To say that we live in a globalized world where Indians are found in every imaginable corner of the world would be understating the facts. Indians can be found everywhere. Only last week, a young man who was a past tenant had come to collect the post. Two minutes into our conversation and he turned out to be from India and by great luck from my city. Boy was I delighted!
It is these little things that give you immense joy, of finding that connect when you are abroad. Many Indians have adopted other countries as their base. Their link with their country of origin may be limited to yearly or two- yearly visits but considering the economical calling rates today, keeping in touch is not a problem at all. Besides the traditional telephonic conversations, there are innumerable ways of being there mentally and physically (if you consider videos and images as physical manifestations)- Facebook, twitter, chat and hordes of other social networking links. Foreign shores are no longer alien; no land is the stuff of English textbook chapters any more. These days it is all about, although there may be some who do not agree with this view, blending in. You can adopt and adapt as much as you like but there are certain things that remind you of India with unerring nostalgia.
Food
You can eat at all the sushi you want with all the chopsticks you can handle, wrap up the noodles around your fork, and lick the white sauce from your fingers with that Western sophistication which makes it look like a superior work of art. The aroma of daal chawal still, however, makes you want to go back to sitting cross legged and caring a hoot for all worldly etiquettes.
Marriage
Marriage is another important occasion which reminds an Indian of his or her roots, quite literally and unequivocally. No arguments against the 'Big Fat Indian Wedding' or at least the idea of some such thing. It starts from the outfits, which are procured from shopping sojourns to India or doubly expensive purchases of just about bearable copies of the originals. Ethnic jewelry is a must. The rituals are carried out with amazing detailing, sometimes even surpassing their original fastidiousness.
Festivals
Festivals are a time when the Non Resident Indian relives his traditions along with religious fervor. Whether it is Navratri, Holi, Eid or Christmas, festivals are cause for celebration for an Indian, even if he or she is not in India physically. That is because subconsciously, it is about being connected across the mental planes; of vivid recollections of festival times in India and trying to emulate the same in dress, rituals, food and festivities
Bollywood
Bollywood is an all- year, all- time favourite entertainment for Indians and, given its global influence, for people of all nationalities. Whether it is the latest movie to hit theatres or the promotional visits of Bollywood stars, NRI's feel a sense of pride and joy on aligning themselves with India's rich and famous.
Cricket
Cricket brings out the patriotic flavor, the joy of being Indian. This was evident especially in the last World Cup when Indians across the world took to the streets to celebrate India's win with ecstasy. There is a dearth of Indian talent in other sports but the rare Saina Nehwal, Vijendra Singh and Sania Mirza also bring out the feeling of pride of sharing the same origins.
It is these little things that give you immense joy, of finding that connect when you are abroad. Many Indians have adopted other countries as their base. Their link with their country of origin may be limited to yearly or two- yearly visits but considering the economical calling rates today, keeping in touch is not a problem at all. Besides the traditional telephonic conversations, there are innumerable ways of being there mentally and physically (if you consider videos and images as physical manifestations)- Facebook, twitter, chat and hordes of other social networking links. Foreign shores are no longer alien; no land is the stuff of English textbook chapters any more. These days it is all about, although there may be some who do not agree with this view, blending in. You can adopt and adapt as much as you like but there are certain things that remind you of India with unerring nostalgia.
Food
You can eat at all the sushi you want with all the chopsticks you can handle, wrap up the noodles around your fork, and lick the white sauce from your fingers with that Western sophistication which makes it look like a superior work of art. The aroma of daal chawal still, however, makes you want to go back to sitting cross legged and caring a hoot for all worldly etiquettes.
Marriage
Marriage is another important occasion which reminds an Indian of his or her roots, quite literally and unequivocally. No arguments against the 'Big Fat Indian Wedding' or at least the idea of some such thing. It starts from the outfits, which are procured from shopping sojourns to India or doubly expensive purchases of just about bearable copies of the originals. Ethnic jewelry is a must. The rituals are carried out with amazing detailing, sometimes even surpassing their original fastidiousness.
Festivals
Festivals are a time when the Non Resident Indian relives his traditions along with religious fervor. Whether it is Navratri, Holi, Eid or Christmas, festivals are cause for celebration for an Indian, even if he or she is not in India physically. That is because subconsciously, it is about being connected across the mental planes; of vivid recollections of festival times in India and trying to emulate the same in dress, rituals, food and festivities
Bollywood
Bollywood is an all- year, all- time favourite entertainment for Indians and, given its global influence, for people of all nationalities. Whether it is the latest movie to hit theatres or the promotional visits of Bollywood stars, NRI's feel a sense of pride and joy on aligning themselves with India's rich and famous.
Cricket
Cricket brings out the patriotic flavor, the joy of being Indian. This was evident especially in the last World Cup when Indians across the world took to the streets to celebrate India's win with ecstasy. There is a dearth of Indian talent in other sports but the rare Saina Nehwal, Vijendra Singh and Sania Mirza also bring out the feeling of pride of sharing the same origins.
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