A tale of two passengers: Hope and criticism

June 4, 2024
The Family Room Drama

As most Indians draw love too, she had all kinds of discomfort over anything. Unfortunately, she didn't have her first fight. She was obviously stuck in her past experiences, probably tied to time when she wasn't heard in India 20 odd years ago. The tight parallel line, dipped between her eyebrows, might have won the argument but then she didn't like that time. At some point the problems began. She smiled and chuckled, as though she had been proven right.

Did you read about the Air India flight scheduled to fly from Delhi to San Francisco on 30th May which got cancelled because the air conditioning was not working? The stranded in India that morning or that afternoon. Unfortunately, in that 16-hour flight the cabin lights were not working, the entertainment system was down and a few hours later, the toilets were non-functional too. It was a nightmare. Fortunately, the crew continued to serve.

The passengers on the next seat to me was an Indian who now resides in America. As most Indians abroad love to, she had all kinds of criticism for our country. Unfortunately, she didn't have her first fight. She was obviously stuck in her past perceptions, probably from the time when she resided in India 20 odd years ago. The tight parallel line, dipped between her eyebrows, might have won the argument but then she didn't like that time. At some point the problems began. She smiled and chuckled, as though she had been proven right.

"Well! I know the Tatas have a plan, but honestly Mr Tata, I think we shouldn't operate the aircraft which are in this condition. Sorry, but you must, the country's name and airline too."

We spoke little. Yet feeling right. Although she was wrong and regretful. India gave her the education that led to her professional success, her present life that carried her there. In projecting our own mechanisms, you are only making an opinion of yourself, for in a foreign land you will always be a foreigner.

Of course we are developing, there are many, many places that need more facilities, but instead of pointing fingers, why don't we do our bit? Why don't we think of our role in society? Why don't we bring a piece of their success to their hometown. So that the next child has a little more.

Surprisingly, in the same trip we met a taxi driver from Nepal, who shared with me that he has got cable installed in all the houses in his neighbourhood. He has also contributed to a local school and hospital. He goes home every year and spends time in helping people. He has taken his role in the local development too. He has also trained his family members and other young people in his neighbourhood to take up driving in different countries. He never told me that his country didn't have anything. He shared stories of how he would do more.

This is what we need. We need our countrymen and women to own this home with the intention to do more. Not to show us in a bad light to the world.