Take Me Out of India - But You Can't Take India Out of Me

There are many of people who have left India for greener pastures abroad. There are even more of us who want to go and live in another country. The United States of America is one of the countries that many people want to emigrate to. The promise of a better quality life and the infrastructure of a more advanced country are always alluring. This is common problem with us Indians as we look at the west as a way of improving our lives and that of generations to come. Many of those who stay behind wonder why they should have not tried to go given the many issues our country faces - poor infrastructure, degenerate politics, over-population, etc. So those who are able to leave the country do so for those societies where it is perceived that life is better. Little do they know that what they are giving up may be most integral to their own existence and what they value the most.

So what happens when one goes abroad to settle? As someone who has experienced this first hand having lived abroad for so many years, it becomes pretty clear that over time your heart longs for the home environment - the sights and sounds of your homeland. While it is a great feeling to be part of a country that has a system that works, infrastructure that makes life enjoyable and a future that one can be proud off, there is still something missing. The feeling that one has for being amongst their own and living close to where they grow up is irreplaceable. There is a belief that a western culture and better infrastructure can suffice for the lack of the former feelings. Unfortunately, as an Indian, it is hard to replace the many different celebrations our culture affords - like giving gifts on the many different religious and other celebrations we have in our country.