Yes, there’s a big divide between the haves and have not in India. While I look at the Arabia sea from the comfort of my bedroom and admire its beauty, there are those who don’t even have a toilet in their home. The sea is their shit ground. And talking about home, for them it’s just a tiny tin shack with four to six or even more people occupying it. Just imagine even uttering the words, “Give me some personal space,” is not even possible. Don’t confuse their home with the tiny house movement. For them, this is the only reality of life, where as, it’s a luxury concept for those who build the swanky tiny houses. This is the real India where slums is in the backyard of million dollar mansions and high rise buildings. Everyone coexists.
When I look around me, I feel so blessed and grateful. If it was not for my Dad’s hard work and business acumen in creating a successful business, my siblings and me, might not have had all the opportunities available growing up from good school, private tutors, nice clothes and travel experiences.
My parents made sure that we didn’t grew up as spoiled brats. I learned at a very young age, the value of money and if I wanted something, like the latest model of Swatch watch, I had to figure it out by myself. I would save money from my allowance and, even used my artistic talents to make greeting cards, which helped me save money faster so I could get what I wanted. Since ten years of age, I’ve been an extremely good saver. Thanks to that gift, I was able to move to the States for my MBA, got a scholarship, bought a home at the age of 24, paid it off at the age of 35, bought a second home last year, and traveled to over 35 countries. I’m not bragging, I just want to highlight that I was lucky I grew up in a family that gave me a leg up, as compared to those who don’t have that support system.
With tech jobs moving to India for low labor cost, the highly educated middle class is growing, and providing them disposable income to live lavish lifestyle. Let’s not forget the mom and pop style small family businesses, they are minting money as well, targeting a huge middle class customer base. Just visit a shopping mall in Mumbai any day and it will be packed with shoppers. Better yet, grab a seat in the mall cafe, and you’ll see, women flaunting their expensive handbags and designer clothing.
When I was growing up, USA was known to be the land of opportunities and paved with gold. Now, that desire doesn’t exist among the young Indians. They can make more money living here than moving abroad while having their servants and maids. In fact, I’m considered the poor American in my family. If you have seen the movie, Crazy Rich Asians, then you’ll know what I’m talking about.
The divide between the rich and poor is huge. That’s the way things are in this country and it’s in your face. Poverty does exist in other countries, it’s just hidden well by pushing them away from city centers and affluent neighborhoods. I remember visiting the farthest south side of Chicago on the public transit. I didn’t feel safe but I still did it and survived. At least in India, I feel safe in poor neighborhoods.
People who live in the slums are truly poor, and not homeless as in the States due to drugs or mental illness. They work multiple manual labor jobs to make ends meet and feed their family. In fact, they are the most welcoming and happy people you will ever find. They don’t have money but they have abundance of love and hospitality. What saddens me the most is the way people with means treat them. Just because they are poor doesn’t give the wealthy group the right to treat them as slaves. Next time when you are out and about, just treat everyone with a smile and respect. Believe me this simple gesture will not only make someone’s day but it’ll make you feel happy. So, go ahead and be selfish.
I do hope🤞 things get better for those who are less fortunate. Until then their laughter will illuminate my heart and hopefully yours too.
