Knowledge of specifics always aids in the right interpretation of facts and making pragmatic judgments (- I just made that up!)
It was an evening of subtle arguments and debates that went over few glasses of beer. On a dull Saturday evening in the North American continent, with the horizon covered with snow bed, the eerie silence that haunted the evening, all I needed was to hear some human noise, which is when I called on few friends to meet up. Consensus led us to a nearby sports bar with a reasonable ambiance for a quick drink.
[Traditionally] as the person who misses his homeland more than the rest, I started my bit of conversation stating "I miss India!".(… Feel the music-"Yeh Jo Des hai tera" from the movie ‘Swades’). I was joined by the rest praising the Indian weather, the family and relatives back home and some sharing their specific experiences during their days in India. These lasted over the first pitcher of beer.
It took a while for an enthusiast in the group to feel the alcohol react in his blood and eventually taking control of his brain, I suppose. He goes on to add the most (obviously) talked about "Problems" with India -“Corruption", "Bad roads" and "Dumb People". The last one was slightly exaggerated by me!
At the spur of the moment, I burst out laughing and I was joined by the rest of my comrades. To set something straight, the laugh was nothing personal on my friend, it was just the topic, which is the most obvious one spoken by many NRI's or potential NRI's who, at the specific moment, would have just started dreaming of a career and life outside of India.
My fellow mate, trying to sound very normal, tried explaining his stand about the conditions in India. You can make a wild guess about the kind of discussions, arguments and statements made during the conversation.
Comparing India to the western world in a positive note, in an attempt to foresee potential growth, can be much appreciated. However, most of the comparisons bear negative tone in it. How can we expect a country diversified in terms of various cultures, religions, beliefs and being the second largest population of the world, and still around 60 years post independence, to be at the same economic and development level as those of the modernized western world? All it requires is some amount of thought process to realize this fact.
India - a country ruled by the British for decades, without a self governance structure in place, having seen the brutality of racism, slavery and a lifestyle filled with fear of internal and external forces, has come a long way in attaining freedom and self governance. With the rulers leaving the nation, India also had to fight through internal politics for decades before it could form a strong government that can at least sustain its national demand for food and growth in terms of economy, military and research & development. It did take the nation appreciable amount of effort to being called a potentially strong economic power of the world.
If we step back for a moment and recall the history, we can trace the stages through which India has traveled to its present state of development:
The pre-independence movements
Formation of Indian National Congress
The post independence era
Partition of India
Assassination of powerful leaders
Formation of stable government
Border wars with China and Pakistan
Globalization
Development and launch of India’s first missile (Prithvi)
Amidst the above events, haven’t we seen significant developments that we have made as a nation?
I don’t deny the fact that lot of control and change is required on the present concerns of "Corruption" and "Infrastructure". Parts of the world with an impressive infrastructure development have taken support from the World Bank (or other powerful nations) to an extent of four or more times their GDP. India stands out of this equation and still have managed to be recognized as a potential powerful nation, maintaining a moderated tax structure for its citizens.
In a western world, you will be surprised to see the level of taxation and the amount one has to spend on insurance (of all sorts). Of course, that is the price you pay for a life of luxury and comfort. India has exempted its citizens from these and hence can consider it as a trade-off. Decision of living in a specific part of the world is a personal choice. However, that should not come with an in-sensitive comparison of the nation with a highly developed nation. Think about this, if one can compare India with a developed country, would it be even close to reality if we compared Ethiopia (or Afghanisthan) with (today's) super power, USA?
All these happened over three pitchers of beer (to the best of my conscious memory as I can recall!). We split around close to midnight with each of us feeling rejuvenated, not because of the beer, rather the fact that we could beat the Saturday evening snow and recall our wonderful days back in India. As one of my friend put's it, "The days when the sky was blue and the grass was green"!
Educated and raised with cosmopolitan outlook, my upbringing taught me to value similarities and positives in the differences of humanity. My memories remind me of friend’s circle that consisted of diversity from different parts of India. I also consider myself fortunate enough to be in a profession that enables me to interact with people from varied caste, religion and languages which represent multi-cultural India. Until about three years ago, I never realized the fact that modern India still carried regional prejudices (specifically talking about the educated lot), which I had just heard of then, but never paid much attention to, possibly because of my broad-minded upbringing.
