Some perceptions of India invoke ideas of the British Raj and the colonial rule in nostalgic terms and sometimes not as flattering as you want them to be. I remember watching films on "heat" and "dust" and the snobbish, nose-in-air attitude associated with colonial history and feeling a little uneasy. There is a bit of that even in the more recent "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" but the story in the end is positive and kind of embraces all that is India. Coming back to heat and dust and weather one wonders what we could perhaps write about where we live and the never ending winter. It also depends on which end of the perception spectrum you happen to be located.

A decade earlier, the weekend would be a virtual get together because Indians would call their family and friends from the United States once a week and speak to everybody at home. This was because the calling rates were exorbitant. However, calling rates dropped and then came the VoIP technology, which meant calling at any time was possible.

Bad news has this habit of sneaking up from behind when I am relaxing in my rocking chair. Man always has to wrestle with man-made laws, and high-handedness is universal. Little changes from country to country except the rules of engagement, but the pin hold on the individual remains the same, no matter where you live. Life, as you know, will kill you. And then, as reliable soothsayers confirm, you die. But, what if you don't leave the planet for good, and are left to nurse insult upon injury, as in the following story?

As we passed the five-year anniversary of the start of the economic recession in December 2007, many observers focus on what was lost: 8 million jobs, 146,000 employer businesses and 17.5 percent average individual earnings.

It is the season of increased giving. There is almost a flurry of activity heading to tax preparer’s offices to ascertain how much can be donated for a good return. Aid is built into the economic system of this country as much as it is in its culture. And charity is a most appreciated quality. Development aid has long been recognized as crucial to help poor developing nations grow out of poverty. It is of significance that the United Nations has urged developed countries to spend 0.7 percent of their national income on aid to poorer nations, a target that remains quite indefinite. According to the most recent figures of the Development Assistance Committee, a consortium of the world’s main donors, the developed world gave nearly $120 billion in assistance to the developing world in 2009, or 0.32 percent.

Last month, I arrived in Barrington, R.I., after traveling to Pune for a month. I also visited Mumbai and Delhi, combining work with family visits. I grew up, went to school, college, and worked in India. I have lived in America for over 20 years and have returned to visit India on more than 10 occasions. However, every time I return from India, I feel I have entered America for the first time. America is my other home, where I work as a college professor and live in a suburban home with my wife and kids.

Sadly, India rapes for the same reasons that India bribes, honks unnecessarily, drives drunk and over speeds, why it pushes and pulls and can't form a line, also why it spits and urinates where it wants and why it refuses to clean its hands before dishing out food with the same hands.

Even as the holiday festivities abound, my mind is in two places. As immigrants that is common – to straddle between two worlds. And then there are moments of pride with India “shining” and there are moments of infinite shame and anger at events that have rocked the capital, Delhi. Having spent a considerable part of my life in New Delhi I stay connected to “home” and what happens there. The recent incident of brutal rape brought to light the fact that spaces in the city are gendered still, that women are not equal citizens and the laws do not support victims’ rights. Is this the “incredible” India we are presenting to the world?

Even as the holiday festivities abound, my mind is in two places. As immigrants that is common – to straddle between two worlds. And then there are moments of pride with India “shining” and there are moments of infinite shame and anger at events that have rocked the capital, Delhi. Having spent a considerable part of my life in New Delhi I stay connected to “home” and what happens there. The recent incident of brutal rape brought to light the fact that spaces in the city are gendered still, that women are not equal citizens and the laws do not support victims’ rights. Is this the “incredible” India we are presenting to the world?

Sometime around 350 BC, Aristotle observed thus: "He who has not learned to obey cannot be a good commander."

By that token, re-elected President Barack Obama can only be a half good commander since he pushes for the causes of 50 percent of Americans and disobeys the other half. But all this can change with a stroke of boldness. The country is too divided and for it to continue like this bodes disaster from here on unless something is done quite bold. Since Obama does not have to be re-elected, he can be real bold.

If you think voting is a waste of time – then think again.

It is the people, who by exercising their right to vote, elect  local, state and federal officials, including the President and thus push forward policies that loom large on the town, your job, your taxes, your health care, your children’s education and hence the future of this nation itself. Elections are the cornerstones of our democracy and, in fact, voting is the process to form a healthier democracy that then is able to facilitate the most vital want of our life – happiness. 

With the 2012 Presidential Election looming it is time to really concentrate on the serious business of the presidential election and the real issues. Instead of focusing on the bread and butter issues of jobs and economy – Republicans for the past few months have been harping in their attack ads on Barack Obama’s pot smoking, challenging his citizenship that has been verified umpteen times and dwelling on his past contacts with Tony Rezco and Jeremiah Wright. The Democrats on the other hand keep bringing up Mitt Romney’s richness, his Mormon religion and even questioning his departure date from Bain Capital. None of these factors have much relevance in determining who the right man for the task at hand is.

Hailed as the author of India’s success story and savant of global economy — India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh only a few years ago was put on the short list for appearing on the Time Magazine’s cover as their Person of the Year to honor his economics wizardry.

Indians celebrate Indian Independence Day on August 15. Every year this day is celebrated by cultural events and flag-hoisting as a respect to the motherland and tribute to the freedom fighters. As it is correctly said that “freedom is never free,” many freedom fighters have given their blood for the independence of India and celebrating their sacrifice is certainly a worthy cause. However, after 65 years of independence it is also worth considering if Independence Day really means to Indians what it is supposed to or if it is just another event and reason to get together?

Indians' contributions to U.S. need to be recognized, applauded and encouraged

 

Summer is a good time to visit the United States. The pleasant weather conditions, blooming seasonal flowers and the relaxed air kind of entice many to visit around this time of the year. Who does not want to experience the Big Apple, the Grand Canyon and the thriving amusement parks strewn across the country? Not surprisingly many Indian residents in the United States get busy hosting friends and family members. But then it is the same if it were the reverse — guests are always welcome in India to the extent that they are revered.