I Belong

Where do I belong?

I’m guessing (and hoping) that this is a fairly common question in many minds … especially in the minds of friends ...
Was reading Sarat’s post on the Gujrat carnage and couldn’t help imagining the bestiality of the people involved … people like you and me they say – the common man in India.

I am sad.
I feel bad.
I feel ashamed.
And worse - I don’t know why!!!

Living as an Expat. – you automatically represent your people (country generally) – so you become a spokesman of your kind – ready to clarify myths/misconceptions and discuss cultures, habits, living conditions … you get the point – good things and bad.

Then again, I’m not sure if I identify with the average Indian – maybe the average Agnelite at best! Sure we are a great race and all that – but I don’t even know how to define an average Indian …
So I truly identify only with my family and friends – that's about it!

Then why do I feel ashamed when I read about riots and the likes … Bombay, Gujrat, Punjab, Bihar ... I don’t know these people – they could have come from Mars for all I care …

Really its just family and friends to whom I feel a sense of belonging – and if this subset ended up migrating to the Moon – I would call that home – by association!

On a macro level, a country/government is essentially a group of people deciding to live life in a particular way – I wasn’t given the choice to examine all these groups and take my pick! And I don’t HAVE to subscribe to the agenda (if there really is one!)

From where I stand - India is definitely one of the most beautiful countries in the world – but I’m not so sure about the people. I’m not saying that they are bad … or good … they are fine where they are - I’m just not sure if I want to be called one of them/us!
And then - Do I really need to belong somewhere? I don’t think so!

So why do I feel?!