US: December 11, 2007 - So what do first, second, third generation American desis or those on H1, B1, L1 visa and so on so forth have in common? They all love to 'compare' the two countries. It is either how XYZ is silly in India or how great is something in India versus US?

According to shrinks we are adaptable creatures. We become used to a certain way of life. And we desis are endlessly adaptable, and can adjust to practically any condition within a certain physical range. People will say amazing funny things like "I couldn't live a day without being able to see my favorite TV program," or "I couldn't live without electricity and running water," but when these things are not available they can adjust. So, those who move lock, stock and barrel to a new country and make it their home do adjust!

Well, usually moving from India to US means non-stop supply of water and electricity, no cows on the road, no chaos. The organization is shocking. : . Where are the crowds? No one selling vegetables and everything under the sun on the street. No noise pollution.

Still, we miss and talk about being Indian all the time. What is it that we miss? Ask anyone and they will say silly things like giving 'gaalis' or the noise, festivals, maids, a life of a maharajah or family.

However, what we find acceptable or not acceptable is really a state of mind.

Having said that, every South Asian Indian I know is looking for an opportunity to invest in India. Either its real estate, services sector or simply investing in blue - chip companies, the return on investment is booming across all sectors. Millions of dollars are sent by non resident Indians as investment to India every year.

Back to the main topic. Is life in America really better than life in India, or is it just a different set of problems?
I think there is no simple answer to this. Partly yes, quality of life is better but to a large degree, we just trade one set of problems for another.

In India life is a constant battle, and some of the less tolerable issues are:
* Nothing works in terms of infrastructure
* Everyone is over interfering
* People feel free to make idiotic remarks
* Everything is chaotic and noisy

In America life is a battle too. The "issues" seem fewer but they can be formidable:
- There is never enough time for anything
- You can get what you want but there is never enough money
- There is not much in the way of culture - everyone wants immediate gratification

And there are plenty of crossovers. There are plenty of people in both countries who are looking for ways to take advantage or help you. And you can join the long lines of people returning merchandise, which simply doesn't work, or was never constructed in a way to work.

And in India the time crunch becomes felt more and more as the country develops. Nobody has time anymore, and managing time becomes the single most important skill required for becoming successful and staying "on top" of things. 

The key is in our attitude. Whether I am here in America or there in India, I want balance. I want to have freedom to be peaceful and to live in harmony with loved ones and yes indulge in a great discussion over a hot cuppa coffee about life in India versus US. However, just let it be a discussion!