We are like this only!

The phrase "We are like this only" has a dash of Indianness to it. It literally translates to "हम तोह ऐसे ही हैं". It has a stubborn ring to it. It tries to say that we as Indians will not change wherever we go in the world.

 We talk in a high pitch, live with a "chalta hai" attitude, drink tea thrice a day (even if it is cutting chai),can't live without the song & dance routine in movies, pick our noses & scratch here and there in public, ask questions that might seem intrusive & eat with our hands. But I love it....well not all of it....but most of it.

       It is a part of who we are and where we are brought up. And hey, I am not writing all of this  because I am having this sudden bout of patriotism, but don't we all see what's happening - the world is waking up to India! India Shining!

      Ok, so we are not a perfect country and our villages aren't exactly shining, but if you want me to talk about the fine things that India has to offer I could go rambling on about the diversity in culture, religions, flora, fauna etc etc. But what I would really like to highlight is the smaller things in life that make us happy and which are a by product of our culture.

       Where in the world do we find such close knit families in the 21st century, where do we see such religious tolerance, where do we see grandparents playing such an integral part in their grandchildren's lives and in which part of the world does anybody entertain you withput a prior appointment(ok some of you might say where do we see such corruption or inflation, but I will address that issue maybe in my next blogpost).

      Anyways, what I am really trying to say is that because of the rich culture and traditions that we have, a secure & happy family life is not a dream but something very palpable. Wouldn't a teenager's teenage years be incomplete if his mom/chachi/daadi does not warn him in front of the girl he is going out with, saying "No touching, no kissing"  (Reference : Himmesh Reshammiya's song).

     During weddings, it might seem that all the chachis and naani's and daadi's are going crazy with numerous suggestions and preparations, but what's a wedding without all the hoopla surrounding it!! What's a wedding party without the roaring laughter of your aunts and a few drunk uncles ( i have 3 aunts so whenever they get together, the earth does tremble with their laughter).

It is this Indianness that makes me proud of being an Indian, I am sure all of us feel the same way. Maa tujhe salaam!