Jan 5, 2012

India

Just returned from India!

What I most like about India is that it is home - no matter what.  From the moment we land in India to the moment we leave, there is no thoughts of America or of what we have left behind. When we return however, not a single day passes by without thoughts of India. This alone makes it clear where we belong.

From the tiny over crowded churches where people gather joyfully to commence their new year to the noisy streets and dusty cattle crossing roads, India has a lot to offer. It molds one's heart to do better, to pay back, to love and cherish the people you call family. There is a strong bond that connects all.

Some say it is short lived and that we don't see the negative side because we visit just for a few days. But to be honest, it is what I feel about the people and their relationship rather than how they treat me, that makes the difference. Genuine is the word. People are genuine about their feelings and their emotions, good or bad. My love for them (or the lack of it) is also genuine.

For those who think they lack something by not leaving India, I can assure they have got it all. For those like me who think we have made it all, I insist we lack a lot. We will be selfish to assume we are better off when our own kind can't afford any of it.

The uncle who is dying, the family that is struggling, the old lady who doesn't have a single pair of sandals, the sick in the dirty government hospital, they need me.

Rest of my years in America, my focus will be how better I can pay back my India. Hopefully someday I can return for good and make it my home again! But until then, I will refocus my priorities and reflect the needs of the "least of these". I am sure whatever I do for them will be considered done unto Him. (Matthew 25:31-46)

Are you still with me?


15 comments:

Tomz said...

very striking soliloquies from nri girl about her homeland..very striking indeed..

NRIGirl said...

Thanks Tomz! So nice to hear from you. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Kavita Saharia said...

Touched !Now I love you more !
Happy 2012 to you and your family :):)

bkaseem said...

With you With You... totally with you. Good luck Queen! Wonderful post.. liked it very much... and yeah.. WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY 2012 :)

Rachna said...

Beautiful thoughts and very sincere feelings. If only all those who stay away from India had your perspective. Wish you a great New Year, NRIGirl.

anilkurup59 said...

Do all NRIs have the same feelings , outlook that you have expressed?

Bikram said...

bless you nrigirl..

I wish many many have the same thought and do something for out great nation..

yes so true we who have come out so far do lack a lot.. its not easy to live in Two parts ..

All the best and anything i can do to help Always here for you ..

Bikram's

Felicity Grace Terry said...

They say that home is where the heart is and from this post it is very clear to see just where your heart is.

Hoping 2012 is a good year, my best wishes to you and yours. x

Sanand said...

The fact that you view India as home and sincerely want to contribute to India's growth makes all the difference and is definitely a kind of inspiration and commitment that is worth appreciation. With a clear vision like that, 2012 will be a perfect setting for you to realize your goals. Here's wishing you all the very best.

NRIGirl said...

Thank you all! So nice to hear from all of you. That was very encouraging.

To answer Anil's question:

I guess every NRI would feel the same at some point in their life. How they act on it could differ.

Petty: I agree, home is where the heart is!

Cjo said...

Refreshing to hear the report from home, NRIGirl. Refreshing indeed. Genuine is the word unlike "How you doin'" & "Great"

Anonymous said...

Annie.. May God help you to do this...

Joseph Israel

KParthasarathi said...

Hearty welcome.Your posts were missed

Anonymous said...

You are right...with all the imperfections we love our motherland...

Glad that you were able to manage a vacation...did you enjoy the rain..or is it only in Kerala...

Amrit said...

Sorry I am late.

Home is where heart is.

I don't miss India that much but your post is emotionalllll........

I am sending you an email

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