The date was January 9. In 1915, more than a century ago, on this very day, Gandhiji returned to India, seasoned with his South African experiences. The rest, as they say, is history. The date of his return changed the fate of the Independence Struggle,of the Freedom Movement of an entire sub-continent.
To commemorate the day, January 9 is celebrated as the day of the NRI's, the Non- Resident Indians. India has a huge NRI population, too. This group has both the blue collar as well as white collar workers as its members. No profession is a taboo for them. Nurses to nuclear scientists, ayah's/household help to Nasa Experts, the NRI's come in all shapes and sizes, from all professions and specialisations.
Are they the brain drain? Once upon a time, in the sixties and seventies, they were. Not any longer! In fact, right now, often they are a headache. They need to be brought back from all sorts of places! Moreover, the Indian talent, right here in our own country, is far better, much superior, both professionally and as human beings. Want proof? Look at our space programme!
The NRI's, on the contrary, are discriminated against there, are paid lower, have to hop jobs, always have to renew the visa, the queue waiting for the green card is huge, and, anyways, there they live in a ghetto for/of/with Indians alone. The second/third generations are Abroad born confused desi's who belong nowhere. Mired in all sorts of guilts and problems, hope the NRI's will soon wake up, face the reality, and better become the Niwasi Bhartiya's!
Pratima@ Emigration is no longer a glamour. NRI's to come back to the motherland clamour!
No comments:
Post a Comment