Even though India is 'saare jahan se achha'

There goes any perfectly legit desire than an Indian may harbour about wanting to live abroad. Or, at least, uttering such a wish lest he be accused of being anti-national. Aamir Khan’s concern about his missus wondering whether they should move to another country so that their children grow up in a less ‘intolerant’ climate is his business. As it is well within the realm of business of others to tut-tut the Khans and find them rather oversensitive.

But what about so many Indians who may want to shift their base to some western European country that could offer a less demanding lifestyle? Or those who want to move to aGulf state to earn more petromoolah? Or those who dream of getting a Green Card to settle down with a nice car, spouse and accent in the US of A? An overwhelming number of these folks fantasising about living abroad look for things other than just tolerance. They look for a better life where being tolerated is just one (important) element. Perhaps those most irate by Khan’s comments should stop for a moment and realise who the most vociferous India-lovers are. As is evident during every pit-stop made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a foreign land, the biggest, loudest patriots are our NRIs. Yes, the very folks who left India because they wanted to live a better life.