Is it worth coming to the US?

Just read how difficult it is to send kids to college in America. Add to that how difficult it has become for anyone to retire even after working for over 35 or sometimes 40 years. And you wonder why is it that America is considered a rich country.

Important things in life, such as education, retirement, family, and fun seem to take a back seat to working, producing, consuming, and worrying.

I am not sure about others but I often wonder about the first generation of Indians who came to America and what they think of when they see that their counterparts - who chose to remain in India - seem to have faired better in these matters.

After all, a better car and a bigger home can only go so far when it comes to the real quality of life.

Happy Diwali

First, I want to wish everyone Happy Diwali.

Through this blog, I want to monitor the pulse of Indians living in America. There is a steady growth of number of immigrants from India. The issues that touch our lives are many and I will try to discuss that here.

Please share your concerns and comments.

Let us make this a forum that addresses our needs and records our deeds.

Chintan

Oh Wall Street, How could you?

Oh Wall Street, how can you

I have known you for all these years
I knew you had mood swings and always unpredictable
But I knew what made you happy – well, sort of
And I knew what scared you – sort of

We knew each other’s ebbs and flows
And then one day you just turned your ugly head
To break our long term dreams
And our long term friendship – of sorts

A few greedy, hungry, and reckless
Who believed that hard work can feed the greed
And networking can nourish the speed
To them,
I-banking no longer meant investment banking
But it was banking for myself
The generation that fed itself on i-pods and i-phones
Turned I-banking into i-banking
And you obeyed

This “I-thinking” now rears it ugly head
On the Wall Street
But now, alas, you will not go alone
But take us all tumbling down?

How can you?

Lunch for your kids: Indian or not?

Many Indian parents raising kids outside of India wonder every day if their kids should be taking Indian lunch - which may look and smell exotic to their friends - or should they pack them more acceptable - and familiar - lunch? This is a micro level question of a macro level issue. Should you make them feel proud of their Indian heritage or should you teach them to assimilate?

Are you a parent facing this dilemma? What do yo think?

Ten financial things I would like to teach my children

1. Never, ever spend more than you make.
2. Always save 10% of your earnings - no matter how small or how big your income.
3. Invest in only what you understand.
4. Eat home more often. It is not only healthy but also saves you a lot of money.
5. Always remember that shopping is an activity - not an entertainment.
6. Find out the price you will have to pay of anything that is being offered "free'. (Yes, nothing is really for free so you are paying one way or the other).
7. Do not be fooled by the false advertising. Buying is always spending - not saving. If you buy something that you do not need or want, you are not saving anything on that item- no matter how deep is the discount. 8. Happiness is always in simple things in life - not expensive things.
9. Be happy for your friends, if they can afford something that you cannot. At least now you will have an opportunity to enjoy their possessions for a shrot while.
10. Remember that success can be measured at many levels, and financial success is just one of the ways. Know your strength and your successes.

Indian parenting

The more I meet Indian parents, the more I realize the need for the support network that we are missing here in America. As a mother of two daugthers -who are now in college and work world - I remember the struggle I faced while raising them. (many of the things I learned along the way is available in The Indian Parenting Book).

I would like to hear about the struggle of you parents out there and how you have tried to solve the two-culture, two-career problems.

Do you pack Indian lunch for your children or do not want them to feel that they are different? Do you celebrate Christmas at home? Do you let your daugther go for a sleepover?

Please share your thoughts on this blog for other parents.

Happy Parenting in the meantime.

Taare Zamin Par

Just saw the movie Taare Zamin Par by Aamir Khan and loved it! It is about time some one opens the eyes of middle class Indian parents to realize that there is more to life that A+ grades in Math and Science. This movie really brings out that point very poignantly.
Very emotional as well with beautiful music.
Hope more film directors tackle topics that are different than any typical love story.