My American Cousin

By Sunil Kumar

India waits with bated breath as the President of the United States lands in its commercial capital. The country’s functioning anarchy gets a kick in the groin when the most powerful man in the world decides to visit.

The President starts with usual panache – a verbal flourish and does what a good salesman can do exceedingly well- sell his country to the hosts. The Land of the Free does not need a window to its soul – we all know American marketing muscle only too well.

Incredibly, India is at the verge of an incredible change – the world now looks at the country’s growth story as a significant event in global history. Existential debates on survival will continue – as we increasingly integrate into the mainstream.

As a country, we are only too conscious of our shortcomings – the world outside does not need to point fingers. Politicians and industrialists react with typical candour – some may even find a hint of servility. Magicians need gullible audiences – the brown Asian fits into the mould admirably.

Glib Western messiahs in fancy business suits suit our pretentious midriff- the country’s burgeoning middle class. Do the poor really matter in our scheme of things? Writers in blogs cannot be seers- intellectual speculation however is a very human failing. Only time will tell whether the country lives up to its incredible aspirations. Till then we await a new beginning – benign and benefical.