn out and boring. But I have totally fallen prey to the hype of this upcoming match and it's really amazing to see myself get dragged in to the 'mob mentality'. People have dropped their important meetings, plans, deadlines just so they could witness this happening live. This is so extreme that the local vegetable seller who comes to our house on his little cycle cart has called off work too! That's when I knew it was serious.
Perhaps we should not downplay the importance of this game. It is indeed wise to acknowledge that this is just a sport and that it can't possibly do justice to decades of conflict between two countries. But this claim is also incorrect. Cricket is the only mainstream sport in India. Let's get real. Yes, there are hundreds of great athletes who indulge in other sports, but as a mass population cricket is the true winner in getting audiences together. So is the case in Pakistan. They are actually much more attached to the game, according to a recent documentary I saw about the country. A non-terrorist civilian (which accounts for 95% of Pakistan, believe it or not!) has not much going for him and he has no voice in government or social issues. His only motive is to survive and take care of his family. For this class of people, which accounts for a huge chunk of the Pakistani population, cricket is most likely their only activity for leisure. Watching, that is. So Pakistan's performance in the sport has high expectations and is the driving force for a lot of people to turn their television sets on.
Because of past unresolved issues between India and Pakistan that are so in our face now, direct confrontation is a no-bogus competition. Maybe they will never get issues such as Kashmir or Taj bombings or terrorist funding or money laundering resolved in a diplomatic manner, but this cricket match will surely determine who is leading, for now.
Go India!
However, being in New Delhi and witnessing the madness surrounding the India-Pakistan World Cup Semi Final cricket match is an experience, to say the least. The 'sophisticated' cricket fans try to be politically correct and state that this is after all just a game and that someone has to lose, no matter what. But scratch a little bit beneath the surface and it becomes ample clear that this is SO much bigger than just a game. It is a build up of every political, cultural, social disagreement, event, misunderstanding between the two conflicting countries and this match actually signifies who is the weak one to succumb to pressure.
I am not a cricket lover. I have actually always found the game quiet long, drawn out and boring. But I have totally fallen prey to the hype of this upcoming match and it's really amazing to see myself get dragged in to the 'mob mentality'. People have dropped their important meetings, plans, deadlines just so they could witness this happening live. This is so extreme that the local vegetable seller who comes to our house on his little cycle cart has called off work too! That's when I knew it was serious.
Perhaps we should not downplay the importance of this game. It is indeed wise to acknowledge that this is just a sport and that it can't possibly do justice to decades of conflict between two countries. But this claim is also incorrect. Cricket is the only mainstream sport in India. Let's get real. Yes, there are hundreds of great athletes who indulge in other sports, but as a mass population cricket is the true winner in getting audiences together. So is the case in Pakistan. They are actually much more attached to the game, according to a recent documentary I saw about the country. A non-terrorist civilian (which accounts for 95% of Pakistan, believe it or not!) has not much going for him and he has no voice in government or social issues. His only motive is to survive and take care of his family. For this class of people, which accounts for a huge chunk of the Pakistani population, cricket is most likely their only activity for leisure. Watching, that is. So Pakistan's performance in the sport has high expectations and is the driving force for a lot of people to turn their television sets on.
Because of past unresolved issues between India and Pakistan that are so in our face now, direct confrontation is a no-bogus competition. Maybe they will never get issues such as Kashmir or Taj bombings or terrorist funding or money laundering resolved in a diplomatic manner, but this cricket match will surely determine who is leading, for now.
Go India!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Palin's New Target: New Delhi!
Sarah Palin, in all her graciousness, is going to visit the motherland. Yes, she will be in New Delhi delivering a speech titled 'My Vision for America' on March 19. The first thing that comes to mind after hearing that is so what does she really want? It's pretty clear from her 'personality type and intelligence' that she is not coming here out of curiosity or genuine excitement. Just like everything she does or says in the American political scene, all her actions related to media have a particular agenda or play propoganda to something.
Well, this is surely the case this time as well. She wants to prepare herself for the 2012 Presidential Campaign. Is it 2008 again? She is really going to use this 15 minute speech as foreign policy expertise experience on her resume to run for the position of commander in chief. Granted that it's a good move by her strategists to come here considering that India is the world's largest democracy, one of US' biggest allies, and a key nation to contribute to any energy iniatives in tomorrow's world. However, her dozens of gaffs, ignorance in basic foreign policy issues, her anti-abortion agenda in any circumstance, and her countless other 'qualities' that might impress her American supporters are not going to help her here.
India is a third world country. Granted. Indians don't stand up to corrupt leadership. But Indians are not stupid. She cannot get away with unintelligent remarks and blabber on without people noticing. She will be watched closely and openly ridiculed if the speech she delivers (not writes, duh) comes across as any of her appearances on FOX News.
