Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Return of the native
|
Life takes on a different hue for NRIs who are homebound. A decision to give up the dollar dream is justified as the family support system compensates for all the luxuries one may enjoy abroad, writes PADMINI B. PATELL
|
YOUNG SIVA JUTURI left India in 1993 after his B.Tech for his Masters at the Michigan State University. Like all desi students he was thrilled to have made it to the American soil, ecstatic about his first job, first apartment, first car and the dollars at his disposal. In 1996 he married Pallavi who was lucky to join him almost immediately. They had a good life, but three years later when their son Pranav was born, the couple made a conscious decision to return to India by the time he was of school going age. Siva, now a Senior Manager with the Intelligroup feels he made the right move at the right time to take care of his aging parents who were not keeping good health. The lengthy phone calls and annual trips, he felt could never compensate for actually living amongst family and friends. He admits, "It takes a while to get accustomed to the change but we have no regrets. There are several improvements, yet a lot more needs to be done like cleaner surroundings, better water management, efficient government offices and futuristic planning by the municipality.''
But the Juturis fall into that miniscule category that take this bold step, ready to face the consequences. Everyone who goes abroad has visions of coming home someday but they often wait for the opportune moment and for the majority, that is best postponed. Take for example the large Indian community that is scattered in all parts of the US. Like Siva, most have gone as students, taken up their first jobs and before they know it, they are too comfortable and secure to make any move. Then the spouse and children come along and they want to enjoy the lifestyle for just a little while longer and build up the bank balance. Finally with the green card, one has arrived and it is hardly appropriate to throw it all away and enter unknown territory, again. For that is what your country is now, and you have all the apprehensions of a foreigner, if not more, about whether or not you have what it takes to make the transition.
One always associates adjustments and homesickness with living outside of one's country. Who can imagine that one can be sick at home? Several Indians have returned for various reasons. Be it a slump in the computer industry, stringent immigration laws, cultural insecurities, patriotism or September 11, there are re-adjustments people have to make to be able to survive in the place they consider home. When most people blend into the mainstream of their native cultures, Indians who return from abroad, need time and determination to be able to survive. Can anybody be blamed for not wanting to live with open drains, overflowing garbage bins, corruption, poverty, water and power shortage and red tapism? One cannot but help notice how efficiently things are run overseas, the healthy environment, good standard of living, excellent work culture, courteous people and a hassle-free day-to-day existence.
Pallavi Juturi adds, "the key is to stop comparing, that is the only way one can be happy. In fact, overseas one takes everything for granted, back in India I have learned to value what I have and be grateful. I can rely on a good support system with parents, relatives, neighbours, maid etc which is a real luxury for a housewife. There is no denying that an exposure to the West gives you a wider perspective and makes you independent. The best part is my husband chips in with the house work, a rarity in India where the home front is only a woman's domain.''
Seldom are people as lucky as Hashim Naqui, a Hyderabadi by birth and choice. Having returned two years ago, he says, "I was keen that my parents migrate to the US but when they were not inclined, I decided that I would relocate. My initial scepticism proved wrong and except for minor problems I have had it smooth sailing. The close knit families and long standing friendships more than make up for the abundant `creature comforts' available in the US. Our progressive Chief Minister has also done a lot towards improving the city and I see many positive changes.'' Rakesh Dubey was on the cover of Time magazine's October 2000 issue and featured in the article India's Bonanza. With a Masters in Genetics from Texas he returned to his country to be unemployed for over a year. After several disappointments, the only opening he got was writing for a portal featuring women's issues. "With support from family and friends, an unflattering faith in God and myself, I was determined to succeed. I finally got a good break with a biotech company. He adds, "one cannot expect red carpet treatment for giving up what one had and coming home, after all is one's personal decision. In the West, basic amenities do not come at a premium, the quality of life is better and with limited resources you can enjoy good living conditions. Unfortunately in India, there is a very strong "pull down culture'' whereby climbing up the ladder is difficult simply because people intentionally hinder your growth. People tend to believe that patriotism means living in your own country, but I think there are people living in India doing far more damage than perhaps an Indian who lives in America and respects not just his country but also his countrymen. For instance following traffic rules, being honest, keeping your surroundings clean, being accountable are also aspects of patriotism.'' But caught in a bad traffic jam one hot day in Delhi, Dubey was stuck with the realisation. "Sitting in the heat, noise and pollution got me thinking about what I had come back to. Before me stood the Red Fort with the Tricolour fluttering in the wind and I knew then in my heart that this is my land, where I truly belong, a place I don't require a visa to be in. So it is really up to me to accept the good with the bad.''
Can any other country, currency or culture give one this irreplaceable sense of belonging? If Indians have a track record of effectively contributing to every country they have ever migrated to, what stops us from improving conditions back home?
Sites like www.return2india.com have been a lifeline to Indians desperate for information and feedback. With a little organised assistance with regard to housing, types of schools, tips on how to go about getting a telephone, gas connection, etc would go a long way in convincing prospective NRI's that coming home is not an Himalayan task. It sure is a fine line between dreaming of living in your own country and actually living your dream!
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