Wondering why the above introduction that is in no way related to the title? Well, that's just to build a perspective around the mind set that drives the opinion further.
India, a culturally rich and highly diversified nation, leverages on it's diversity for development and growth. We claim our identity as “Indian” from diversity in terms of Caste, Religion, Region, Language and Politics. India is further categorized by its internal geographical division as "North India", "South India", "East India" and "West India", to represent cultural and political diversity.
It is a known fact that there exists differentiation between the Southern and the Northern part of India that involve good amount of racial element in it. According to one of several beliefs about the origin of this difference that dates back to medieval period; India is a land of two races, the lighter skinned (Aryans) and the darker skinned (Dravidians). The Dravidians were the original inhabitants of India whom, the invading Aryans conquered and dominated. From this came the additional idea that much of what we call Hindu culture was in fact Dravidian, and later borrowed by the Aryans who never gave the Dravidians proper credit for. This idea was then used to turn the people of South India against the people of North India.
The ancient belief gives us a perspective of the basis of these racial biases. Given the limited exposure of those generations to the modern world and further a consideration as an evolving civilization, their beliefs are justified to a good extent. However, today we are a more developed generation in terms of education and global exposure, but still these biases persist. Ask a person from Tamilnadu (for example) about the identity of a person from Delhi and you will not be surprised to get an instant response as "North Indian" or a person from Delhi referring to a person in Andhra Pradesh as "South Indian".
Though these ignorance and prejudice appears (or at least hoping) to be fading away with time, they still exist in many, due to regional support or political reasons. Many Indians do not understand the culture or beauty of various states in India. To quote an example, I knew a person from Delhi who shared his wish to go camping in a boat-house. My obvious guess was that his destination of choice would be Kerala, which has places like Kumarakom, a major tourist attraction for its boat-house's. He told me that he may need to plan a trip to Amsterdam. When I mentioned to him about the boat-house in Kerala, he was surprised to learn that they even existed in India.
These variations have brought in more ideas that add to the differences between the two parts of India. Phrases that I have heard of:- - North Indians are better looking than south Indians. - South Indians are low on self esteem, the North have superiority complex. - South Indians have darker complexion. - North Indians are a less intelligent and a lower educated lot.
These undoubtedly indicate the level of ignorance of the youth of (even) today's generation.
I have often heard Indians talk about racism in western world like America and Britain. Aren't these incidents which happen in-house a clear example of racism? In fact, doesn't this portray a much deeper level of racism in terms of Color and Religion, in a pluralist society as that of ours? How much does it take to represent fellow Indian's as Punjabi, Tamilian or Gujarati as opposed to the provoking generalization as "North Indian" or "South Indian"? A thought for introspection!
The effect of such regional biases is evident through various conflicts and political unrest. Example: - In Mumbai, the driving out of the "Madrasis" in the 1990's and now the "North Indian's" in late 2000.
And now the interesting part, irrespective of these differences, there are two significant areas that bring India together; Cricket and Indians abroad!
Sharing an interesting mail forwarded by a friend last year (in strict confidence that he does not claim copyright for this!!) - Origin of the mail is unknown.
HUM SAB EK HAIN!!!! (We are all one!!!!) -------------------------------------------------------- "Tamils" are always proud to be Tamizhs; pretty courteous (that is what they think, at least!). They speak yenglish but sorry, no indi (Hindi) saar... what da??. The more common Madarasi (chennaisi..., now?) is an ardent fan of kireeket matches.
Their counterparts in Bombay think they live in America but speak Hinglish like ... are you sure ki Sujata aa rahi hai ya I'll go akela!" And they take great pride in making stupid mistakes in Hindi Grammar.
Thamizhs, are verrry lecky to have "simble" neighbours in the "Keralites" who are a komblex race of peoblle (they migrated around 2000 B.C. from the middle east, I guess, and now even the Sheikhs feel wary of them) but they eat a lot of chooclyte and own 99.998765% of chai shops in the world and form 99.89% of nursing community.
Not far begind the kerals is the "Telugu desam", who are totally againesht flaunting their wealthu to the woruldu, though they occasionally come out withu brick red shirtsu and parrot green pantsu with pleetsu (pleat). Worustu,no?! But they (think) are greatu in CICSu, Microsu and COBOLu! Generally sane peoplesu (and so you can always findu them judgingu, probhingu, queschioningu othersu ....)
