A couple of weeks ago, an American friend of mine not only visiting me, but most of India, asked me what I liked most about India. I was sitting at a table in his room in one of the Udaipur five star hotels when he asked me this question. For me, when someone genuinely wants to know, and not just making idle conversations, I find that question hard to answer. I want to be able to give him an answer that is truthful, but not superficial or too general, like ‘oh, it’s the people, the people are so friendly’, or ‘wow, I can get health care for my dad and buy prescriptions at a fraction of the cost of the U.S.’, or ‘I don’t like having to do household chores’, things like that. I’ve been here long enough, coming also from the U.S. myself, that I feel I should have a sensitive and well-thought out response for my friend who is earnestly wanting to know.
There are many things I could point to, like spirituality which is deeply felt and observed in this country, at least int the Northern parts of India, which is where I spend most of my time. The daily practices of the people around me reinforce this, like the tilak on the foreheads which are very distinguishing marks denoting which sect you belong, to rangoli that graces the entrances of homes and businesses, to moon and other fasting days observed by the devout, to all the silks and cotton threaded bracelets that show visits to a particular temple, I especially like the ritual where brothers and sisters tie a ribbon around each others wrists.
I could tell him that India is the world’s center for yoga, meditation and other healing arts like Ayurveda. All of these are so much a part of the daily scene of India. My friend is patiently waiting for an answer, and all I can say is ‘the people are so friendly’.
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