discrimination of entry fee to taj mahal and other museums for whites/foreigners is not limited to india.infact russia and some of the europian countries have different rates for natives /foreigners and students and the difference is quite a bit.
I agree with the writer of all the 10 points. But one has to go to roots for some of the causes. 1)Discrimination against the white tourist: Some white nations like British and Portugese (partly France also) painted a bad picture in the mind of Indians by their atrocities, oppression during thier rule in India. They became rich by looting the country. Common Indians do not discriminate 2 whites (Brit or German). For him all whites are of same. As in USA all Asians are same. 2) Babus: This is a direct gift of Brits to create this babudom. It is shame but really getting carried
It's good to read a Westeners view point of India.As much as I appreciate it, I can't help fathom some of your analogies .
I've had the privilege,of travelling around the world.After seeing the "developed" nations,I do agree there are lots of unresolved problems in India.That doesn't warrant unnecessary comparisons and statements.Here are some of the things which I find sticking-out in,otherwise a well written article.
1)What's the connection between New Orleans and rural south India? Didn't you read and see the post-calamity response in both the countries?
4)Maasai Mara the world famous Game reserve charges exorbitant entry fee for foreigners,while it's cheap for Kenyans.Yet,foreigners flock to Mara.Isn't it a way of promoting local tourism?Let me know,how many Indians can afford Rs 750 for Taj?
When French strike it's for their demands and when we do it, it's unwarranted.Did you realise we don't take a 2 hour lunch break for a 12 course meal?Did you realise we don't cause civil unrest for increasing the work week to 37.5 hours from 35?
It's good that the cancer in the society is being exposed.Yet,let's not make undue conclusions and coomparisons.
RE:10 things I hate about India - Response
by Ramdas Iyer on Jun 23, 2006 11:02 PM Permalink
Great reply man Vijay. Its very easy to criticise Indians, But can I ever settle in France and condescendingly criticise the French(not that I would ever want to settle in france or any other country for that matter)
No Pedestrian Crossings: After visiting places like US, I'm suprised to still see our country only focus on improving roads, building flyovers, underpasses, but where is the concern for the pedestrians? Even the footpaths next to the roads get occupied by 2 wheelers.
The article is nothing but a statement of plain truth. The correspondent should have given his identity. We are grateful to him that he has said everything with a sugal capsule. I as Indian feel sorry for all these evils though I am myself victim of all these. Babu - whether very senior or very junior and the politician are free and without any responsibility. The only source of hope is the new generation including a few political offsprings. We believe in God - alright but God is also not happy with the state of affairs. His solace is that He is not among the victims.
I disagree with the 10 things. 1. Power cuts - Please see statistics of Katerina and the 05 July flash floods in Mumbai. India is much better prepared. Regarding power cuts, population and stealing attributes to it, not hte govt.
2. Babus: Partially accepted, but the eGovernance is transforming this completely. TRy buying a property, and you will see that you can register it in 10 minutes.
3. Historic documents: Let's start honoring them, and they will be more widely available.
4. White tourists: An Indian in the USA is robbed blind by car dealers, higher apt rents, retails. Everyone tries to make more money where they can? Why not charge a premium?
5&6. MAps and Photos: TRy comparing this to the paranoia of the TSA of USA. (Airport security)
7. Politians: Show me one country where politicians are not what you have described.
8. Environment: You have made the point by saying that it is improving now. Awareness is growing.
9. Traffic: Indian traffic is what it is. Need to get more infrastructure in place to better it. Till then, be happy with the fact that there are not many casualties
10. Corruption: Again, a common phenomenon of this planet.
RE:Article of 10 things I hate about India
by Anu on Jun 25, 2006 06:07 PM Permalink
Very well said! Why target India weak points when it is improving & developiong so rapidly & well! Long live India!
It was amusing to read the article and Arpi is right. I am happy he made India hi home and is enjoying it. They are teh same setbacks for which many of us leave India for western more 'developed' countries. I have found the in some places in China, foreigners are charged more. I was surprized when I found this. But, that is no reason India should have it. It is hightime India will have uniform policy about this for all visitors - irrespective of natinalities. And, than you Claude for the artice and speaking out for all of us. I hope someone in the government reads this and makes positive changes.