The Canadians, excuse me, the "Kannadigas" aor (are) the coolest dobun. When it comes to Rajkumar (actor), if a fly sits on his nose, they'll burn the entire city of Bengaloroo to kill the fly! To hell with Silicon Valley! I-ron, firshtu, girlu, Lasht Bussu, roadu, rickeatu, filamu are some of their favorites.
"Maharashtrians" are a conservative, confused, complex lot-kar. -Kar, that is because gavasakar, tendulkar, bahulkar,.. confused that is because sitting in southern part of India they would ask the other person "are you from Maharashtra or from south India..?" and genuinely wonder why the other person takes some time to answer the question. They like the principles of pheejix and their favourite character in the alphabet is Zay (god knows where that came from). Although soft, peace loving people but they fail to choose the right leader to rule them.
And right there next to the Maharashtrians are the "Gujjubhais". They like to keep kes in the benk and their favourite past time is eating snakes (snacks) like paav bhaji, masala papad and pijja at the local snake bar. They gobble down palak sev like their life depends on it and believe in the brotherhood and sisterhood of man and woman (everybody is a bhai or a ben). If you go further eesht, the land uf Udissa - the land of irron ("r" un-silent) where sombalpuroa and Bhubaneshbara are big towns. The people are bery cordial and if you are Vikram they bill soorly ask your name starts from B or Bhe. They do not sout, sam or soot but occasnally bawsh their phace at the wasbashin. James Bond Mohanty in our colleze had a roll nomber jero, jero, sebhen.
Bengalees are bery bery similor, but or bery proud oph Subas Chondro Boash and Shoatyojit Roy (I used to know a director by name Satyajit Ray who was also pretty good) and eberybody is X da. I used to habe a friend by name Dada Bonder...neber mind. Bot I most conphess, Roshgollas are bery goooood, tho!
Bihari kids are supposed to be the smartest kids in India (if not in the universe!). How we wish they grow up the same way,...but... And Biharees are bery phond of Laloo and Ranchi, isse bhadiya tumre pass koochi hai kaa?! spit spit...
UP-ites and MP-ites are busy going to ischool and istudying metals to make lots of ishteel.
Punjabis are very sweet and aggressive and offer "Rotti Shotti Khayega!" to which I once replied No. He said Tage itu, yaar! By Goda! Surjeeta, what happeneda, oi?! Then of course, everybody's a paappe or a kaakke. That's Pnjab for you.
And Kashmir (called Cashmir by many, may be because of the amount of cash spent to keep it in India)?!? I know Roja (or Roza?) was shot (I mean filmed) somewhere nearby...
But at the end of the day, wherever you are in the world, whether it is in Sunnyvale, CA; Birmingham, UK; UmmAl Quwain, UAE or Serangoon Road, Singapore, ask them who they are and you'll get just one answer --- "INDIANS"
NOTE: Readers discretion advised. I mean no offense to any culture or religion through the following writing. The thought presented here is purely personal and is not meant to offend any person, caste or religion in any manner.
Having completed fourth week in Toronto, Canada, after my return from an eventful vacation in India recently, I no longer could resist the urge to go to a place that will give me a feeling of something "Indian" in a foreign land, to curb my home sickness. The first idea that came to my mind was the Hindu temple whose ambiance could echo Indian tradition. With few of my friends, I decided to visit ISKON temple. This was ideal for the fact that I am personally a Lord Sri Krishna devotee (apparently, by mere coincidence, I am reading ‘Bhagavad-Gita’ at the moment) and it is a place that I have never visited before.
On the chilly winter of January 31, with the temperature as low as minus twelve degrees, we took the Subway train and headed to the temple, not really aware of the mixed feelings of satisfaction and disappointment that I was going to witness.
Interestingly, the temple, as it is well known for its meditation practice, had an ambiance of calmness and warmth. Historically ISKON was founded for the purpose of promoting awareness of Lord Sri Krishna and his preaching internationally, through its devotees across the globe.
