I was at a family get together last evening, when I offered a good Indian savoury snack to one of the guests (who has lived abroad for most of her life). She declined and I recoiled in faux horror. It is so unlike an Indian to refuse a savoury snack and I said her citizenship and nationality was in question. Post dinner, all amends were made as she was gracious in accepting and consuming the jalebi on offer.
Chakna, Farsan, Murukku and several such savoury snacks are unique to each region in India. I have not been to the North East so I don't know any speciality there. Typically most of them are made of some flour and deep fried ( Baked for the Neo nutrition conscious Indian) However, the reality is that savoury snacks at home or outside are an integral part of India's consumption pattern and perhaps also a cause for a higher percentage of diabetes.
What snack you consume does not define you as an Indian, so why should what clothes you wear, language you speak or for that matter which political party you support define you. Does your own economic progress give you a right to ignore the less fortunate and govern your political affiliations? Irrespective of the party in power, the ruling party officials support the budget, the political opposition always criticises it and all leading Industrialists find something of value.
Here's an interesting quote from Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran on welcoming Air India back . "We are totally delighted that the process is complete and we are very happy to have Air India back into the Tata Group. We look forward to working with everyone to create a world-class airline. I, like many others, have enjoyed reflecting on stories from the airline's brilliant past. Such memories are wonderful, but now is the time to look ahead. Today is the beginning of a new chapter. The entire nation's eyes are on us, waiting to see what we will achieve together. To build the airline our country needs, we need to look to the future"
The statement and approach perhaps symbolises what we should think about. There's a reflection on the airline's past with a wonderful memories quote , a quick back to reality today and a clear vision that the employees and the Tata group have the responsibility for its future.
Most Indians love a savoury snack but if you don't like them does not mean you are not true to your country. You may like the sweets, the different cuisine etc. which makes each one of us unique and a combination of us, a culture and a country. Whilst we enjoy our diverse cuisine, it's also best to remember that the past is because our forefathers built it and what we do today our successors will remember. Our individual roadmaps and outlook for the future are influenced by the eco-system around us. Instead of all the noise (especially with social media), it is increasingly becoming important to understand and define who you are and how you can make a difference.
I do think, we need to celebrate and respect our diversity, stay grounded and work towards a better future for the generations to come. Have a good week ahead.
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