Non-resident Vs. Resident Indians: Whose opinion counts?
India could benefit from indulgence of both NRIs and prominent current citizens in active governance. Sadly, we lack an able moderator !
Sharad’s Sunday Sojourns (week # 490 | 5th September 2021)
“As all human beings are, in my view, creatures of God’s design, we must respect all other human beings. That does not mean I have to agree with their choices or agree with their opinions, but indeed I respect them as human beings.” … Stockwell Day.
Of late, we are witnessing some passive warfare in the media.
The context is not too significant, but hell no, you can’t disregard them either.
Yes, I am talking about the opinions.
Opinions from both non-resident Indians (I would proclaim a majority of them are either OCI or PIO) against the citizen illuminati.
The subjects of these differences of opinions? Varied.
From politics to sports, from finance to entertainment industries, NRIs seem to possess a wide array of interest.
Of course, with the advent of globalisation and the stronghold of internet, common people and celebrities in India are no stranger to the happenings taking place globally, either.
The question is, with whom do you heed?
Let’s take the purview of the NRIs.
Note that I am only referring to souls who have made it big abroad, and not the average student or employee working or studying at foreign universities or organisations.
Also, I am not talking about temporary Indian residents abroad.
We are witnessing sound financial advice regarding the usefulness or shortcomings about the recently conceptualised Indian RBI-mediated digital currency, i.e., e-RUPI.
A while ago, we noted comments from an NRI from WHO regarding whether or not the impending third COVID-19 wave is a concern in India.
Local state governments have continuously sought assistance from renewed personalities abroad (one instance, Nobel Laureate Prof. Abhijit Banerjee and Ms. Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal) regarding economic implications, scientific advancements and a range of other perspectives.
There is little doubt that global NRIs have been of much assistance.
However, this view is often countered by several prominent personalities in India, including judiciary, legislation, banking, IT and general science and technology sections.
Their argument is, why do we bother to seek opinions from souls, who have already influenced and effected the ‘brain drain’, and how good or bad their suggestions are withholding or advancing the prospects of this country.
The common notion is, only the resident Indians could evidently perceive what is being right or wrong, and subsequently, could amend decisions and opinions safeguarding the best interests of this country.
For instance, how could somebody who has left 20 years ago, could still correctly assume what is wrong with the healthcare system of this country?
On the contrary, as some medics have singled out, due attention should be provided to the medical fraternity of India to intrepidly contest the second COVID-19 wave, despite severe complications and limitations.
If you ask me, I think both sections are right in their own ways.
While it is understandable that global advancements do have a role to play in the subsequent developments in India, do not ignore that we are a ‘young’ democracy, and a significantly emerging economy.
Several ‘returning’ NRIs have repeatedly highlighted this point. On the other hand, only fools would deny the role of NRIs, collectively!
Yes, it is still a fact that several high-impact national projects would be stalled without the billions of dollars and other foreign currency endowments.
Can you unassumingly overlook that?
As always, the central government should act as a moderator in such situations and try to bring out the best from both sides.
Since I believe that both sides constitute an effective subset of the wholesome impression, that is ‘India’!
But alas, we are not so ‘fortunate’, I guess!
