1. Why did you leave India?
I was born and raised in U.S. Parents came to U.S. in 1968, when father was offered Teaching position at S.M.U. (Southern Methodist University). In 1977, came to The Univ. of Mich in Ann Arbor. We have been there ever since.
2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
We have a flat in Pune.
3. What do you like most about being abroad?
I like the availability of resources, and the high quality of life for Upper and middle-class citizens.
4. What do like least about being abroad?
(a)Stereo-type by Average Americans that Asian Indians are "nerds".
(b)Loneliness of life.
(c)Preoccupation with money by many Americans.
5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
Yes, I would be very much concerned, that If they were not taught to respect their Native Asian Indian Culture and to speak Marathi (my Mother tongue in India), Like many of my peers they, would not be able to read, write and speak their parents' language, and after getting married and settling down, would not be able to fully pass on Indian culture to 3rd and 4th generation Indian Youth. (Their children).
6. What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
Frankly, it would be nice to marry a fellow Maharashtrian (either from here or back home in India); it becomes much easier to communicate with someone with a common background. Many people do not. Ultimately, only if a couple really loves each other, can a marriage be successful, not just for "show"..
7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
If I become Prime Minister of India, the first thing that I would do is to plan a Nationwide campaign to eliminate hutments, put a restriction on the mortality rate, and raise money to help India's struggling poor.
8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
(a). Rich Cultural Heritage
(b). High family life,
(c). Computer Technology in major Metropolitan cities.
9. What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
1. Out of control Population growth
2. Poverty,
3. Corruption in Government System.
10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
No, but actions to reduce the amount of Corruption in Parliamentary Government System need to be taken.
11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He has done many impressive things like starting a nationwide campaign to clean up the streets of India, create Passover - Highways and reduce pollution in India.
12. you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
Yes / No.
Yes, it is true that too much obsession with Cricket produces a bad effect on school children.
No, every nation needs to have a mode to release tension, anxiety, and hostility in its citizens.
13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
Establishing a Democratic Parliamentary form of Government.
14. What is your favourite pastime?
Listening to Beatles music on LP/ cassette, CD, etc.
15.What is your happiest memory?
Winning 'Honorable Mention' ($25) for singing the Beatles 'She Loves You' in Lip-Sync Contest at Ann Arbor, Pioneer High School in September of 1989.
16. What's your most memorable journey?
Visiting Pune in December of 1981, and 1982 and making close friends at Karnataka High School, and participating regularly in the R.S.S. (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), which met at the ground across the street from our Amol Apts. Flat.
17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Chicken Curry with Naan served with Vegetable raita and Galub jamun for dessert.
18.What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
The Beatles 'A Hard Day's Night' (1964).
19. What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
(a). "A Stranger Is Watching" by Mary Higgins Clark
(b). "Profiles in Courage' by President John F. Kennedy.
20. A message from you to other NRIs
As a Second Generation Maharastrian Youth, now entering Marital age, and starting a career, it is easy to take for granted, the rich lifestyle in the U.S. I feel that it is vitally important to teach our children to have respect and honor for their Indian Cultural heritage, if we wish to preserve it in the future.
1. Why did you leave India?
I was born and raised in U.S. Parents came to U.S. in 1968, when father was offered Teaching position at S.M.U. (Southern Methodist University). In 1977, came to The Univ. of Mich in Ann Arbor. We have been there ever since.
2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
We have a flat in Pune.
3. What do you like most about being abroad?
I like the availability of resources, and the high quality of life for Upper and middle-class citizens.
4. What do like least about being abroad?
(a)Stereo-type by Average Americans that Asian Indians are "nerds".
(b)Loneliness of life.
(c)Preoccupation with money by many Americans.
5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
Yes, I would be very much concerned, that If they were not taught to respect their Native Asian Indian Culture and to speak Marathi (my Mother tongue in India), Like many of my peers they, would not be able to read, write and speak their parents' language, and after getting married and settling down, would not be able to fully pass on Indian culture to 3rd and 4th generation Indian Youth. (Their children).
6.What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
Frankly, it would be nice to marry a fellow Maharashtrian (either from here or back home in India); it becomes much easier to communicate with someone with a common background. Many people do not. Ultimately, only if a couple really loves each other, can a marriage be successful, not just for "show"..
