Young Generations' rush abroad and associated dilemma

My relative has left abroad after doing M.Sc. in India; another after his gradulation and third acquintance that I know of after her 12th standard. I know my neighbour and his family had left many years ago, as probably they were sponsored by their kith and kin in the US. Many young men and women are leaving India with parents' blessings and their money. Some take educational loan to go abroad. Once in a flight to melbourne, I came across a guy who had been to Australia for studying culinary courses. Quite surprising and intriguing. Why would anyone go abroad for culinary course? It was just a ploy. He told me that his parents sold land and precious ornaments for funding his trip, because many in his village had followed the same route. The dream to go abroad for greener pasture is not restricted to Indians. Probably every one in the developing and underdeveloped country is having it. Even, developed nations face it. The people from one developed nation go to another for green pastures, often for economic reasons. And recent flood in Central America has led Donald Trump to build a big border wall along the Mexican border to prevent this exodus. Most prefer to go to the US and Canada, the promised land, some to the Europe and few to Australian continent. Except for Canada and probably Australia and New Zealand, the borders of many others are tightly guarded. Most who go in their 20s and 30s do not look back. Many struggle, wash dishes, clean toilets, drive taxis, and many other chores, legally and even illegally; that they would not have done back home; some succeed, and others fail. Failure means loss of face to the community back home. And it prevents them from returning.

I am not sure as to how those who are abroad live the life. Many many years ago, I met a lady living in Europe who said that she faces racial discrimination; with her eyes moist and face showing sadness. Her children are grown up and hence having no roots in India, are reluctant to return. This compels her to stay abroad. Occassionally, she finds salvation as she visits her home and her people back home on an annual pilgrimage.

Dilemma of living abroad may not last only for those who migrated. The next generation who claims to be citizens of the country born in also faces it, at least as long as their parents are alive or the parents living with them; whether they like it or not.

Back home, those left behind with their children abroad faces backlash, taunts, insinuations too. Some gets compliments too. My cousin told me that parents send their kids abroad; and neighbours or relatives have to shoulder their burden  in case of emergencies. Now that we have come to his level that Indian society that prided itself with values of 'sharing and caring' is no longer ready to be compassionate.

Other day, Police ACP as reported in the newspaper held a meeting of Senior citizens in the neighbouring housing society to appraise them of their safety and concern. And this is solace. A long distance call of kith and kin is a solace to the aging parents. And sometime, daily talk with relatives on telephone is a lifeline. Somewhere, life clinges upon and living continues as usual. Share love and affection. It breeds more. It reminds of 102 Not Out (starring Amitabh Bachhan and Rishi Kapoor, directed by Umesh Shukla) a must for all Sr Citizen and definitively not demeaning all children.

With lots and lots of love.