http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1AOrvWAJ5o
Yes, I did watch the opening ceremony. Yes, I did hear the wonderful comments on the awesome show. Yes, I did write an email congratulating my Chinese friends about the superb performance.
But deep down was a feeling of envy, worst still a feeling of being ousted by the only other competitor has (had!) in this part of Asia. As a software engineer exposed to global chatter about outsourcing and more so being a moneyed consumer with purchasing power China has never been out of the radar; neither personally nor professionally. Still, there was a feeling somewhere that India does mean something.
Everybody pursues progress. Everybody follows achievement. So what bound me to my country. Conversations with friends at home inevitably end with "Nothing can change in India". Of course this is very arguable but lets leave it at that.
The main point being the reason I am proud to be an India is not necessarily related to her achievements. Other than the natural inbred pride and respect a countryman has for his own country I cannot find much explanation for my feeling. Of course I cannot take it that somebody criticize my nation. Maybe that is the reason why envy crept in at the enormous success China displayed that night of 08-08-2008!
Then came 11-Aug-2008 and India won her gold. The Indian flag right there in the winners' list at # 21.
Whatever the situation comparisons will always be made; someone will always be better. What makes the win special is when you know you've never given up, you've never let anything beat you.
3 weeks ago
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