Some of the reactions by our own people, about the deportees from America, were hilarious and ridiculous. Some cursed them, others ridiculed them and many laughed at them.
But….
I know that most of these same people who reacted thus, if told they could go and settle in America would jump and accept the offer.
The only reason they don’t go or haven’t gone, is because they can’t. And like the proverbial fable of the fox and grapes, they shout, ‘the grapes are sour!’
But, why do so many Indians feel compelled to leave their homeland in search of better opportunities? What is it about India that makes it so difficult for people to build a secure and prosperous future here? And what can we do to change this narrative and make India a country that people are proud to call home?
A few years ago my in-laws were comfortably living in Pune. They had friends of all communities and quite enjoyed life there. But occasionally they would fall sick, and we would have to rush there.
We then got the bright idea of shifting them here.
They disliked the idea and were very reluctant.
Because they had friends, fellowship, and company in their environment. Maybe, medical aid was not easily available, maybe family was not around, but Pune was home for them.
In the same way I wonder if our country, could also become attractive to make our people feel it is, ‘home’ for them?
For this, economically, India needs to create more jobs, improve infrastructure, and increase access to quality education and healthcare.
Politically, India needs to promote transparency and accountability and ensure the rule of law is upheld. This will require reforms to the judiciary, and the bureaucracy, as well as a commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens.
Socially, India needs to address the communal tensions and social inequalities that have started plaguing our society. This will require a concerted effort to promote interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, as well as a commitment to protecting the rights of marginalized communities.
The recent images of Indian families being deported back to India, shackled and humiliated, are a stark pointer of the desperation and vulnerability that shows that we need to address these serious economic, political, and social challenges that drive people to leave.
Remember, no American wants to leave their country, not because they have strict emigration laws but because they have a stake in its future and believe that it offers them the best opportunities to pursue their dreams.
So, let’s strive to create an India that inspires the same sense of pride, purpose, and belonging in its citizens: An India, we would hate to leave..!
Robert Clements is a newspaper columnist and author. He blogs at www.bobsbanter.com and can be reached at bobsbanter@gmail.com
