What do we mean by progress? Does the economic boom, and spread of technology appease the needs of a community who dreams of emerging as a Developed nation one fine day?
In my days in USA, I have seen people who live with the misconception that We, Indians are blessed with an intelligent brain, which is the backbone of America’s Success and will always be. I really don’t understand what reaction would do true justice to this attitude. Leave apart the shallowness of that concept; the diminishing levels of trust and authenticity pose a bigger concern. How difficult would be for me to order a beautiful flower basket for my mother, on Mother’s Day taking into consideration the fact that the world is such a small place today!!! All I had to do was select my desired gift and pay. I was really feeling guilty for expressing my concern regarding the issue as I was a bit apprehensive about it. Will the flowers reach? Will they reach on time? Will they exploit my money? Being an Indian, keeping so less faith in our own countrymen made me feel really low. But what did I know, that I was apprehensive not because I didn’t know these new people, but because I know ‘Indians’ very well.
It has become our signature somehow – to break rules, to exploit people, to see self profit in every damn aspect. And above all, most of us are self proclaimed Professors. Who have the responsibility of spreading the totally wrong notions with utmost confidence.
So coming back to my story- The flowers- They reached all right, but were not what I had expected. The irony here is , I had expected that they won’t be what I was expecting. Then what’s the fuss about? The fuse in my head burns when I ask for an explanation and get an answer “ You placed the order, and you got the flowers, then what is your problem?” – as if he is trying to tell me that I should be happy I got them at least , not worrying what they are . Funny nah !!!
Well arguing with him made me realize it was pointless. And I really should be thankful that I got them at least. This leaves me with a thought that should this have happened here , in the US, will it have the same conclusion? So , what’s makes this country what it is? It’s not money, it’s not power. It’s not politics and it’s not research. It’s PEOPLE. It begins with people and ends with people. The faith. The humanity. The discipline. The Honesty. These are the things which make a country successful. The attitude of people, the way of looking at things, and a completely “un-selfish” way of living.
Unselfish in what way ? No one is that altruistic. But there is a difference. Again… When I was in school there were many Indians attending the same class as mine. The main focus was of not to gain knowledge or learn something new. But it’s to finish the class somehow and jump to the next. They will copy Assignments, alter home works, cheat with programs and somehow finish their submissions to get a passing grade. Why do they look for the easiest way out? They exploit the professors trust in them .
At work , taking prolonged lunch breaks which last for more than 90 mins , run home before hours , chit chat at work or give excuses to get a break. Again they exploit their employers trust in them. In every scenario, we end up exploiting someone, or looking for way as to how can we gain more . How can we bend things in our favor. Why? Can’t we just let the things take their natural course and let them be ? Why do we have to make signature moves all the time?
And its not only ethics, its normal attitude. I believe , if there are 3 Indian’s in a room and 1 American, people should talk in a language which everyone will understand. And not chatter in Hindi which makes the other left out person feel uncomfortable. But paradoxically the most common thing to perceive is a bunch of Indians making unnecessary mockery of the only American in their own language which portrays poor humanity. And then people complain that Americans are racist!!! Why shouldn’t they be? What people don’t realize is they don’t dislike you because of your color, but it’s because of your behavior.
For every chance I get, I try to prove I am not like other Fellow Indians. I try to prove I am different. Not to others but to Myself. That I am not like others. I will not look for the easiest way out of every situation. I will never exploit my professor’s trust or my employer’s faith. I will try to prove I have more in me, which compels me to prove myself more worthy in a competition as opposed to demeaning my opponents. If I am so annoyed with these habits and traits of typical Indians why should Americans be an exception to this? Instead of blaming them, it’s time for introspection. Not everyone is typical!!! But most of them are.
To those who believe us to be the so called the backbone , I would just like to say if ‘typical’ Indians continue to behave the way they always have , Its only a matter of patience we will be welcome in this country. Back bone will be an extinct concept. Instead of perceiving this idea of self importance they should consider returning back to reality.
On this topic I can go on for hours together. But for now, All I can conclude is it’s not the place, it’s the people in it. Faith is a big word which is taken very so lightly now a days. Being intelligent or being brilliant is too long a target to even think about. We have to be better humans first. It’s time to think . And it’s time to change. We who can think rationally can bring about this change. So let’s try. Let’s change the signature of our youth, and make it more respectable. More deserving. More Indian.
