Colors of India

I have three incomplete blogs lying in my posts sections...oh well! Now some of it was just due to pure lack of words...so no excuses there...and for the rest...well again...no excuses! Haha!

I realized my last few blogs were a lot about the sorry state of India and Indian healthcare and Indian education system...sigh! So I decided to balance the act here and tell you why I love India.

This may seem strange and funny...but really...Indian advertising is one of the reasons why I love it...I know funny! :) Now the big Times of India loyalist that I am...I am absolutely excited about their "Teach India" campaign! (Anjali and Neha...good luck with that!). I think its a great thing that they are doing...and while cynicists may call it a "gimmick"...even if it helps a few 100 kids...really I dont see any problem there. And its a great way for people to give back to society...I know a lots of people who want to. And of course their ads are all over the city...but this one really touched me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V75u1ehgfnc

I have had an experience in the past way back in school interacting with students from the Spastic Society of India. It was a very humbling experience to teach these guys for a year and believe me it was FUN! So I would definitely recommend it to everyone.

And of course...Bombay (Mumbai!). This city rocks. Literally. But its the spirit of the people living here that you cannot ignore. And you know one reason why we are the business hub of the country...at least the original business hub. Well we sure can multi-task. You just need one ride in the second-class local train of Mumbai to absorb everything there is to know about the city. It cuts across all sections of society and age! Where else will can you see women cutting their vegetables on their way home to prepare a good home-cooked meal for their family. Hats off to them! And no conversation about Bombay can be complete without a mention of my (sorry OURS...Neha is watching) favourite places in the city. Hard Rock Cafe! I agree Neha..thats one of the most saddest thing about leaving Bombay. I am sure none of the other ones arnd the world can match upto this.

I love India for Kerala. In a strange way I know there is some past life connection there! I love India for the hospitality and camaradie of the general public. Recently, I happened to go to the vegetable vendor we were a regular at in my old locality. While the decision was purely out of convenience (I was driving through the area and Mom needed me to buy some veggies), I was surprised at the unexpected “welcome” of sorts that I received. He was most happy at my decision to shop from him even though we moved houses 20 mins away and my new locality has better vegetable vendors (in terms of variety). So he happily offered me a discount and his “best rates”. Within seconds, the fruits vendor came to say hello and I was super surprised. They all wanted me to send my regards to “Bhabhiji” (my mother)!

Of course there are a million more reasons I love India but time and lack of words constrain me from going on and on. So I will stop here while India moves forward! Now really...do I need to explain why the "Happiness Quotient" of India is rising! :)