"India makes a mark for itself"
Today, our country has the best to offer to the world — whether it is in the form of goods, talent or creativity
It is a well-known fact that Indian fashion and designers are now in-tune with international market because of the exposure from the west. This has ensured that we are very much at home with our dress sense even when we are travelling abroad. Today, wherever we go, we are looked upon with great respect.
There was a time when we used to return from a foreign trip with bags full of soaps, shampoos, chocolates, biscuits and other knick-knacks. We used to pay for extra baggage and ladies used to stuff their handbags with cosmetics and creams. There was a limit on how much foreign exchange one could carry. So most people ended up borrowing from friends and relatives abroad.
Making several trips to Gaffar market to buy things like coke and imported sweets with friends was common. Things have changes and for the better. As our economy has opened up, everything is now easily available in the market. One need not go abroad for shopping now. People travel to a foreign country for a holiday, to know about different cultures, to understand how their Government works and study their policies. We have realised one important thing — if we are not a step better, we are as good as they are. The Internet and other social network sites have ensured that we are aware of what is happening all over the world. With more and more people getting education, the level of awareness is also on the rise.
Travelling from France to Italy to Scotland to the UK, one thing stands out — foreigners are curious about our heritage, culture and how a nation of over a billion-plus population with different ideologies and beliefs live together in harmony. They do want to come to our country and learn from our rich heritage. Homeopathy, Aryurveda and Yoga are very popular with the average westerner.
On a recent trip abroad, I met a 23-year-old Argentinian who practices yoga with her 80-year old-grandmother. They do asanas and meditation. Her family had never travelled out of Argentina. She was the first to travel to London so that she could learn English. I felt proud when I saw her taking Homeopathy medicine for her acne. Our tandoori chicken and idlis are available as health food in up-market stores. Kurtas modified as shirts worn over jeans with Kolhapuri chappals is a fashion statement in many places in the west. Even our nose pin is popular.
One feels proud as one walks into stores like Harrods or a designer store in Paris and see India designs and clothes on display. The quality is brilliant and as good if not better than the brands that are available there. The creativity, talent and material that is now there in the market, I can proudly say that we are at par with the finest in the world.
When you spot Indians on the streets, they are confident, well-dressed and are brilliant at whatever they undertake — job or business. A new India is making it’s mark across the globe.
No comments:
Post a Comment