1. Why did you leave India?
For better prospects.
2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
Yes, Pune.
3. What do you like most about being abroad?
Cleanliness,discipline and rule of law.
4. What do like least about being abroad?
Gross naked individualism coupled with psychological nudity along with very limited human inter-reaction and communications leading to loneliness and boredom.
5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
Yes.
6. What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
"Ekam sat vipra bahudha Vadanti". 10,000 years old Rishis saying "All that exists is one".
7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
Amend the " Right of Education Bill" to make free and compulsory primary school education to put all kids from ages 6-15 in classrooms,instead of sweatshops, thereby striving to boost the national literacy levels from 66% to higher levels.
8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
1.Massive strength of assimilation and celebration of courage, generosity, self-sacrifice & hope in the face of prevailing,pervasive poverty and misery.
2.Enduring cultural pathos and humanity of masses.
3.Spirituality & multi-religious ethics and discipline.
9. What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
1.India mein "Saab khuch chalta hain yaar" attitude.
2.Lack of literacy amongst the rural womenfolk.
3.Very weak infusion of intellectuals & professionals in the political system.
10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
No.
11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
1. Dr. Abdul Kalam.
2. Dilip Kumar.
3. Mr.N.R.Narayanamurthy.
12. Do you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
Helped.
13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
1.Agricultural revolution.
2.IT revolution.
3.Economic liberalisation & open door policy.
14. What is your favorite pastime?
Reading Spiritual books to ascertain the main truthful reason for taking this birth and hereafter.
15. What is your happiest memory?
Watching my daughter grow up.
16. What's your most memorable journey?
Going to Panchgani (hill station near Pune) during the summer recess in school.
17. What is your ultimate food dish?
vegetarian Thalis(all the different varieties available).
18. What are your favorite movies? (max 3)
1.Pyaasa.
2.Ganga jamuna.
3.Mughal-e-Azam.
19. What are your favorite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
1. The path of the Masters by Dr.Julian Johnson.
2. A fine balance by Rohinton Mistry.
3. Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav.
20.A message from you to other NRIs
India with its parallel current of scientific education & spiritual awakening is like a light no longer dimmed by superficial speculation. It has emerged from the fogs and it daily grows brighter. It is virtually at the dawn of universal enlightenment.
Meet Srihari Mulgund. He currently lives in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Published - June, 2002
Participate in 20-Questions
The views of this column are the author's own, and do not necessarily represent the views of NRI Online.