Melvin's blog

Nshima & Curry

Melvin's  Blog

Nshima & Curry

ONCE AN INDIAN, ALWAYS AN INDIAN

Indians around the world got some good news recently: The
Indian government had finally agreed to allow dual
citizenship. Minutes after hearing the news, thousands of
Non-Resident Indians dispatched telegrams to their parents
and grandparents in India, saying, "Remember that plot of
land I couldn't inherit before? Don't give it to anyone!"

Dual citizenship will allow NRIs to not only inherit
property and invest in the market, but also travel to India
without visas. In other words, they won't have to visit the
Indian Embassy, saving themselves at least one full day of
time and one full bottle of aspirin.

But perhaps the biggest advantage of dual citizenship is
intangible: It will allow Indians living abroad to still
feel part of their motherland while pledging allegiance to
their adoptive countries. An Indian native serving in the
U.S. Army, for example, will not have to feel guilty about
his favorite hobby: throwing darts at a picture of Pervez
Musharraf.

Corporal Smith: "Hey Corporal Gupta, why are you throwing
darts at General Musharraf? Don't you know that Pakistan and
America are rather friendly nowadays?"

Corporal Gupta: "Yes, I know that. As you can see, it is
only my right hand that is throwing darts at the general.
The rest of my body is wishing him well."

Dual citizenship adds an official seal to what I have long
believed: Once an Indian, always an Indian. No matter how
hard they might try, Indians living abroad cannot wash their
Indianness away.

Husband: "It won't go away. I can't wash my Indianness
away."

Wife: "What soap are you using?"

Husband: "Lux. Imported from India. I bought it at Patel
Brothers Store."

Wife: "Why don't you try Chandrika ayurvedic soap? It works
well."

Indeed, Indians abroad have an insatiable appetite for
Indian products, including Lux soap, Amul cheese, Parachute
coconut oil, and Hrithik Roshan. Weekly newspapers offer
them news from India, keeping them informed about the latest
government scandal.

If you still doubt the loyalty of NRIs, just observe how
enthusiastically they celebrate India's Independence Day,
whether they live in Chicago, Houston, Toronto or London.
"Independence Day! Independence Day!" the Indians in London
shout, as they dance in merriment. "Thank goodness we got
rid of the British!"

On Aug. 15, India's Independence Day, Indians in America
participate in parades, feasts and dances. On July 4,
America's Independence Day, they participate in watching TV.
And perhaps some carom board, too.

Before Sept. 11, many Indian business owners in America
emphasized their Indianness to attract customers. "Namaste,"
they said. "Are you interested in buying some chapattis?"
After Sept. 11, they were quick to emphasize their
Americanness. "What's up, man? Wanna buy some flat bread?"

Partly to protect their businesses from vandalism, business
owners displayed more American flags than a July 4th parade.
"We're as American as you," they said. "Even our turbans are
red, white and blue."

Yes, they are American, and yes, they are Indian. Dual
citizenship will help them hang onto that mixed identity.
And just as important, it will help them hang onto that
bungalow in India.

                                             Don't forget to visit Melvin's funny blog!