A Glimpse of two different life styles – October 1st, 2005
Subramaniam s/o Singaram Raffles Institution
We have heard about Indians who migrate to Overseas for many reasons like more capital, advanced technology, competitive environment and best of all for all the luxuries. But we have to consider about something. An issue which might bother Indian people like us. Are we really happy in this country? Are all our needs fulfilled? Do we miss anything? These are few of the questions I have heard many Indians ask and these questions put me into deep thought.
Firstly, let us look at the family aspect. A typical Indian family consists of not only the parents and the children but also other relatives and elderly. This type of family setting enables everyone to share their experiences and thoughts freely with one other. In other words, it enables everyone to have an open mind. Not only that. A lot of advice can be sought from the experienced and this enables the growing ones to have a clear sight of their future and goals. But this type of family setting has its cons too. As families like this hold a lot of members, expectations will soar high too. There would be higher and more expectations for the growing ones. This might hinder the imaginations and own desires and goals of the growing ones.
When we look at the families in Overseas, they normally do not exceed five. Some might say that this is a good environment because one will receive more attention and there are also higher chances for the growing ones to pursue their dreams. The latter, I agree. But the former, I don’t. In Overseas, mostly both parents work and children are left on their own. In this case, they do not receive more attention than those in the Indian families. As these children are left on their own, there are chances for them to be involved in bad deeds like theft and drug trafficking. So families in Overseas also have their pros and cons.
Secondly, let us compare the way of living in both countries. In India, I think there is not much of a competition between people. Everything is relaxed and people are expected to do what they can do and not forced to learn new things and compete with others. People who prefer a peaceful, quiet life would like to have this kind of environment. But I feel there is a default in this way of living.
If people are not pushed and forced, their real talents might not be brought out. They will not know that they can do more things than what they are doing currently. They will take things for granted. Their lives would be so stereo-typed. But in Overseas, the way of living is the total opposite. I think, in my personal view compared to India, in abroad the competition level is quiet high. Every field is being competitive.
As I said that this competition enables people to push themselves to the limit but it also creates jealousy and selfishness among people. It is ironical to say that competition enables a person to achieve something but it also can be a downfall for him. There are even more aspects to talk about. In conclusion, as to which country is best to live? Is a ever debatable issue. Each country has its own pros and cons, so it is up to every individual to make the best out of what they have.