Indian-ism

Saare Jahan se accha… how 'saccha' is that?

We’re all proud to be Indians. True. But wait. What is it that we have conquered and achieved for our country that we are allowed to be so ‘proud’ of? What has been our contribution apart from living here and heavily populating (and polluting) our country and its depleting its natural resources? Sixty-two years into Indian Independence, we’re a country that is over a billion people strong and still the tag of a young nation. While we continue to disregard our flag and show patriotism only when we’re in the limelight, we should really lend a thought to why Indians are so successful across the globe, but India can’t seem to catch up with them? So, unless we’ve personally fought for the country’s independence, I seriously doubt we all have a valid reason to be so pompous.

Not so long ago, whilst the alleged ‘racist attacks’ on Indians in Australia was still fresh in people’s mind, there was a heated debated at home on who the rightful victims were. My theory was simple, why and how can an entire continent witness hate crimes in such close proximity, specifically on Indians? I don’t mean to sound callous but honestly, there is no smoke without fire. Even though there is a minute percentage of people who actually were victims of hate crime, a lot of the ones probably did something to attract that sort of treatment. I am not justifying it; I’m just trying to see why only a certain section of people were subject to that kind of treatment. I can't help but wonder why do we cook up such a storm and then look for answers when the reason lies right here under our noses?

In such cases there's always the kind of people who think logically and a greater section of the pie chart thinks with their heart. Dialogues akin to “That could have been my daughter or your son..” are thrown around leaving even then most level headed people temporarily impaired and far from a judgment. A huge cross section of society tends to feel sympathetic towards the victims, sidelining what they did to deserve it. We're just built that way. Our head cocks to the side and our smile curves downward with a morose nod, trying to imagine what the horror of the situation is, while silently thanking god that it's not one of us or our loved ones out there. I agree. These are stories we hear on television and the read about in the newspapers and think to ourselves 'oh that could never be me' without understanding its not only just a visa and a ticket we need to live in another country, we all need adjustment and compatibility. We should stop to ask ourselves, what kind of messages we are sending to people when we begin to reside in their country? When we re-locate or visit another country, we automatically become representatives of our nation to the people we interact with. So it is only fair that we paint a warm welcoming and gracious attitude. Somewhere along the way, we've begun to think of our existence as a privilege to others and that is part of the problem why Indians are perceived as hard to get along with, apart from more such misconceptions.

Indians tend to have an air of superiority to them that makes them feel like they're exempt from all rules; it's almost as involuntary and natural as a dog marking its territory. Before you jump in denial, let me explain. I was in Chicago a while back at the famous Devon Avenue, that desis proudly choose to call Diwan street. I know people who live in Chicago will swear by this, but here is is: the street was (and still is) filthy. It was downright dirty with ‘pan’ stains decorating the street and just to re-assure my thoughts, there was an actual ‘pan’ shop with a jolly old ‘pan’ wala oblivious to the mess he was creating. Desi vegetable marts emptied their trash in the back alley and there was a serious violation of hygiene. There were five flies for every one person there and it sure was a Chandni Chowk replica. Uncles walked around in lungis and pyjamas that shrank to half their size boisterously laughing, yapping in their native language, coughing up some phlegm and aiming for (or missing) the passerby on a trajectory.

Now if you live in India then you are a silent witness to the miles and miles of ‘pan’ stained walls and roadside urinals which are a common sight. The 'stench network' accompanies billions of people all over India in their daily commute, despite regional messages sprawled across the walls demanding, requesting and ordering people (with fine amounts posted) not to urinate. Oak Tree Road, Iselin, New Jersey. Ditto. This area has probably seen more number of Indian people than anywhere else in the East Coast. Chat walas, South Indian food, fast food, Indian restaurants by the dozen, Punjabi food, beauty parlors, dvd/ movie rentals, designer boutiques with the latest (but flashy) Indian wear, all tempting you to come in and promising a feel of the motherland, both inside and out. They are a screaming proof that Indians love to break rules. Of course, what could be more satisfying than bragging about it…?

Wearing flashy branded clothes and perfumes doesn’t change the stinky attitude we carry on the inside. We have to understand and respect differences which can only begin at home. Indians over the years have earned the reputation of being brash and uncouth. We are slowly wiping out the impression what our forefathers earned of being hard working and humble. Our need to respect others’ culture especially because we come from such a diverse country with such contrasting culture is slowly dying. We are a growing nation with a faster growing population and the sooner we can learn how to gel with different people and get along amicably, the better it is for everyone. It is what we imbibe from our friends and family that makes us who we are, so make sure you’re surrounded by cheerful, positive and tolerant people who can influence you to make this world a better place. So the next time you are feeling patriotic for your motherland, do me a favor...and think of what all you 'can' do to make it proud!