I can understand the point that electricity is cut when there is a cuclone, which i would really accept rather than switching on the electricity during cyclone and killing few people for the benefit of others.
In US i was in florida and during charles hurricate , the power was down and in US without power you cant cook also.So i dont accept that power is not down in other place also.
As weel i guess you would have known abt the Black Out in US and it hasnt happened in our country.So i feel its gud practice and common in major country to make the power down during some natural problem like cyclone.
You neednt get frustrated with it, even before you understand what is happening here. What if I say we/Indians have less regard for our past, we care more about our present?? Or what if I say, that maps frustrates us because they only map the geographical world, where as we the human beings inhabit a cultural world tooooooooooooo??
And finally I will bet my last paisa on the issue of corruption. Can you explain what is corruption?
[Do you know of a concept we so often use in social sciences-- stereotype??]
And before writing back please remember that I have only partially conceded the 1st, 8th and the 9th points. If the discussion takes us far we can discuss those three points as well.
To begin with, I generously concede you Mr. Claude Arpi (though partially) the 1st, 8th and the 9th points. It seems I am rather blind and do not have the same cognitive capabilities and cant see the state of India that frustrates you. *This is an open intellectual challenge to you*explain me the state that is so clear to you and not to me. Let us see how for does this discussion take us.
I urge you to explain me how does India differ from the rest of the world regarding the 4th and the 7th point. Are you watching Indian cricket tour of US (I mean West Indies!!), or the football matches involving the African teams!? Watch them carefully you will understand what is racism. What if I say, charging 250 rs more to watch Taj Mahal is not racisim, but attributing the ghora saab with the status of a rich master!! And then, you still have an Everest to claim in explaining me why do the 3rd, 5th and 6th points frustrate you....why should it matter to any soul whether Indians bother about maps and photos or not. This is simply a cultural difference. [rest of the mail will continue in the next message]
Initially from the topic I guessed that it might have been written by a typical India hating ELM journalist or a 'secular' page 3 person. Or it would be a gora trying to impose his white man's burden. I thought it would be vieled attack on India's culture or its heritage, but no, it was a nicely worded and 'hitting on the head without causing pain' kind of article. Very creative amd sensitive of the French person to have written this. Keep publishing such nice stuff.
Its not the India we should blame.Its because of us the citizens of India to Blame. If an Indian goes to a foreign country he behaves in a different manner, respecting their culture, following traffic rules. One should realise that our vast culture has rich values in it.One should have high aims in his/her career. Everyone in India thinks of leading a normal family life with their children.
Hi,Your article is a good 10pointers.I believe most of us would agree/almost agree with you.Your 95%"good India" sounds funny.I felt you might be trying to avoid confrontation from readers.Now to add few lines to your article. 3rdPoint Historical documents-The history we have been reading or the world knows is a forged Nehruvian history.This was done to have a Pseudo-secular environment in this country.Solving Kashmir needs to have a stern goverment.The fundamental issue with Kashmir is that India still believes Kashmir is a "bilateral" issue. Where does Pakistan come into Kashmir issue?Anyway, lots of countries benefit till the issues prolong(France too,if the subs&Mirage deals goes through). 6thPoint-Photographs-This country had some blood-sucking leeches like Moghuls,Portuguese,French and last but not the least greatbritain who collectively have done enough damage to this country.So skepticism is still in the air.This country with a billion people has learned to struggle for everything.Now this has been embedded in out genes.This reflects even onthe road where people driving/riding on a empty roads will still frenetically honk expecting invisible hurdle. sanju1_here@rediffmail