Day of Return

Today is the 14th of February, or popularly known as Valentine’s day. This year in 2011 it also marks my return to my country. The question whether the coincidence symbolizes my love for the country brings a smile to my face. So far the transition has been smooth. It is as if I had never left. On my way home from the airport, my mind was at ease and I breathed easily. I had anticipated the usual congestion in my chest when I breathe in Delhi’s air after a long time. When to my surprise I found my lungs expanding easily, I wondered if my lungs had already adjusted, or if the air was cleaner after the CommonWealth Games?
These questions were on my mind as I engaged in polite conversation with the two people who had come to receive me at the airport. For many years they have been the first faces that I recognize when I arrive at the airport. The familiar faces were those of Rajesh our driver and Putul, the Man Friday of the house. As soon as I met them, I unconsciously slipped into my position in the house and allowed Rajesh to manage the luggage cart. I was immediately furious with myself, when I realized what had happened. At the first moment when Indian privilege presented itself, I allowed myself to be swept away even after living on my own for the past two and a half years.
As I exited the airport, I observed the staff and police manning the airport. The large difference that exists in the top 10% of Indian society according to money and the rest of India’s emerging population was glaring. The main features of this difference were the faces of the people, their body language and demeanour, and their clothes. I realized that spending a little time outside of our immediate surroundings had helped me re-engage with the realities with fresh energy and perspective.
Leaving the fantastic Delhi international airport, I came to face with the police constables guarding the checkpoints at the entrance and exit of the airport. I was disturbed to see that the job requires a person to stand and watch cars passing by at 3 am in the night. Job satisfaction, role diversity, higher wages, how are these words connected to the Indian constable? Coming back to home, it was indeed an honour and privilege to be able to order dinner at a certain time and then eat the most delicious home cooked meal that I have had in many days. A four course meal of rice, dal, vegetables and fish is a delight to relish and requires hard work to prepare. I found myself being more thankful of all the help that I receive at home but also observed the feudal tendencies in my behaviour when I neglected to communicate my appreciation of the meal and the work that went behind its preparation.
There were several other moments in the journey which were a delight to witness. The Air India plane was supremely comfortable to other international airlines and the amenities were fantastic. The self-confident young people that I saw on the plane clearly represented the energy that is growing in this country. The design of the Delhi aiport was both international and Indian. The roads of Delhi are still stellar and far better to other great Indian city, Mumbai. There needs to be more positive changes in our society and we cannot allow a ‘business as usual’ attitude towards our nation. We need but only look at our Egyptian brethren who have repeated the lesson that ‘change can take place’