When in Rome, Do as the Romans do

Summer is one season eagerly awaited by the westerners and enjoyed thoroughly upon its arrival. The state of California on the west coast of the US is a place visited by numerous tourists. The Californians residents and visiting tourists take full advantage of the beautiful moderate weather conditions that exist year round.

People plan out their vacations and weekends in advance and have a relaxing time outdoors. The beaches are packed and so are the places near the bay or for that matter the parks in the suburbs.

A large number of Indian working professionals and tourists also come here each year and can be easily spotted at the above mentioned spots. It is quite amazing to note the adaptability of the young Indians (this includes me). You can see them sunbathing in the parks and on the beach, enjoying a glass of beer on the sidewalk restaurants, cleaning up the place before they leave and offcourse responding to a friendly smile from a stranger on street.

It doesn’t stop here, Thank you and Sorry become the commonly used terms, one would walk a mile to throw a piece of garbage, stand up in the bus or train for an elderly person to take seat and really one won’t pee outdoors even in the remotest locations (instead pay for it). Paying tips becomes a mandatory routine at the restaurants and when driven in a cab. One tends to appreciate the musical talent of the artists at train stations or on streets and a homeless asking for help on the road does get a few cents.

The young global brigade of Indians is making an impression everywhere they go. The talent for performing professional work or to do well in school/college was already there and now they are integrating in the society as well.

A thought need to be spared though on a scenario if the youth in India (including the ones who travel abroad frequently) would have practiced the same behavior and attitude as they do outside India. Why do everything right and abide by the rules in an alien country and not in our very own nation. Are we not responsible to make our own nation a cleaner and healthier place to live? or Have we finally accepted that one person’s actions can’t change the scenario? This is a question that need to addressed soon for if its not the young Indians doing things right and making the country progress then we are headed in the wrong direction.

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