2. Do you plan to return to India to settle down?
Probably not, but wouldn't mind. Gujarat

3. What do you like most about being abroad?
The only advantage the US has over anywhere else is convenience.

4. What do like least about being abroad?
There is no strong sense of community or family. Individualism is given too much emphasis over things that are equally, if not more, important.

5. Would you be concerned about raising your family outside India?
No. I was raised in the US, and still consider myself an NRI. You must teach your family the importance and honor of being Indian.

6. What are your thoughts about marrying outside your immediate community, someone who speaks a different language or practices a different religion?
I married someone who grew up in India, same culture, same language. I personally wouldn't marry outside my community. It would effect the children poorly I think.

7. What would be the first thing you would do if you became the Prime Minister of India?
Attempt to control the birth rate.

8. What do you think are India's greatest strengths?(max 3)
1. People care
2. People are very hard working
3. People have a good system of values and priorities

9. What do you think are the biggest problems facing India? (max 3)
1. Powers that be seem to exploit the people/resources
2. Population explosion

10. Do you think that a presidential form of government would better serve the needs of India's democracy?
I don't know.

11. For whom do you have the highest regard amongst living Indians?
My father. He came to the states with 2 degrees, worked initially at a gas station, now is highly regarded in his field and our community. And he raised us with a strong sense of community and family.

12. Do you think that the national obsession with Cricket has helped or has it hurt India as a sporting nation?
Helped.

13. What do you think are India's greatest achievements since Independence? (max 3)?
NRIs are regarded as some of the most intelligent, professional people around the world. That says a lot about India.

14. What is your favourite pastime?
Reading.

15. What is your happiest memory?
Meeting my husband.

16. What's your most memorable journey?
The past 24 years.

17. What is your ultimate food dish?
Pani puri!

18. What are your favourite movies? (max 3)
1. Fearless
2. Guide
3. Death and the Maiden

19. What are your favourite books (please list authors as well)? (max 3)
1. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Pirsig)
2. Atlas Shrugged (Rand)
3. Ramayan

20. A message from you to other NRIs
The most important part of being a non resident Indian is that you are Indian.

- Falguni Macon, Georgia, 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.