Points of Pride

I have noticed something this trip about India and Indians. They have a certain self-esteem about them that I've felt lacking in other developing countries in which I've spent time. All countries have a national pride, and Indians are proud to be Indians. But not only are they proud, they are enthusiastic about being Indian. I didn't feel this in the other countries. There, many of the people with whom I interacted were pessimistic about their country, their circumstances, and their future. There was a sense of, "If I could only escape my current circumstances, go to another, better country, life would be much better." That is not the case here in India, right now (at least not with the Indians with which I've interacted). India as a country is a rising power politically, a growing giant economically, and a billion people strong. Indians are proud of their country and what it is accomplishing. And I think that's great.

That being said, I have a bit of national pride in me, too. Ford and GM, through struggling in the US, are growing gangbusters here in India. The Ford Ikon is a popular, high class car in the country right now. And I admit that I feel a tinge of pride whenever I see one driving down the street.