Brand New Post

I read an article today about foreigners in India and their feelings of safety, belonging and fear in their new not-so-safe home.

http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264345

“We are in India for a different level of consciousness,” says Sunny from England, his long wavy hair blowing in the wind. “We keep thoughts and discussions of terrorists and such things out of our field.” Did he feel targeted as a foreigner? Sunny replied, “We foreigners have many hurdles to overcome in India. Bombs are the very least of those hurdles. The visa regulations that get stricter after every bombing—that’s a very real problem for us.” A robust German massage therapist, sipping his avocado lassi, intervened, “Anyway, death is only a transition to the next dimension. There truly is no cause for fear.”

Heartening and disheartening at once. As I prepare to be in India after a period of 2.5 years, a number of questions, exciting anticipations as well as fears are going through my mind. For all who have been displaced either by choice or necessity from their places of birth and upbringing, the meaning of 'home' has changed forever. In a way it is heartening to note that more people are viewing terrorism as just one more reason that needs to be reconciled with, in this new definition of home. However as an Indian, it is disheartening to note that such open spirits and accommodating hearts cannot be provided with a more peaceful place to call their own.