2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
I think I would like to go back to India provided I see some changes in the political scenario of the country and if the reservations' system is done with. I would like to settle in central part of India - Nagpur.

3. What do you like most about being abroad?
The fact that a person is well rewarded - monetarily and intangibly, for the effort one puts in.

4. What do like least about being abroad?
Parents, friends, true Indian food.

5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
Not to an extent that it bothers me. A little bit of concern is always going to there.

6. What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
As long as the couple accepts it, who are others to comment or provide thoughts on it.

7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
If I could "stay" as the prime minister of the country even after the first move, I will get rid of the reservations system and make the country an equal opportunity place for every citizen.

8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
1. Diversity
2. Central location in the world
3. Intelligence and hard-work.

9. What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
1. Mentality of the people.
2. Too many political parties.

10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
I think a dictator in the form of a president is what India really needs at this stage, until we set things in place.

11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
Frankly, I had the highest regards for our PM - Vajpayee, until I realized that he is also like his counterparts in the Congress - talks and does nothing, fearful of the US and the rest of the world.
I hold Balasaheb Thakre in a much higher esteem for he does what he says and is absolutely clear with his thoughts, unlike all the other 'leaders'.

12. Do you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
I dont think it has hurt India at all. It has always helped India and Indians and will continue to do so.

13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
The three wars with Pakistan.

14. What is your favourite pastime?
Reading, traveling.

15. What is your happiest memory?
Living in India for 25 years of my life.

16. What's your most memorable journey?
The first return trip from US to India.

17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Dahi-Vada.

18. What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
1. Office Space
2. Deewana Mastana
3. Andaz Apna Apna

19. What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
1. Monopolies in America - Charles Geisst
2. Guts - Robert Lutz

20. A message from you to other NRIs
Hi there !!! :)

- Ashutosh Dekhne

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The views of this column are the author's own, and do not necessarily represent the views of NRI Online.