The Myth of the American/European Dream

When I went to the USA in 1995 for graduate studies, it was for three reasons: (1) an opportunity to study at some of the world's best universities, (2) I got a scholarship (I hail from a normal middle class family and wouldn't have gone otherwise) and (3) for the  adventure of it all - new country, new people from across the world, new experiences.

In my eleven years there (MS, PhD, Postdoc), I met many awesome people (and a few jerks - which is perfectly normal, they are everywhere) and still have active friendships in the US and other parts of the world. I respected people around me and carried myself with an equal measure of self respect. At no point I felt "overly eager" or "desperate" to stay on in the US. It's important to have a dream, a goal, in life - but there's no reason for it to be an "American Dream" or "European Dream" or whatever - the world's a big place with tremendous charm and variety all around!

I see a lot of people continuously affected/perturbed by policy shifts in the US (or elsewhere) as if our lives and happiness depend fundamentally on any one region of the world. This is a display of a very low level of self respect and not cool. The whole world is certainly open and I encourage the concept of a global citizenship by all means, but go anywhere only if you are received with respect - not otherwise.

Chill out! Keep your self respect intact, your skills and knowledge super sharp, and make positive contributions only and only where and with those you feel respected.

Spines straight and chins up!

Movie recommendation: Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

This is one of those movies that touches me every time I see it - for a somewhat unusual reason - it got the entire messaging wrong! Here are a few thoughts from my side, yours when you watch the movie:

1) Mr. Holland, an aspiring composer, doesn't find time to complete a symphony he's working on as he's expected to continuously work overtime by the school where he teaches music appreciation. Towards the end of the movie, he is told that although he couldn't complete his composition, the students he has taught and nurtured are his symphony.

This is a very very flawed argument. The concept of a 40 hour week was created for a reason! People have their personal lives above and beyond work and they have all the right to pursue their personal dreams once work hours are over. This understanding needs to be firm at every workplace. In the context of this movie: When someone carries beautiful music (or some other form of knowledge) within, conditions have to be created for that music (knowledge) to come out. There is no glory in that not happening! Teaching responsibilities can very well be brought to balance if more wisdom prevails.

2) Even with his tremendous contribution that earned him the above praise, he is "let go" along with the arts teacher because of funding constraints. The entire music, arts and dramatics program is cut because the city reduces the budget for schools.

Now, any sensible educator will tell you that arts are as important in school education as mathematics, science and other subjects. Some kids grow up to be novelists, some musicians, some mathematicians, scientists and engineers. All these pursuits are equally important in an educated society. If there is a funding constraint, then, starting from the principal, salaries can be reduced for all teachers! A school principal making such a choice is a disgrace. Of course, the bigger disgrace is school budgets reducing instead of increasing!

As Mr. Holland, the music teacher being let go, remarks: "If you cut the arts, sooner or later these kids aren't going to have anything to read or write about."

He's right.

3) There is a logical flaw at the end of the movie: The lady who showers the praise mentioned in Point 1 above on him is an ex-student of his who has grown to hold a very important position in the city administration. If she feels so strongly about his contribution through teaching, she very well could have used her power to find the funds required to keep him and the arts teacher (instead of them getting dumped!).

It's an excellent movie! Pick it up if you haven't seen it already 🙂! You will see a brilliant man with a heart of gold getting chewn to bits by a thankless society and false ideals 😏!

Consolidate. Unite. Express.

As you read this post, bear in mind that I have already spoken against making Hindi compulsory in schools or/and offices around the country. I'm educated enough to know that we are a nation of tremendous variety - languages, philosophical systems, religions - and every freedom must be maintained to allow all variety to express itself and thrive.

Yet, I understand the need for symbolism. And I believe what I'm saying is important:

Below is a picture of our capital, Nai Dilli (New Delhi), Railway Station. On the top, the name of the station is displayed in three languages: Hindi, English and Urdu. I think we ought to make the following two changes:

1. Add the name in two more languages: Gurmukhi (the primary language of the Sikhs) and Pali (the primary language of Buddhists).

2. Order them in such a way that the Hindi script (Nai Dilli) is in the center and the English script (New Dilli - not Delhi (anglicized)) is on the extreme right. (Using English as the medium of instruction in schools and colleges is a practical necessity as it helps our students engage with the world at large easily - but giving it any "central importance" anywhere is just an immature lack of self respect.)

We consolidate, we unite, we express our identity on the world stage with confidence. This is important. Very important.