2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
No plans as of now, probably Chennai if I return.

3. What do you like most about being abroad?
Cleanliness, Politeness, lesser corruption.

4. What do like least about being abroad?
Bland food!

5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
Never.

6. What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
Marriage is about emotional compatibility, as long as attitudes conform , no hassles.

7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
Probe the activities of all current politicians and eradicate corrupt people.

8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
1. People
2. People
3. People

9. What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
Again
1. People
2. People
3. People

10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
Probably.

11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
Vidyakar of Udhavum Karangal in Chennai.

12. Do you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
It has only had a negative effect of encouraging scandals and bribery.

13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
1.Param
2.Pokhran
3.Missile technologies

14. What is your favourite pastime?
Writing poems.

15. What is your happiest memory?
Getting Engineering at PSG Tech, coimbatore.

16. What's your most memorable journey?
The one to Goa during Millenium eve with my friends.

17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Broccoli and Chicken fry.

18. What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
Schindler's List.

19. What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
Love Story by Erich Segal.

20. A message from you to other NRIs
We always accuse most foreigners of discrimination, but we forget that we Indians are no less in this as we have numerous discrimination in terms of caste, subcaste and religion. I humbly request u all to shed this attitude and treat all men the same.

- Arun Pradeep Shekar Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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