Monarose Sheila Pereira speaks to some folk to find out what they miss about India when they travel out of the country.

With the turmoil within and people at large grumbling about one thing or another constantly, let’s try to find out what it is that excites people about their country, India. Over to them:

Dabboo Ratnani, Fashion Photographer

I am an experimental eater and I like to eat local cuisine from whichever destination I travel to. I also like the food in India and the way it is customized; abroad they do not customize food so well, so the one thing I miss about India is that you can fix your food according to your taste. I like driving and this is also something that I miss when I am abroad - you usually hop into cabs when out of India. I miss my pet and chatting up with my friends. India has amazing, warm people and I miss that about our country. Abroad people are rather busy. We Indians also celebrate festivals very beautifully, so when abroad, I miss that.     

Manjeet Keshwani, Yoga Instructor, Singapore Yoga Company

As an Indian living overseas for many years, I have obviously developed a passion for several things exclusive to India. There are many, which are small and disliked by others, but I do miss them the most. My mother is obviously the first one; especially when I fall sick. Just the few minutes in her lap and eating those yummy dishes she feeds me with her own hand, is better than any Permanent Residency or any luxury. I miss the people, the constant buzz and hum of traffic, rush, talking to people, small roadside vendors, children playing in building compounds and chaos. Life is incomplete without them. The way festivals are celebrated with a bonding and with enthusiasm are unmatched in any corner of the earth.

Being a foodie, food is next on the list - the aroma and flavor of those Samosas, the Chat, Vada Pao etc., and even the way of eating them with your fingers rather than with a fork and spoon. All those small town things like the patriotism during cricket matches, the 'C' words during daily chaos, power cuts, temple bells, nosey neighbors and so on. The list is never ending - jokes aside being away from home for a long time is a terrible feeling. Even the shortest distance away from those small things, which make our life colorful can fill-up the coldest heart with warmth.

Sunil Maxi Moraes, SYN Interiors

Considering my professional background, I had the opportunity to visit around 20 different countries for business cum leisure purposes and interacted with individuals, understood their cultures etc. But at the bottom of my heart I always missed my motherland in various ways. First and foremost the Indian food, family ties, the hospitality and concern that we Indians share amongst our fellow brethren, is remarkable. Whenever I fly back into the country I am eager to land so as to feel the coming back to our soil and our near and dear ones. India is the best.

 

Prithvi Tulsiani, Student

Staying abroad as a kid always made me feel like an outsider. I would come to India for a month every year and this year I could not due to COVID-19. What I missed the most is the lively streets - the vibe and energy at Marine Drive are typical and full of enthusiasm.

I miss sitting at restaurants in Bandra, filled with the crowd, I miss the noise - but the service is impeccable. I can’t wait for everything to open again; I can’t wait for Mumbai to stand up on its own two feet and run back to normal. COVID kept us at home - it won’t forever.

Dr Shweta Bathija, High on Health

It’s been almost 2 years since I left India with my then seven-month-old baby. Though I have adjusted to my new place in London and the people around and I really love it here, I can’t deny the fact that I do miss a lot of things from India. I love to interact with the locals and like to learn more about their culture.

London is very cosmopolitan and full of surprises. There are multiple Indian food options available here - we get all the masalas and Indian food. Even samosa and paan is easily available in my area.

However, the first thing I miss is family, especially when there are festivals. In London we celebrate all the major festivals with friends - with a lot of energy and rigor but the warmth of the family is missing. I miss the easy access to healthcare in India. Here, while healthcare is taken care of by the government, it is not easy to get a doctor’s appointment if you have issues. You don’t have a family doctor you can keep a personal connection with. Street shopping and bargaining in India is fun. While it’s almost mandatory to bargain in India, it is not an option in London.

Auto rickshaws or two-wheelers, that is one more thing that I miss in India. With one shout the auto stops in front of you. Taking a 2 wheeler around for the small chores is very convenient in India. This is what I majorly miss when I have to walk long distances in the cold weather. I also miss the neighbors or the 'apnapan'; I miss the interaction with the neighbors. In London I see my neighbors barely two or three times in a year.

So folks, the next time you want to grumble about India, remember you have adequate reasons to love her.