7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
If I become Prime Minister of India, the first thing that I would do is to plan a Nationwide campaign to eliminate hutments, put a restriction on the mortality rate, and raise money to help India's struggling poor.
8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
(a). Rich Cultural Heritage
(b). High family life,
(c). Computer Technology in major Metropolitan cities.
9. What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
1. Out of control Population growth
2. Poverty,
3. Corruption in Government System.
10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
No, but actions to reduce the amount of Corruption in Parliamentary Government System need to be taken.
11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He has done many impressive things like starting a nationwide campaign to clean up the streets of India, create Passover - Highways and reduce pollution in India.
12. Do you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
Yes / No.
Yes, it is true that too much obsession with Cricket produces a bad effect on school children.
No, every nation needs to have a mode to release tension, anxiety, and hostility in its citizens.
13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
Establishing a Democratic Parliamentary form of Government.
14. What is your favourite pastime?
Listening to Beatles music on LP/ cassette, CD, etc.
15. What is your happiest memory?
Winning 'Honorable Mention' ($25) for singing the Beatles 'She Loves You' in Lip-Sync Contest at Ann Arbor, Pioneer High School in September of 1989.
16. What's your most memorable journey?
Visiting Pune in December of 1981, and 1982 and making close friends at Karnatak High School, and participating regularly in the R.S.S. (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), which met at the ground across the street from our Amol Apts. Flat.
17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Chicken Curry with Naan served with Vegetable raita and Galub jamun for dessert.
18. What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
The Beatles 'A Hard Day's Night' (1964).
19. What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
(a). "A Stranger Is Watching" by Mary Higgins Clark
(b). "Profiles in Courage' by President John F. Kennedy.
20. A message from you to other NRIs
As a Second Generation Maharastrian Youth, now entering Marital age, and starting a career, it is easy to take for granted, the rich lifestyle in the U.S. I feel that it is vitally important to teach our children to have respect and honor for their Indian Cultural heritage, if we wish to preserve it in the future.
I was born and raised in U.S. Parents came to U.S. in 1968, when father was offered Teaching position at S.M.U. (Southern Methodist University). In 1977, came to The Univ. of Mich in Ann Arbor. We have been there ever since.
2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
We have a flat in Pune.
3. What do you like most about being abroad?
I like the availability of resources, and the high quality of life for Upper and middle-class citizens.
4. What do like least about being abroad?
(a)Stereo-type by Average Americans that Asian Indians are "nerds".
(b)Loneliness of life.
(c)Preoccupation with money by many Americans.
5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
Yes, I would be very much concerned, that If they were not taught to respect their Native Asian Indian Culture and to speak Marathi (my Mother tongue in India), Like many of my peers they, would not be able to read, write and speak their parents' language, and after getting married and settling down, would not be able to fully pass on Indian culture to 3rd and 4th generation Indian Youth. (Their children).
6. What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
Frankly, it would be nice to marry a fellow Maharashtrian (either from here or back home in India); it becomes much easier to communicate with someone with a common background. Many people do not. Ultimately, only if a couple really loves each other, can a marriage be successful, not just for "show"..
7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
If I become Prime Minister of India, the first thing that I would do is to plan a Nationwide campaign to eliminate hutments, put a restriction on the mortality rate, and raise money to help India's struggling poor.
8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
(a). Rich Cultural Heritage
(b). High family life,
(c). Computer Technology in major Metropolitan cities.
9. What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
1. Out of control Population growth
2. Poverty,
3. Corruption in Government System.
10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
No, but actions to reduce the amount of Corruption in Parliamentary Government System need to be taken.
11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He has done many impressive things like starting a nationwide campaign to clean up the streets of India, create Passover - Highways and reduce pollution in India.
12. you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
Yes / No.
Yes, it is true that too much obsession with Cricket produces a bad effect on school children.
No, every nation needs to have a mode to release tension, anxiety, and hostility in its citizens.
13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
Establishing a Democratic Parliamentary form of Government.
14. What is your favourite pastime?
Listening to Beatles music on LP/ cassette, CD, etc.
15.What is your happiest memory?
Winning 'Honorable Mention' ($25) for singing the Beatles 'She Loves You' in Lip-Sync Contest at Ann Arbor, Pioneer High School in September of 1989.
