Thursday, September 30, 2010

From Globalization to Indianization

What is it that unites the vast expanse of our country into a Nation? Despite all the differences and variety, we still manage to stand as one and be recognized as one. You may travel to the north, the east, the west or the south, but you’ll always feel at home. So, what are the things that make us feel at home even in the far flung corners of India?

Culture, language, traditions, festivals and rituals may be considered some factors, but, all Indians do not speak the same language or celebrate the same festivals or follow the same rituals, traditions and culture. Then what else can it be?

I recently found a, somewhat, unexpected answer to this question of mine. In fact, I realized that there is an entire genre of things that makes all the different cities in India so different and yet so similar. You might visit any town in India, but if it boasts of a Barista, you’re sure to get the same lip-smacking Corn and Spinach Sandwich there. Every Oxford Book Store is celebrating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Rabindra Nath Tagore this year and you can find his entire collection at all of these. Music World has a similar collection of CDs in every store that you may visit. Fabindia displays the same kurtas on its mannequins be it in Ahmedabad or in Kolkata. One can find high rise buildings flaunting familiar tags of IBM, TCS, Accenture, Aricent in every big city. Plus there are malls that showcase pretty much the same brands of clothes, accessories, bags, shoes, jewellery and what not.

Now that’s what we call Globalization to Indianization :)