It’s been seven months now that I have been working in France as an Indian volunteer and ambassador in an agricultural school. My mission is mostly concerned with the cultural exchange programme and it entails teaching English to the students. Here in France, I have learned more about my country and its citizens. I think that when you stay away from your own country, you start to realise how much of an individual you really are – and whether globalisation is actually affecting you or not.
What I have seen and discovered is that many people in foreign countries consider India to be a very impecunious country, which I don’t think it is. Or is it the opposite? I don’t understand. Between the highly opulent, rich people and the highly impoverished, poverty-stricken people, I cannot decide for myself what India really is or what it is supposed to be. I hardly understand the figures and the data, or whether the country’s economy is improving at all. However, is all of this worth the hundred problems in our country which are unseen and undiscovered? Is it?
Well, I know the problems existing in my country – and the truth always hurts. I am talking about the truth of your own country – and not the ‘truth’ a foreigner would tell you about your own people and your country. After all, I am also a deshbhakt – and I cannot let the image of my country deteriorate. So, instead of focusing on the stumbling blocks and answering the questions of the people on topics such as caste, religion, poverty, corruption, I decided to let them know the beauty of my country . So, you can say that in a way, I am promoting India’s image in Europe, while also enhancing its tourism potential.
After days of research, I was able to tell them about the rich agricultural landscape of India, about its multiculturalism and how India is a mixture of colors and cultures. I was also able to describe the flora, the fauna, the geographic conditions and all the other aspects that make India a beautiful country.
“It’s all about how you see and perceive.” I saw, I thought, I analysed, I read and I presented my country in the comeliest way possible.
Finally, I started uploading dance videos on YouTube and Facebook. People now have a favourable image of India, and they wish to travel across the country and uncover the secrets of this land – which is full of love, shades, festivals, spirituality and tastes. The rest, I leave it to you all.