5 Things About India that Attract Me

I first went to India in ’89 and returned two years ago and the differences were vast. When I first went there was only one fast food restaurant, Wimpy in Delhi, now it has most of the brands McDonald’s, Domino Pizza, etc.,. but most evident are the coffee shops ie Barrista everywhere.

I went to Bangalore all those years ago when the IT was just beginning and it has now transformed India. It is astonishing how well educated a lot of Indian’s are, one is not to assume that someone working before one of those stalls is not educated, often degrees and masters under their belt. I spoke to one guy recently in a little restauant who was a trained commercial pilot, definately not to judge a book by it’s cover. The young women especially in the large cities are independent and very smart, still retaining respect for one’s elders and I wonder how long that will last. Change is inevitable and the middle classes of India are gaining and powerhousing the changes. Still the traditions and Hindu celebrations are still a powerful part of the magic of India, and as a Catholic I can see where our tradtions of worship have there ritual roots. I particularly love the daily temple prayers with the ringing bells and chants. I always wonder why we Westerners cocoon themselves in Ashrams when the ceremonies are happing in every temple, twice daily with the local people.
As for the cheap and healthy vegetarian food, I eat better there than back here in Europe, although I do find their sweet tooth and chai is it any wonder diabetes is as prelevent there as the West.
What really is a pleasure about Indian people from whatever caste, are their respectful and graceful manners, which we British have lost over the years. Ok they are persistant in wanting to sell you something, and the thing to not say is to the vendors that maybe you might buy something – big mistake as that means yes in their minds and dont let you forget you said ‘maybe’ ;} One does toughen up and learn to say no and mean it.

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For the most part of my life ( if you are wondering what my age is, its 24) I saw my country through others eyes, as i was growing up, through my fathers eyes (my mother was an illiterate and was never judgmental about the country she was living in), later teachers, friends, movies, literature and what not. I loved and hated my country in phases, I loved it because every one around me loved it and hated for the same reason.

Now I love my country very much, the thought of being born in other country doesn’t occur to me, its not the framework of India that defines my love, politicians and poverty aren’t the reasons i should hate it. The very spiritual energy that vibrated around me has possessed me at last, now am wood in the woods, air in the air.

Its simple my friend attach and detach.. its not pain u should seek…
I now think that am fortunate to be born on this land.

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Hi Sharell,

I am from Bangladesh and currently living in Newcastle, Australia. I hope that you are enjoying India. Bangladesh and West Bengle of India have almost similar culture. The important thing in this region, you may notice, is simplicity in people. Here is a video link. You may relate that

http://rongila.com/beautiful-bangladesh/

Cheers

Sazal

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Hello,
India is exquisite and unique in so many ways. It’s cuisine, it’s colors, it’s flavors, it’s music, the variety of languages and the vast literature composed in each one of them. Where in the world will you get an epic as rich and multi-dimensional as the Mahabharata or verses as magnificent as those composed by Kalidas. Indian classical music is heavenly. Finally have a look at Indian philosophy, nothing so profound as that in the whole wide world, whether it be Buddhist philosophy or Sankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta. However the sad part of it is that the modern generation of Indians want to shrug off all connections with the past as if it were filth. I am 21 myself and the scenario I have seen around me is heartrending.

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