Amidst exploring the temple, I mentioned to my fellow comrades that it would give a sense of satisfaction to take up voluntary work at the temple for a good cause. Coincidentally, as we were heading out, we were intercepted by a young volunteer (also a devotee) who asked us about our interest to help them distribute food for the needy and homeless, around a location which is few kilometers away from the downtown area of Toronto and reasonably populated by the poor. Taking this opportunity, we joined them with loads of food packed.
The group of volunteers consisted of Indians (which by definition in terms of geographic boundaries, included me & my friends) and few Canadians of European & Indian origins.
We reached the location around three in the evening where we unloaded the food and lined them up on the pavement for distribution. I also (surprisingly) spotted a mrudangam (musical instrument that sounds like a drum), a microphone and a battery powered speaker being set up. I curiously inquired with a fellow Canadian devotee about the need for the musicals to which she replied that we need to sing Bhajans to promote Lord Sri Krishna awareness. Well, interesting, I thought, Bhajans on the street to promote the lord, and curiously waited to witness the next show.
My disappointment with the process being adopted by the foundation began when we reached the location to kick start the event. As we setup the place, we took our respective positions for food distribution in the two lines of volunteers facing each other, one side with food packets and on the other side with volunteers taking possession of their musical instruments of expertise, a lead Canadian singer with the microphone and other background singers.
The Bhajans began with a well coordinated tune of "Hare Rama, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ...". The group of singers, speaker and the accompanied dance moves were sufficient to gain the attention of the passers-by.
There was a rush of many homeless and needy people, of different age groups and personalities to collect food. It was disturbing for a moment when I noticed the people with bare minimal clothing surviving in below freezing temperature; a feeling which I find difficult to explain. At the same time the sense of satisfaction which I got by extending help for a charity cause was phenomenal.
The next 45 minutes went on with these Bhajans, food distribution and dance on the streets of Toronto. It was rather funny to watch a Canadian devotee shouting “Krishnaaaaa” bending backwards, her head and arms pointing skywards. While standing in the distribution line, the winter chill made my ears, nose and toes numb to a point where I felt no sensation in them. It almost felt like I did not have them fixed to my body.
Although admiring and respecting the work being done by the foundation, all through the session, my deep thought process had kicked in thinking about what are we doing in the name of spreading Lord Sri Krishna awareness and his preaching? Isn't this a politically correct language for "the act of spreading religion"? For some reason, I could not comprehend my thoughts well at that moment. The various thoughts that were running in my mind were; are we spreading religious bias in a foreign land, with a hidden agenda of spreading Hinduism as a religion? Is this a right way of executing the vision of His Divine Sri Prabhupada who originally founded ISKON with the purpose of promoting the well-being of the society by teaching the science of Krishna consciousness, according to the Bhagavad-Gita and other ancient Vedic scriptures?
The show on the street ended with the last 5 minutes of the bhajan and dance gaining intensity and momentum, with increased tempo of the Bhajan "Hare Rama, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ...". The last minute went on by praising His Divine Grace Sri Prabhupada and the Bhajan changed to "Jay Prabhupada,. Prabhupada....." in the same tone as that of "Hare Krishna...".
On our way back home, I put this thought that had been running in my mind for the last 45 minutes, for discussion to my fellow comrades. I was debating on the lines of taking an introspective view on whether we are really spreading “awareness” of the purpose of the foundation. In my understanding, spreading awareness and preaching is not publicizing on the streets by singing Bhajans and attracting the crowd to market that we belong to Sri Krishna foundation or a community which follows Hinduism. This to me is merely an act of marketing religion in the name of charity. Spreading awareness and preaching’s of Lord Sri Krishna should be by helping the “interested” in understanding the Indian heritage, the Bhagavad-Gita and it's preaching’s which have abundance of knowledge in them.
It is believed that ‘His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’ was one of the most eminent Vedic scholars of modern times and a distinguished disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami in the chain of disciplic succession from Lord Krishna. He is the founder of ISKON and has also published the well acclaimed "Bhagavad-Gita as it is".
Keeping all thought processes and (others) motivations aside, I must say that it gave me an immense sense of satisfaction to be part of the charity drive of giving away food for the needy and homeless.
We later spent some time at Starbucks discussing this event and warming ourselves. It also felt good to get back the sensations on my ears, nose, and toes and to realize that they are still fixed to my body!
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