We, Indians ...

It is Monday morning. It has become a routine to open facebook every day and scroll through the timeline to see what everyone is up to, Isn't it?

There is almost a poetry about Monday blues these days for most folks. But then there are the other extremes, those quoting inspirational quotes and sharing videos for the rest to garner strength from. The world finds itself in equilibrium again.

I come across this video of a father doing a pep talk with his daughter. It is a morning - when most of us remember as kids, waking up was the hardest part. He has her standing in front of the bathroom mirror, standing behind her. He utters statements, that she repeats after him - in some cases, even finishes the sentences for him.

"I am beautiful", he says, and she repeats after him with bold conviction. In that moment and the moments to follow, she is one bold, strong, beautiful and courageous soul on the planet, no doubt about it, thanks to a father who stands behind her.

                 ***

It is Tuesday night. I am on a routine call with a friend to see how things are going. She is upset. I ask her what is bothering her and she tells me that she was out for a show and something irked her. I pause, she continues. It seems she was seated next to a group - someone who lives in India bringing five guests from abroad and entertaining them. The show should start in five mins, but the host walks to the front and announces that there will be a delay for 15 mins. There is a slight disappointment, but the crowd seems fine. Then she overhears the group next to them giggling. The one who lives in India, as a way of setting context says, 'Welcome to India. This is how it is.' and the rest of them laugh. My friend cringes.

                ***

I remember once having some friends over. Mom came by the room and checked on us and asked if the friends would be staying over for lunch. I wasn't sure and paused and looked over at them. She added, "Well, I am making fish curry in case that changes your mind". That did the deal for me. I told my friends, this is the best fish curry that they were ever going to have, so I am deciding on their behalf. "Yeah mom, they will be staying. Thank you", I said.

15 mins later mom passed by the room, did a quick peek and said it was almost done, perhaps 10 minutes more. I looked at my friends and remember saying "No issues. It is going to be so worth it."

                ***

I know for a fact that I acted the same way most of us do with our homes, our families, or wherever our family names come in play. We are proud to show off the best sides of us. Does that mean we are perfect? Heck no. Just the addition of me to the family, puts my family in a bit of a spot, but as the saying goes "Family comes first" right? We choose to represent the good parts because at the end of the day we believe we are onto better things. If not today, we will get there someday.

Can we not extend the same courtesy to our country as well?

You must watch that video with the daughter and her dad. "I am not better than anyone else", he says and she boldly repeats after him. she follows it with ..."There is no one better than me" - and like that, the universe is back in balance.

I'd say, India is not better than anyone else. No one else is better than India. We, are India. "I am blessed" ... to be part of this country.

If you haven't already, take the pledge.