1. Why did you leave India?
Because my parents wanted a better life for me and my sister.
2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
Yes, to Bangalore or Chennai.
3. What do you like most about being abroad?
Money.
4. What do like least about being abroad?
Distance from India.
5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
Yes a bit, as you expect them to grow up in a society where indians are very low.
6. What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
Well, I am ok to anything as long as people understand each other. But most difficult part is the understanding in different cultures, as their belives are different to ours.
7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
Open up the markets like China. If we did it during Nehru's period, we would be better than America or China.
8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
a. Education
b. Freedom
c. IT Savvy people
9. What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
a. Corruption
b. Discipline
c. Leadership
10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
No, as long as there is democracy, it is difficult to control such a huge population. You can't please everyone.
11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
P.Chidambaram and Manmohan Singh.
12. Do you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
It has helped on some things and it hasn't helped with the others.
13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
1. Democracy
2. Freedom
3. Low Cost Education
14. What is your favourite pastime?
Checking my email:).
15. What is your happiest memory?
Hanging out with friends.
16. What's your most memorable journey?
My first trip back to India when I was 15.
17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Vadu Manga and Hot Curd Rice.
18. What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
a. Roja
b. Boys
c. Sachin
19. What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
Don't have one.
20. A message from you to other NRIs
Life is about making the most of things. If there are better opportunities in another country, jump to it. There is a lot of potential that needs to be unlocked within yourself. Don't waste it. Only you know how good you are, by actually doing a task.
Meet Srihari Mulgund. He currently lives in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Published - June, 2002
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The views of this column are the author's own, and do not necessarily represent the views of NRI Online.