Excuse me.....

And that's the reason why I do not choose to call the so-called "educated" as educated. It's not just the degrees matter but how one thinks!

You know, it is an interesting part of human psychology - I do not claim to understand it - but in some cases people feel a sense of guilt, in their hearts, when they leave any place which has been home to them - a city, a country, even a religion - and to silence the cry of the conscience, they begin to find fault and express their unhappiness with whatever place they came from. It seems to be an attempt at justifying an action which they are inwardly unhappy with. But the truth is as you say - wherever we come from, if there is anything good, praiseworthy, or admirable about that place, then that is what we should meditate on and share with others, so that we may try to make a more positive world, not a negative aura for ourselves and those who must hear us! Thank you for your good observations!

You have said this so well, you need no comments from me. As you know I have a warm spot in my heart for India and it is wonderful to here you stand up for her

Guatami,
Well said. I hear deep pain in this article, too.

I have no answers except to say that as an American who still lives in America, I would not consider myself an ambassador if I travel abroad. I am embarrassed by what our government is doing here and ashamed that we are spewing fear around the world. I would be/am an ambassador of peace and tolerance.

I don't know the hearts of those who leave India. I can only speculate that they might be vunerable to the influences of the not so attractive aspects of American culture which still encourages "Americanization". It also might be from fear - fear of being targeted and profiled in this new-world in America of "war-on-everyone-not-american."

I do agree that one should look carefully at the choice to leave their country of birth for "greener pastures." Staying to try and change what one sees as wrong is far more effective than leaving and pointing a finger. (Many here, including myself, seriously contemplated leaving the US in 2000 and 2004).

Thanks for sharing your rant. You speak for many.

Hi

You have generated a debate...which is not very pleasent. While we are very proud of what many Indians have done over the years, we should be equally ashamed of many things Indian. We are a nation ruled by goons and sycophants...and we can do nothing about it. We are corrupt to the core and resigned to a 'chalta hai' attitude. We are a nation where those in power can get away with murder...where a petty thief is put behind bars for years without a fair trial. We are a nation where civic sense is the last priority. Here, its the dynastic rule that governs the lives of millions. 'Indira' is India was the slogan a few yeras back...now it is 'Sonia'...and soon 'Rahul'. Whom are we trying to impress?

Our president lives in a sprawling mansion built for kings...when millions live on the streets...where a few Amitaba Bachachans and Sharookh khans live in splendor...for no contribution to humanity...where a MF Hussaun shits on a canvas and makes several crores...and applauded. We are a nation of opportunists..,period!

I am sorry to say...but I have very little to be proud of...and I do not blame those who point ugly fingers at our nation.

I have a lot to say...but that's for later. Let us not rejoice at our achievements without taking note of our failures.



I am sorry, but that's how i feel.

Karuna,

I agree with you upto a certain point. I am all for peace and tolerance irrespective of where I am living.

I don't mean all Indians who are staying away from India. But the % of those who speak badly of it definitely outnumber.

Its not that I do not see the problems in India. But before I bad mouth, I must see what am I really doing to combat that.

Ravi, you raised certain issues which need to be answered too.

We are responsible for the leaders we choose by not voting. Yes ,by not exercising our right to vote. The urban areas have the least number of votes polled. Why blame the system for something we are all responsible?

But thats not what I wanted to say here. You mean to say that none of the other countries have corrupt leaders? Or opportunists?

Reading carefully you will see that I have written we need to take the positive aspects along with the negative ones.

Karuna, I am G_A_U_T_A_M_I

Namaste, Gautami -
It is sad, it seems, that some people are inclined to identify themselves - or the Self - not with the good works, heroism or wonderful deeds of their ancestors, the artistry and beauty of their cultural heritage, or the honor of their families, but puzzlingly, with their current government, for its good or bad qualities, or the current state of their national social policies or some other such thing . Although myself being an American citizen with ancestries of Native American, Celtic, English and French, I find wonderful characteristics among all of the various peoples and cultures of my forefathers, and am not at all ashamed of being called American. If a person wishes to come only from a country in whose history there has never been anything less than human perfection, then one will be in for a long series of crushing disappointments as no such countries have existed. I am not aware of any people or culture on this planet which has not had some terrible things related to its governing people at one point or another - but only the most shallow of people would judge another by something that their government had done. India may have many problems and poverty, as do other countries as well, but if I recall, it also gave us the Gita, Buddha and Gandhi and millennia of great art as well as many other priceless gifts. And one may choose to not be ticked pink with America but one might remember what country was greatly responsible for the ending of WWII and stopping the aspirations of a certain Mr. Hitler. One may focus on whatever aspects one might wish, but again, it seems to me that there are far too many people meditating and spreading negativity, which does not help anyone or improve anything. And is not that the overall thrust of your well stated article?
Just one more opinion. Thank you for allowing my thoughts. :o)

excellent you speak your feelings well and I don't blame you a bit.

everyone should be proud of who they are and where they came from if of course there is no reason not too, like they are a murderer or something like that but in general this applies to every immigrant, be proud, stand proud and enjoy your new country.