Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity - The Indian Dream

26 January 1950. What does this date mean to you? Sadly, to many Indians it's just another day off from work, a day to sleep in late or one of the numerous Indian holidays celebrated every year because that's what the old timers did.

On the other hand, many people are actually aware of its historical significance and its impact on India today; It's the day the constitution came into effect. The day that India granted her citizens fundamental rights and enforced the values by which the government (and leaders) would serve the public. Now we could sit here and write a thesis discussing the flaws of this document (which also happens to be the world's longest constitution) but I don't want to focus on that as it takes away from what the constitution is trying to achieve. The preamble mentions the rights secured to all of India's citizens:

• Justice;
• Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
• Equality of status and opportunity; and
• Fraternity (unity) of the country.

Many of my friends and family continuously question why I feel so strongly about India - when I have never lived there, when I was born in and brought up in NZ and let's not forget the thousands of problems/flaws of India that they have waiting in their back pocket to use against me. They are quick to call me "foolish" and  "ignorant" for thinking positively about this place that I call "home". It's hard to explain myself to them. I completely agree with the negative points they raise, but in my opinion* it's these four sentiments listed in the constitution that define the values of India and what she is striving to achieve.

My only real concern at the moment is that our current Rashtrapati (President) and Pradhan Mantri (Prime Minister) are not doing their part to keep India on the right path by enforcing and protecting these values. It is all too easy to think about current threats to each of the four points:

• Lack of punishment for REAL criminals.
• People not being allowed to criticise religious/political figures without being punished and not being able to practice their religion in peace.
• The stronghold of the archaic caste system and oppression of minorities.
• Politicians looking to divide India based on differences when it is those differences that unite us.

At the moment I cannot offer any solutions, but giving up on the Indian dream is most definitely not a solution. Writing it off as a third-world country "that will never change" is not the way forward. My uncle would always say "Don't be a part of the problem. Be a part of the solution!". By no means is India perfect, nor will I ever think so, but that won't stop me trying to make it one.

Happy Republic Day!

*DISCLAIMER: While I have only read a few different sections of the constitution, I am in no way claiming to be an expert in the subject.

Above: Got an up and close tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan  (The President's house)

Above: The National Emblem of India shining in the shadows of Rashtrapati Bhavan

Above: Tirang (Tricolour) on Rajpath being prepared for Republic Day celebrations. Photo taken by Chandan Khanna

Mere brother ki dulhan (my brother's bride) - a mixed kitchidi of emotions

Last year I attended a cousin's wedding and blogged about the emotions that go into each meal made at home (refer to Rasoi). This year after another cousin's wedding, I thought I would briefly write about the various emotions that have gone into this one.

With the majority of my mom's family (which is HUGE by the way) under one roof, it was expected that there would be a lot of chaos, but what I wasn't expecting was the numerous and sometimes contradicting feelings that were felt by most people.

I had so much fun spending time with and getting to know many of my cousins and aunties/uncles (some of which I had never met or knew about). I think we all learnt a lot about each other and our family (history). Hanging out with family members who are in your age group and have the same interests will result in a lot of laughing (sometimes uncontrollably), lack of sleep (due to conversations/chats going on til 4 in the morning) and the feeling that you have missed out on so much by not knowing them until now.

Seeing your grandma reminisce with her sisters and having to leave the room when you mom and her cousins are laughing and joking away (so loudly) explains a lot about their upbringing and what their childhoods would have been like. It was awesome to see how close they still are even after all this time (despite not seeing each other for decades).

However the feeling (not common for all families) we experienced that was like a tick eating away at the back of our minds (and hearts) was the feeling of loss. This became obvious when my mum,  grandma and uncle were taking a photo with my cousin (the groom) in the mehendi/haldi ceremony and had to hide their tears behind forced smiles. It was also (almost embarrassingly) obvious when the nikkah (muslim marriage) was confirmed by my cousin. It is not common for the groom's family to be upset or in tears,  but at this point every member of our family had tears streaming down. The loss we felt was that of our fathers, uncles, brothers and sons who were no longer with us - the people who would have loved to have been at this event.

This wedding has been bittersweet to say the least - incredibly sweet because of all the fun we all had with each other and being able to welcome a new addition to our family (my new bhabi [sister-in-law] who I can't wait to get to know). But bitter because all throughout the festivities we were reminded of all that we have lost.

Alex Haley said "In every conceivable manner, family is the link to our past and the bridge to our future". The last two weeks have shown me why family is so important and that Alex knew what he was talking about.

above: Fun times with the fam!

below: Nanna's reunion with her sisters

Below: mum and (some of) her cousins

Food for thought

And so comes the end of another memorable trip in India. Below is a collection of various thoughts and internal discussions I have had in these last 3 weeks. I couldn't write them out like a proper blog because that would make it longer than it already is. Let me know what you think.

Final Thoughts:

• According to Wikipedia, India has 28 states, 7 union territories, 22 official languages, 26 "other" languages and more than 6 religions. 

• Contrast throughout the country: "Big city life" of Delhi vs small town in UP, Himalayas in Himachal vs beaches in Goa, Thar desert in Rajasthan vs farms in Jharkhand, modern development vs ancient structures and practices, rich vs poor. 

• Some think I love India too much. My excuse: Emotions, celebrations, food, family and religion are all combined and dependent on one another. There aren't too many countries that have this. This blog was just an excuse for me to attempt to articulate this passion of mine.

• When people describe India they only say how crowded and dirty it is, conveniently ignoring that dirty little secret: Its beautiful. Those who have seen the Taj or Shimla in winter (with snow) will agree.

• I think that those who refuse to give India a chance are not necessarily scared of India; they're actually scared of what they may find out about themselves. Scared that they will not be smart enough and strong enough to go through what 1.3 Billion people go through on a daily basis. 

• "Jugaad" is a Punjabi-Hindi word which basically means "a quick work-around or improvisation". I think this is India's greatest strength as well as its greatest weakness: Strength because people are able to adjust to the perpetually-changing environment around them, allowing India, with its massive population, to operate. One example of this happened in Tanda (small town in UP). When all the water had been used up and there was no electricity, my family was able to take a bucket next door, fill it up using the old hand-pump and then warm it over an open fire so we could shower. If this happened in another country, chances are that not many of us would know how to react and some would probably act as if its the biggest problem in the world. However, "Jugaad" is a major weakness because these adjustments, and this mentality doesn't provide a solution for the root cause of problems.  

• Message to India: While stereotyping is fun, it shouldn't be Punjabis vs Bengalis, Delhiites vs Mumbaikars, North vs South. Whatever the goal is, it should be done together with a united front. I'm sick of having a new state carved out every five years.
• Message to the world: Give India a chance. There really is something for everyone. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. And if you don't want to give it a chance - that's also fine, but please keep your negativity to yourself. With a population exceeding 1.5 Billion (including those who have left the motherland in search of a "better" life), there are enough people who have negative things to say about India without actually providing a solution or trying to do anything about it. 

As always, I'm taking back with me an increased waist size and countless memories of my home. I'm already missing it and planning my next visit. But until then, I hope you all get a real taste of the motherland and have enjoyed mine.

Thanks,

Zain

Rickshaw stand in Delhi

My dream facial hair

Mosques, Temples and Churches

some mouth watering delights which deserve mentioning - Chicken lolipops, kabli mutter chaat, bhel puri, imirti, kachi tikkia, zarda and jelebi

the tri colour waving high on Karnataka's state government assembly hall