NRAs/NRIs are often criticized for preaching or sermonizing how affairs ought to be conducted back home (Assam/India). While discussing this issue, with a good friend of mine, several things surfaced:
Should NRAs/NRIs have an obligation or responsibility to criticize or advice, given that many are no longer vested in any developmental or political process? Most of us are not Lakshmi Mittals to invest back in the desh. Yes, many have homes (for investment property or for ultimate retirement) or send money to relatives, ( which are personal issues) but other than that, they have really left the country for good and in all probability will stay overseas permanently. Many of our discussions are based on second-hand information, so do we become Monday night quarterbacks or armchair philosophers? What do people in India/Assam think? Do they feel we ought not have any business telling them how to run things (even if things aren't right) On the flip side, why should we not have a say so in what is happening back home? Aren't we at least contributing ideas (if any)? Reminds me of Naipaul, who thought (well before his first visit to India) that he would be welcomed with open arms and a red carpet thrown. But he was really disappointed when no one really cared where he came from. He also goes into this invisible thread that made him want to visit India , even though he was the first to do so after several generations. Interestingly, many West Indians identify themselves as 'originally from India" (or Indian immigrants)even though only their forefathers were the immigrants, and the present generation have very little to do with India. Then there is this other salvo: "Constructive Criticism". This term can actually be lobbed at anyone you don't think is on your side. Its easy to do, and really puts the other person on the defensive. Its a good means to deflect a discussion, but in realty, its difficult to find criticisms that are 'constructive' and palatable to all. What do netters think? What do you think Mridul, from the vantage point you have from Delhi? --Ram _______________________________________________ Assam mailing list [email protected] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam Mailing list FAQ: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/assam/assam-faq.html To unsubscribe or change options: http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/options/assam
