Thoughts On India
Whether it is the infrastructure, water, aromatics, pollution, inefficiencies, or countless people everywhere, the physical world of India is unlike any other…and not in a good way. It is confusing and can be dangerous (laws had to be passed that if you hire a woman to work at night you need to provide safe transportation and security). As an incredibly spiritual country, it is surprising that it is not safe for everyone.
With time, I do believe that pollution and crime will get better, but as for the water, “the worst case is you’ll have to spend some time on the porcelain god” as Anthony Bourdain once said. The reward for this sacrifice? They make some of the most amazing food in the world that is to be enjoyed with their family, their friends and guests. It is also a country that truly loves kids. I watched locals ask tourists if they could hold their toddler, so that they can make them laugh and laugh with them. At work I met some of the most welcoming people and when they ask that common question in America, ”how was your weekend?” they actually want to know! At the end of the day it all comes down to love and India has so much of it.
It might seem that India is an incredibly homogenous society (I was the only non-indian person I saw while taking a local train for over two hours), I learned this is not the case. The difference between Maharashtra (the state of Mumbai and Pune, where I spent most of my time) and, say, Punja (amazing dance music) or Chennai is massive. The language is different, theology is different, food is different. It really is an incredibly diverse country.
When it comes to sports and India, of course you think of cricket, but I learned about Kabaddi, an ancient sport that is growing really fast. It’s basically a team game of tag that is very physical and really fun to watch. I can’t wait to play this with my two boys. :)
The countryside is just gorgeous. The area around Lonavala reminds me of the canyons of Utah, but lush with life. Check out this rock formation, one of hundreds I saw.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, India is one of the few places in the world I have been where they know enough to know they don’t know everything. If a species beyond Earth visits us and brushes off our inventions, math, sciences and theistic religious I would hope they get to meet Sadguru and other thinkers who I was lucky enough to be introduced to. Many of the deep conversations I had with people were open to new views and thought processes.
Let us all reject our assumptions and think about the right questions. Let us value time with our family, care less about the physical things we desire and find calmness in our everyday life.
Now, time to cook some curry.
