Being NRI....

Yes, as the title discloses.... I am a NRI now (6 months continuously out of the country). But I don’t know why... I feeal nothing great, unusual or different in being an NRI. Its been more than 6 months in Singapore..... since Feb 27^th, 2010... the day I first landed on the Changi International Airport (world’s 7^th busiest international airport). Time flew so quickly.... Just from the inner side of my heart.. want to go back to India as soon as possible.

Earlier I was contributing to GDP of my nation.... yes, now I find solace that at least I am contributing to GNP (if not to GDP) J

Before arriving Singapore I always use to think how can a country so small, with no natural resources of its own has developed at such a fast pace (projected to grow 15-18% this year) and why is that a country like ours which is loaded with resources (including much needed human capital) is still called a developing nation (even after 6 decades of independence).... don’t know whether I am right or wrong... but I feel the only answer is best governance and regulation practices. Singapore has taken advantage of the situation which we have not been able to. Both India and Singapore were British colonies, and Singapore has rapidly taken advantage of this fact after gaining independence and turned itself into a trading and finance hub, enjoying advantage of its location for developing itself into one of world’s leading port.

I think another differentiating factor is the willingness of its people to align with rules and regulation, which automatically turned into a habit flowing through generations. Singapore is known as ‘country of fines’, which to a certain extent has been a boon for this nation. You spit, and you pay $1000 fine, you carry some prohibited items into public transport and you pay $5000 fine, and to the last resort you bring some prohibited items into the country (including drug trafficking) and you end up paying with your life. The key point is that all these are strictly followed and the government makes sure that all key projects (infrastructure, public health, education etc) are well implemented on time. The problem with India and we Indians is that we want everything but never follows any policies, regulation. The problem starts with our childhood when we see that world surrounding us involved in malpractices to survive and we make it a key point that if you have to survive, you have to follow these as well. E.g. signal toda to traffic police ko paise dedo (bachpan mein bike se 20 rupay se shuru kiya jo baad mein car se signal todne par 100-200 par aa gaya); passport banwana hai to police wale ko 500 dedo; train mein sleeper ka ticket leke AC dabbe mein betho aur TTE ko 200 rupay dedo..... it start with this and end up in strong corruption (jiska example hamare saamne hai ---- commonwealth games). If this ends up with us, its for sure our kids will never follow the same, because they learn from us and our surroundings.

If the corruption is stopped and we get good and strong governance, it is for sure that we will be able to get key infra projects on time and our growth rate will be well above 15-20%. With the improved system, we can definitely see actual increase in educated, healthy and well employed India. And then, people like won’t have to look at some bloody Singapore or New York or London as dream job-destination because every opportunity will be here right back at home.

I know this will take time but let’s try and start this..... Insha-allah someday an American or Singaporean will be writing like this – How to learn from India and its people J