Personally, the fact that she is still on the news channels, on bookshelves, and on this blog is baffling me. She is the epitomy of American ignorance and yet she will be here in New Delhi, the capital of one of the world's most powerful countries, sitting with world leaders and trying not to make a fool out of herself and the Americans she so truly represents.
Choose your words carefully, Ms. Palin. The stage is much bigger and more crowded this time.
Well, this is surely the case this time as well. She wants to prepare herself for the 2012 Presidential Campaign. Is it 2008 again? She is really going to use this 15 minute speech as foreign policy expertise experience on her resume to run for the position of commander in chief. Granted that it's a good move by her strategists to come here considering that India is the world's largest democracy, one of US' biggest allies, and a key nation to contribute to any energy iniatives in tomorrow's world. However, her dozens of gaffs, ignorance in basic foreign policy issues, her anti-abortion agenda in any circumstance, and her countless other 'qualities' that might impress her American supporters are not going to help her here.
India is a third world country. Granted. Indians don't stand up to corrupt leadership. But Indians are not stupid. She cannot get away with unintelligent remarks and blabber on without people noticing. She will be watched closely and openly ridiculed if the speech she delivers (not writes, duh) comes across as any of her appearances on FOX News.
Personally, the fact that she is still on the news channels, on bookshelves, and on this blog is baffling me. She is the epitomy of American ignorance and yet she will be here in New Delhi, the capital of one of the world's most powerful countries, sitting with world leaders and trying not to make a fool out of herself and the Americans she so truly represents.
Choose your words carefully, Ms. Palin. The stage is much bigger and more crowded this time.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
:Good riddance:
It's extremely hot
It smells weird
There are numerous homeless people
The traffic is insanely chaotic
The pollution is out of control
The population is not in control either
And the list can go on, as to why India isn't the most ideal place for so many people...But there is another list that is often overlooked
People have high hopes
Even a homeless person has sparkling eyes
Multiple religions coexist in the same city and region
There are over twenty different languages with more than ninety dialects
A dollar to charity will go further here than in any other Western nation
There are more opportunities to benefit the greater good
Being here makes you realize the small idiosyncracies that make our life convenient are actually all unnecessary and just fringe benefits
I've been in India for about two months now, and I've had plenty of people ask me "why in the world would you move to India from the States?" It is very difficult for me to answer this question, mostly because it is going to be biased, and also because I don't want to do injustice to either of the two countries. However, one thing I will say is that even through the numerous inconveniences that exist with living in a third world country, there is a weird sense of 'homeness' and 'belongingness' that lacks in Western countries. Even though there are times when I get frustrated with the everyday annoyances, I have never questioned my decision to move to India on a permanent basis.
I have learned more about myself, people, life, relationships, culture here in the last two months than I have in all my years combined so far. Perhaps it is because I was too young or naive to realize this earlier, or maybe I have too much time on my hands here (ha), it has been a very interesting transition and has met all my expectations so far.
If you're reading this note and haven't ever stepped out of the Western cocoon, I really suggest you do so. Moving to another country is not necessary to learn these lessons, delving in it for a few weeks will suffice. It might change your life in bigger ways than you think. Seriously.
Cheers.
It smells weird
There are numerous homeless people
The traffic is insanely chaotic
The pollution is out of control
The population is not in control either
And the list can go on, as to why India isn't the most ideal place for so many people...But there is another list that is often overlooked
People have high hopes
Even a homeless person has sparkling eyes
Multiple religions coexist in the same city and region
There are over twenty different languages with more than ninety dialects
A dollar to charity will go further here than in any other Western nation
There are more opportunities to benefit the greater good
Being here makes you realize the small idiosyncracies that make our life convenient are actually all unnecessary and just fringe benefits
I've been in India for about two months now, and I've had plenty of people ask me "why in the world would you move to India from the States?" It is very difficult for me to answer this question, mostly because it is going to be biased, and also because I don't want to do injustice to either of the two countries. However, one thing I will say is that even through the numerous inconveniences that exist with living in a third world country, there is a weird sense of 'homeness' and 'belongingness' that lacks in Western countries. Even though there are times when I get frustrated with the everyday annoyances, I have never questioned my decision to move to India on a permanent basis.
I have learned more about myself, people, life, relationships, culture here in the last two months than I have in all my years combined so far. Perhaps it is because I was too young or naive to realize this earlier, or maybe I have too much time on my hands here (ha), it has been a very interesting transition and has met all my expectations so far.
If you're reading this note and haven't ever stepped out of the Western cocoon, I really suggest you do so. Moving to another country is not necessary to learn these lessons, delving in it for a few weeks will suffice. It might change your life in bigger ways than you think. Seriously.
Cheers.
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