1. Why did you leave India?
My work has brought me out of India.
2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
I do plan on returning, but not to settle.
3. What do you like most about being abroad?
Diversity of cultures.
4. What do like least about being abroad?
I miss my family.
5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
Not at all!
6. What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
No problems there. My family and I are very flexible.
7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
Not sure. I'll think about it when I decide to run for the office.
8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
People - diversity, talent and perseverance of the people.
9.What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
Corruption and huge gap between rich and poor.
10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
Never know till it's tried.
11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
Indian women are emerging as the leaders of tomorrow. Its surprising for a country where women have usually taken a back seat when it comes to decisions.
12. Do you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
Yes
13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
Independence was in itself an achievement. We now are a power in Asia, but we don't know it.
14. What is your favourite pastime?
Travelling.
15. What is your happiest memory?
Walking on Kovalam beach with my dad when I was 10 years old.
16. What's your most memorable journey?
Bombay to New York. I took the scenic route and changed 8 flights all over Europe.
17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Nothing in particular, but I love Mughalai cuisine.
18.What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
Sholay.
19.What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
Too many to list.
20.A message from you to other NRIs
Be Indian! Be Proud!
Meet Damien Page.He currently lives in New York, USA and works in the IT industry.
Published - November 2000
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The views of this column are the author's own, and do not necessarily represent the views of NRI Online.