Girish, I couldn't draw myself away from the writeup and may I naively say, ABCD...
But I agree, with both the pros and cons, that come with the turf. It is in fact something I may consider seriously when I have a little more time that I want to devote to this, but I do appreciate the reality and love the perspective you put on it ... ABCD is just my "humorous" take on it ... after all, at least I can call my kids that and see how it might mess them up ... lol
I agree with the author and I wish there was beter name to it than NRI. Surely Indian does not relate well. Gipsy is the other extreme. I am sure there could something that relates well.
I agree my identity at present is a ?? I have lived in united states for 10 years and I am forced to say my parents are from this place in Tamilnadu and my mother is from this place in Kerala. Also I am not able to relate my identity to Chennai(Madras) eventhough I was brought up in Madras.
Well, I guess it is a good discussion topic for every gettogehter I go to. The question is bound to come up and there is an answer every person does have. Hence I think the story that we have is not similar to folks who are stuck to one place. We are unique and hence the story is fun and dramatic to our questioners.
RE:Good article.
by Jaya Bajaj on Aug 07, 2008 10:50 PM Permalink
If you were brought up in Madras and can't relate to it then sorry to say but you are married to the so called western world!
I was brought up in Delhi and have lived more than 15 yrs in US, still I can totally relate with Delhi.. I don't miss a chance to contribute to my school, other organizations I was involved in... Whenever I even see photos of Delhi I feel nostalgic! I can still drive on the streets of Delhi!
Reason: I have great memories tied to Delhi! I still call it a home!
If your kids say they can't relate to Madras it is obvious! But just after 10 years if you say you can't relate your identity with Madras, probably you never felt at home there!
RE:Good article.
by chotelal on Aug 07, 2008 11:22 PM Permalink
How abt the term cultural bast.... I mean don't take it the wrong way .. you come to other country with some other cultural background and then willy-nilly adopt some cultural activities of the country you are residing in and that turns you into a sort of cultural bast...
RE:RE:Good article.
by Nischal Ever on Aug 07, 2008 11:34 PM Permalink
Chotelal - You are spot on... underlying reason is nothing but Money and a different quality of life that you dont find in India... Atleast were not finding in India.. cant say that of India now...
RE:Good article.
by Nischal Ever on Aug 07, 2008 11:31 PM Permalink
spot on, but you are dealing with an ABCD, dont forget that. A majority of the Indian Masses in the US are this kind who are confused not because they dont want to relate themselves with their origin. But because of the reason they landed into the US which is MONEY...
RE:Good article.
by Brijesh on Aug 08, 2008 12:57 AM Permalink
Mr. Venugopalan, if you are were brought up in Madras and your parents are from there, what is the problem relating your self to Madras ? Why can't you say you are from Madras,India....what is wrong with you....or you are just trying to pretend that I am confused about my identity.....is that some kind off fashion. I am in US just from last 12 years and had spend my childhood in India, Gujarat. I am not ashamed or confused to say that. It is a different matter that according to our education we get better paid and luxuries in US and may be that is one reason, many of us are here if not all, but all those reasons should not make you feel confused to say were you are brought up from or were your origin is from.
RE:Good article.
by malathi raghavan nadhadur on Aug 08, 2008 12:13 AM Permalink
DUDE VENUGOPAL,IF U CANNOT RELATE YOURSELF WITH CHENNAI ,THEN IAM SOORY TO SAY THAT YOU ARE NOT TRUE TO YOURSELF.YOU GIVE A DIFFERENT IMPRESSION TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD BUT HAVE A DIFFERENT WORLD INSIDE OF YOU.YOU ARE A TRUE LIAR WHO DOES NOT TAKE PRIDE FROM WHERE YOU COME FROM,IF YOU DONT HAVE THAT PRIDE YOU ARE A SURE FAILURE IN LIFE.
RE:RE:They arent called ABDCs for nothing :)
by Faceless Indian on Aug 07, 2008 10:55 PM Permalink
Yeah sure - CLEVER at cheating people and indulging in all kinds of illegal activities.
RE:They arent called ABDCs for nothing :)
by Faceless Indian on Aug 07, 2008 10:55 PM Permalink
This kinda answer is expected from a Patel only ha ha. Now get back to your grocery store.
RE:They arent called ABDCs for nothing :)
by anonymous on Aug 08, 2008 12:23 AM Permalink
do they have grocery stores in India now or they still call them general stores
RE:They arent called ABDCs for nothing :)
by Brijesh on Aug 08, 2008 12:48 AM Permalink
Yes, marring with you sister on paper to bring her over in USA..that is creative.....sir please keep this creativity for your family and friends only.
RE:what is your msg?
by Sunit Kumar on Aug 07, 2008 09:42 PM Permalink
If you are or planning to stay in abroad like US or UK, after you get settled in these countries u will experience what the writer has said, and finally after a few years of limbo you say what Pallavi Aiyar says, I am an Indian !! if you dont experience than my friend you are an India throughout, thanks for being one !!
