Its not like I got bitten by a deadly mosquito that injected that fatal virus into my blood stream - the virus called ’’patriotium tricoloura’’... I’m not waving a flag from the top of my building....
its not like I inhaled some spores that go by the name ’’manojus kumarium’’.... I’m not walking around with my eyes closed and grabbing fistful of soil and rubbing on my forehead... nor am I singing songs holding a ’hal’ and pointing to the sky and singing patriotic songs while the village belles were dancing around me wearing er... ghagra cholis...
and its certainly not like I consumed that drug ’’fanatica patrioticium terroristum’’ also known as FPT... the drug that converts normal happy-go-lucky humanoids into creatures who believe that their country is the greatest and the rest of the world is inferior... every country has its charm...
I’ve however consumed a whole lot of water...
Now what do I write about India that hasnt already been written, what praises can I sing that hasnt already been sung... what hasnt been achieved by India and Indians... (does it sound like a Beatles song?)...
In fact, I cant write anything on India because it would seem outdated... I can however write something thats unique... a little poem dedicated to the country I was born in... the country that I live in...
India
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This land my shelter and my shade
with tales of many a brave
My memories, they’ll never fade
I’ll take them to my grave (sorry about the melodrama)
This land that holds a billion plus
with nay a cry, complaint
This land thats been a home to us
no one can ever taint
our land is blessed with culture
and a heritage to rival
with incredible natural feature
though some do need revival
we are a blend of everything
this is our universe
through distances quite staggering
united yet diverse
a mix of race and religion
language, caste and creed
we’re broken down by region
and boundaries we breed
far from perfection, yet complete
a place that makes you feel
secure, serene, a feeling sweet
experience this, its real
no verse can capture your essence
no rhyme, no prose define
your beauty, that is so immense
oh india, land of mine
now for the final verse which is not dedicated to anyone... I just wrote it...
tonight a billion hearts shall sing
tonight they all rejoice
tonight a billion voices ring
in unison, one voice
’’VANDE MATARAM’’
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The Actual Review? You mean that wasnt enough? Ok....
For those who are finicky about reviews
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India is the land that gave the rest of the world a lot of things including a set of numerals, gazillion languages, great curries and culinary concoctions, the taj mahal, the kama sutra (remember the split bamboo position... I dont!) and also a whole lot of hard working people.
Now for some general jottings....
For the tourist:
India is as diverse and complete an experience as they come. Here’s a quick and easy bulleted list:
India’s topography boasts of almost everything including lush green forests, mountains, plains, plateaus and so on. The massive coastlines offer a wealth of beaches. For the explorer there are the Mighty Himalayas to the north and the dense forests that are scattered all over India. There are also numerous sanctuaries and wild life parks including Kaziranga (rhinos), Gir (lions) and Bharatpur (birds).
Being one of the oldest civilizations, India’s archeological treasures, culture and heritage offer a treasure trove for the tourist. This includes thousands of forts, temples and historical monuments. To name them would be mean breaking the 8K review barrier.
Indian cuisine? Well, some gentleman named Keith Floyd, from the land of delicate tummies came to India to explore the flavours and it made him dedicate a whole book on the subject... vegetable pulao anyone?
We’ve categorized the weather as - Summer, Winter and Rainy Season. As a tourist, I’d probably pick Kerala during rainy season as my favourite time to visit India but then thats a personal choice.
You can get around with English but not everywhere. A Hindi phrase book might seem cool but a good guide or an Indian friend makes things easier.
And yes, make sure your passports and other documents are in place (and thank me for pointing that out).
On Indians
As diverse as they come. However, most are funloving and friendly and love to have a good time.
Indians are a mixed bag though. You never know what to expect from an Indian. Bang your car into some other car and there is a chance that you might get bashed out of your skeleton or you might just drive off with a grin exchanged (this depends on where you are at the moment).
On India
I love it.
Final Say
To you souls on the other side of a political fence... happy independence day
To you souls on this side of the political fence... happy independence day
not from each other... but from whatever you wanted independence from...
~finis~
I know this review is a mixed bag too. But its the eve of independence day and I’ve missed sleep for two days so this is all my two ounce brain could come up with.... peace!