[world-vedic] COMPLEX INDIA - from Chicago Tribune

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>[indianembassy] COMPLEX INDIA - from Chicago Tribune

>Sat, 05 Feb 2000 10:20:55 -0800

>

>

>COMPLEX INDIA

>

>Frank Charles Schell III

>February 4, 2000

>Chicago Tribune

>

>CHICAGO -- This is regarding "Letter from Agra--Paying through the

>nose" by

> Uli Schmetzer (News, Jan. 21). India is a land of tragedy and glory;

>it is a place of chivalry and monstrosity. One may see this during

>daily life. It is also a country with a 5,000-year civilization

>behind it, from which the inquisitive Westerner may learn much

>about what is important in life.

>

>I served in north India in the U.S. Peace Corps from 1969 to 1972

>in agriculture and education projects. Indians have exported their

>brainpower and resourcefulness for decades, and they have achieved

>much in science and technology, medicine, engineering, literature

>and other disciplines. Their strong commitment to practicing family

>values is an example for those who talk about these things. Indian

>democracy is a remarkable political achievement.

>

>The numerous ironies and frustrations vividly expressed by Mr.

>Schmetzer

>are encountered by Indians and foreigners alike. Many things in India

>are complex because of massive bureaucracy, protocol and procedure.

>To be successful in India requires patience, a sense of humor and

>insight about oneself--and about the place of one's own country and

>traditions in the world.

>

>Mr. Schmetzer's self-absorbed and undignified "Letter from Agra"

>serves to perpetuate stereotypes. It also contains unfortunate cynicism

>and has demeaning and unnecessary references to beggars. By focusing

>mainly on the grotesque or absurd, the letter does a disservice to

>a great land by a great newspaper.

>

>

>

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>

>

>------

>Embassy of India

>Press & Information

>Washington, DC

>http://www.indianembassy.org

>

>------

>

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