Wednesday, February 01, 2012

definition of freedom




whats the definition of freedom?

going out on your own?
working on your own?
having your own money to spend on sweet little things whenever you want?
having a good laugh with friends?
socialising with friends and families without having to take their appointments?
Having your parents by your side whenever they want you and vice versa?

The check list was full and complete when I was in India. Many people think that life is free and you have all the freedom you want in abroad. But as an independent and working woman, who is no less than a free spirit, I would say, NO, it is not. Life is not free in this country for free spirits like me.

I am not against any other country. But I would say, India has changed for good. For those who have brains, talent, knowledge and know how to live a life, India is a much-much better place to live and lead a peaceful life. But many people have concerns about international problems existing in our country. Let me try to give an appropriate answer.

Traffic- Yeah many NRIs say that India has too much traffic and they cant bear it.
Excuse me. It takes nearly 45 minutes with traffic to travel 15 miles in a 3 lane road sans craters in US. Not to forget the delays that take life time and tons of people working from home to avoid it. In India, atleast in Hyderabad, I used to travel on my bike to office and was never stuck in traffic. Yes, there is traffic but always flowing. Who cares if there are people crossing roads? Atleast they will not sue you if you stop close to them. Despite the heavy traffic and crores of population, accident rates are comparatively less in India.

Pollution- Now, how are you effected by pollution. For anyone who moves from one place to the other, it takes certain time for your body to adjust to the local weather and conditions. I bled through nose when I moved here. But Indian weather and pollution never harmed me in anyway! trust me. It is completely a factor of time and your body condition.

Sun tan- Who asks you to go out in open sun without clothes? Atleast I never saw cases on dermological cancer in India. Whether it is India or arctic- roaming around in open sun will always tan your body.

Money- If you are content with whatever you get and earn, you can live anywhere. People live in 3rd world countries and they are still alive! Few extra bucks will only make your life burdened as that satisfying component in your personality has vanished long time ago.

Corruption- How many times have you fallen a victim of corruption in India? who robbed your money for anything? If you are true by heart and aware of rules, no one will ask you for extra money. I never paid an extra penny in my life and never had trouble getting things done. Then where is the corruption factor? and above all, if you want to fight against corruption, you are always welcome to join the movement. if not, then move on in your life? why complain about it?

These are few of many reasons cited by many NRIs, who say that life in India is no more easy. I don't know how much you agree with me. But, as an independent, educated and working woman, I always loved my life in India.

I have a good husband and good family to take care of me. But there 1000 several things that curb my freedom here. Yes, I was free in India! A free spirit which is now bottled.

Disclaimer- I am not against any country. I am against those people who overlook certain beautiful things in India. God bless all.

4 comments:

krutika said...

Hi swathi,
I have been reading all ur blogs for the past 2 days,its like reading book,i really enjoyed it.Was wondering wat cud be ur age,got tat too in one blog and to my intuition ur of my same age having similar feelings..
Sometimes i really admire ur guts and sometimes envy u as a independent lady..its always nice to see such a daring person.
Keep posting for the readers like me..enjoy..
Bye

Arpita said...

Thank you Swathi for posting this, I have never heard from any NRI, what u said.What you said is very true. There are so many beautiful places in India, but still people prefer to visit foreign countries.
I am not expressive like you while writing, but i can say, every NRI miss their country at least for their families.

Deepak Karthik said...

After reading your post, i remember this "Home is where heart resides"
Beautifully written, very light take !
Open the bottle :D
-Dee..

Lani said...

So true swats totally agreeing with you :)