1. Why did you leave India?
To join my husband.
2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
Yes, because of family obligations, to Mumbai.
3. What do you like most about being abroad?
The "system" - and the attitude that the customer is God.
4. What do like least about being abroad?
Culture.
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?
I've already married someone who speaks a different language and practises a different religion.
7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
Increase literacy and put rubbish bins all over the place!
8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
Multilingual, friendly and always welcoming, tasty food.
9.What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
Poverty, pollution, population, illiteracy and corrupt political system (that's more than 3! - editor).
10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
It doesn't matter as long as the leaders are working for the people.
11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
Shakuntala Devi.
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)?
Exporting intelligent people, nuclear programme.
14. What is your favourite pastime?
Watching cartoons (Tom and Jerry) on TV.
15. What is your happiest memory?
When I got 90% (highest in the entire batch) in my travel and tourism course.
16. What's your most memorable journey?
Travelling to the Vaishnodevi temple in Jammu.
17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Rice with spinach and curds.
18.What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
Any animated film.
19.What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
None in particular.
20.A message from you to other NRIs
Donate a part of your income to some good cause in India.
Meet Srihari Mulgund. He currently lives in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Published - June, 2008
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The views of this column are the author's own, and do not necessarily represent the views of NRI Online.