Patriotism doubled?

I am a citizen - not one, but to two countries. And, proudly proclaim that it's a privelege.

My motherland, India. Growing up, one never felt that being patriotic is an emotion that was supposed to be exhibited in any way. Yes, there were Independence day celebrations, but never a thoughtful pause about the significance of the event. History books didn't do justice either. The only time that we showed an exuberance, was rooting wildly for our nation during cricket matches. That was then. Now, all that has changed.

After many years outside the country, my passion for the homeland has increased multi-fold. The joy that planning for a trip back home brings, the building of a bridge to catch up with relatives and friends. All in a weather that's as warm as it's people. And, ah, the excitement when the flight lands on the Indian soil - still the same, year after year.

Now, to the adopted home. First, to historic Boston. The initial years, it was just curiosity to explore a new place. No connection except the awe one felt walking down the downtown which reeked of history, a tribute to the freedom for struggle faced by this country. The famous universities that make the city proud. And, the colonial countryside, vineyards and the Cape. It took many years of stay to get a little attached to this land.

Then, came several visits to the Golden State. The sunny California. The tree-hugging, eco-friendly people, a vast landscape filled with nature, beckoned us to move. So, we did. After many years, the feeling slowly but surely started creeping that we're a part of this country. But, there was one day that it finally hit me. We were in a fourth of July parade in our city. I suddenly stared at the stars and stripes on the flag that i was proudly waving. That moment, it dawned that i loved this country as my own too.

So, how can you be patriotic about a land that can be called your homeland and a country that you have made a choice to adopt? Can you really shout 'Jai Hind' and 'God Bless America' with equal zeal and passion?

I think you can always do.....as long as you try to keep thy mind and heart - a bit open.

On Equality....

So much hoopla about womanhood, feminism, and what's right or wrong, extreme or mild versions of it, am suddenly feeling a urge to clarify my views on this topic. Quite bizarrestrangoweird that it never crossed my mind all these donkey's years, to actually think of what being a woman meant to me, leave alone write about it. Anyways, let me just sit down and make an attempt to de-clutter all the muck and mud surrounding this mess. One word pretty much bottoms it down, and I've given away the punchline in my title anyway- EQUALITY. As simple as that. What goes for the goose goes for the gander. Except, what both genders physiologically can and can't do- pregnancy and childbirth, hormones, work that involves upper body strength etc. Even the latter is kind of debatable, with sports being a levelling field right now - yes, that was meant to be "punny" :-) Anything else that is possible for both genders, like education, work, choosing a life pa...

You and your compass....

Let's talk about what each and every one of us have within ourselves. That deep, down voice that tells us strongly what to do, not to do, what we ought to do but choose not to and regret later on with a "I-told-me-so", things that we wish to do but dare not try in our lifetime....you get the drift. Yes, it is that all-pervading, metaphorical inner compass, or the SatNavs of our lives that I'm getting into. Young adults think they have an independent mind, and do and act that way. In reality, though, in most of the cases, it's not even of their own choice, but out of peer pressure. Which interestingly, brings a point- whose collective, mob voice is it then? If everyone is busy copying someone else doing the same, then who the heck started the fire? No clue, but let's assume for sanity's sake that some life form starts a trend which gets viral, bacterial, whatever. And, suddenly there's a strong urge that compels every youngster to do it ...

Mothering Business....

Quite a bunch, aren't we? Not only burdened with the responsibilities of raising new-age kids who are high tech, but come with nope, not even a "Parenting for dummies" manual, managing a challenging and dynamic job-front, dealing with the social aspects of the family like being the perfect daughter, a good sister, the kind neighbor, a caring wife, dutiful daughter-in-law et al. Add the mundane chores of cooking, cleaning, gardening, chauffering to this list and - I know, my head is spinning too. Easy now, let's sit down for a minute. Most of the current gen mothers that I know take their diverse roles to their heart, and try to make the best out of it. It's business as usual for them. No big deal, they would brush off. But, I always wonder if we're all unconsciously trying to be "Supermums", especially the huge task of balancing work and home. We definitely want to be out having a career or a job which is what keeps us sane and yet, no way ...

C'est La Vie;That's life

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