Being NRI

NRI the word though technically stands for Non-Residential Indians has been these days fondly dubbed as Non-returning Indians.
But does it necessarily have to mean the latter? Though the majority might choose to stay back, its not uttlerly foolish or impossible (as I am always advised upon), if you take up the other.

I have been criticized so much by all my friends and relatives around here- when I answer to their usual mundane question of what's your plans after graduation. Its a general human tendency that when you don't hear the usual and regular reply, you tend to become displeased and challenge the other. What generally ensues in my talks is a fervent discussion, with me standing on my views n feelings and the other trying to bog me down with words that go....- that once u start earning, the dollar magic wud set in u.......that u wud change ur views in next few years...blah..blah!!! I am so tiered with the arguments off-late that I prefer not to make any statements these days to anybody other than a aloof comment - "lets see!!".

Everybody has their freedom to make their choices and compromises in life. I certainly respect the decision of most of the students who come here for higher studies and move on to work life and continue on here. But, at the same time I would like to see in people the vice-versa when I say, I am going back. Its such a sad thing returning back one's own land is looked down upon so much. Aside from the support from my parents and my friends from India and my American friends and colleagues here, not many encourage me on my decision.

The only conclusion that I can say with respect to me is that time shall answer....Man proposes God disposes.....I wish and look forward to go back...away from the solitude n mechanical life sans everything but an apparently comfortable life.....My wishes to go back is not motivated by any patriotic fervor or any other ulterior motives...its just my plain attachment to my family n the traditional indian living......i want to be where I belong to...........away from this culture n life style....

Meanwhile, I pray that the negative remarks that I am so lovingly showered upon with makes me only more strong in my staunch beliefs. I just wish for the day when people's thought process would change and going back doesn't seem to be so unwholesome n impossible to them. What i demand is not everybody to do the same, but the least one can do is appreciate others..or atleast not depreciate others who do so..