So. What is it? What is this 'India' thing you are so keen to expound? What is this motherland of yours you are so particular to shine to the world? The land of your birth. The little tricolor on your mantelpiece. What does it all mean to you? Do you love her so much that you had to leave? Do you adore her so, that you appreciate her from afar? Do you assuage this guilt of being away with threats to return? What is it, kid?
This is what is. I do wear my 'patriotism' on my sleeve. I love to wear a tshirt that says 'India'. Yes, I have rushed in to clarify others' misconceptions. I have often stumbled to offer an explanation. Sometimes even when none was sought. Agreeing to disagree.
No more will I provide my opinion. No more will a strongly-worded retort leave my lips. I will listen. Nod my head politely. I don't feel the need to explain any more or even get defensive.
This is why. India is not a country.
India is love. India is magic. India makes me smile when I'm sitting in a bus. India is warmth. India is goosebumps. India is eating paanipuri after work. India is walking on the beach. India is seven people cramming into a car. India is peace. India is chaos. India is heart. India is a hug. India is a rainbow. India is seeking an elder's blessing. India is walking barefoot. India is dancing like no one's watching. India is singing loudly in the shower. India is a rollercoaster. India is a thousand dialects. India is democracy. India is pudding. India is contradiction. India is intangible. India is a feeling. The most beautiful feeling in the world.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
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