16. What's your most memorable journey?
Visiting Pune in December of 1981, and 1982 and making close friends at Karnataka High School, and participating regularly in the R.S.S. (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), which met at the ground across the street from our Amol Apts. Flat.
17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Chicken Curry with Naan served with Vegetable raita and Galub jamun for dessert.
18.What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
The Beatles 'A Hard Day's Night' (1964).
19. What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
(a). "A Stranger Is Watching" by Mary Higgins Clark
(b). "Profiles in Courage' by President John F. Kennedy.
20. A message from you to other NRIs
As a Second Generation Maharastrian Youth, now entering Marital age, and starting a career, it is easy to take for granted, the rich lifestyle in the U.S. I feel that it is vitally important to teach our children to have respect and honor for their Indian Cultural heritage, if we wish to preserve it in the future.
1. Why did you leave India?
I was born and raised in U.S. Parents came to U.S. in 1968, when father was offered Teaching position at S.M.U. (Southern Methodist University). In 1977, came to The Univ. of Mich in Ann Arbor. We have been there ever since.
2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
We have a flat in Pune.
3. What do you like most about being abroad?
I like the availability of resources, and the high quality of life for Upper and middle-class citizens.
4. What do like least about being abroad?
(a)Stereo-type by Average Americans that Asian Indians are "nerds".
(b)Loneliness of life.
(c)Preoccupation with money by many Americans.
5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
Yes, I would be very much concerned, that If they were not taught to respect their Native Asian Indian Culture and to speak Marathi (my Mother tongue in India), Like many of my peers they, would not be able to read, write and speak their parents' language, and after getting married and settling down, would not be able to fully pass on Indian culture to 3rd and 4th generation Indian Youth. (Their children).
6.What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
Frankly, it would be nice to marry a fellow Maharashtrian (either from here or back home in India); it becomes much easier to communicate with someone with a common background. Many people do not. Ultimately, only if a couple really loves each other, can a marriage be successful, not just for "show"..
7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
If I become Prime Minister of India, the first thing that I would do is to plan a Nationwide campaign to eliminate hutments, put a restriction on the mortality rate, and raise money to help India's struggling poor.
8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
(a). Rich Cultural Heritage
(b). High family life,
(c). Computer Technology in major Metropolitan cities.
9. What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
1. Out of control Population growth
2. Poverty,
3. Corruption in Government System.
10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
No, but actions to reduce the amount of Corruption in Parliamentary Government System need to be taken.
11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He has done many impressive things like starting a nationwide campaign to clean up the streets of India, create Passover - Highways and reduce pollution in India.
12. Do you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
Yes / No.
Yes, it is true that too much obsession with Cricket produces a bad effect on school children.
No, every nation needs to have a mode to release tension, anxiety, and hostility in its citizens.
13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
Establishing a Democratic Parliamentary form of Government.
14. What is your favourite pastime?
Listening to Beatles music on LP/ cassette, CD, etc.
15. What is your happiest memory?
Winning 'Honorable Mention' ($25) for singing the Beatles 'She Loves You' in Lip-Sync Contest at Ann Arbor, Pioneer High School in September of 1989.
16. What's your most memorable journey?
Visiting Pune in December of 1981, and 1982 and making close friends at Karnatak High School, and participating regularly in the R.S.S. (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), which met at the ground across the street from our Amol Apts. Flat.
17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Chicken Curry with Naan served with Vegetable raita and Galub jamun for dessert.
18. What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
The Beatles 'A Hard Day's Night' (1964).
19. What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
(a). "A Stranger Is Watching" by Mary Higgins Clark
(b). "Profiles in Courage' by President John F. Kennedy.
20. A message from you to other NRIs
As a Second Generation Maharastrian Youth, now entering Marital age, and starting a career, it is easy to take for granted, the rich lifestyle in the U.S. I feel that it is vitally important to teach our children to have respect and honor for their Indian Cultural heritage, if we wish to preserve it in the future.
Meet Srihari Mulgund. He currently lives in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Published - June, 2002
Participate in 20-Questions
The views of this column are the author's own, and do not necessarily represent the views of NRI Online.
Published - June, 2002
Participate in 20-Questions
The views of this column are the author's own, and do not necessarily represent the views of NRI Online.
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