AN INSIGHT CELEBRATING INDIANS WILL NOT LIKE TO HEAR

For many Indians enjoying themselves, to really enjoy themselves it's important that half the world - or at least the neighbourhood - knows they are enjoying themselves. From my childhood in Bombay I remember the high ostentation and high decibels of weddings, birthday parties and festivals. In fact on Divali mornings the more firecracker debris he had in front of his house was one more way for anyone who had more money to show off to neighbours.

There has been no change of attitude in globalizing India. Rather, the 10% of Indians who are now celebrating have even greater opportunities to show off. (Note: WHO recently reported that 75% Indians earn no more tha $2 a day.) During last month's Independence Day celebrations the club near me - managed by top police and other officials - played music that shook the neighbourhood's walls and rattled windows - just as they do on every happy occasion. And recently two of my young friends (who had not met me for two years) surprised me with a visit. Both wanted me to go out to the gate and admire the new big cars they had bought - one an SUV. With no desire to encourage the 'attitude' I refused to oblige. I told them I had no interest in their cars; I was only interested in them personally as friends. Then I told them about this 'insight' and we laughed over it.

Yeah. They laughed; but only because they were friends.