The very beginning

I’m often reminded of the quote by E P Thompson about India ….

“India is perhaps the most important country for the future of the world. All the convergent influences of the world run through this society… There is not a thought that is being thought in the West or East that is not active in some Indian mind.”

In my view that speaks about its diversity of ideas, its openness and inclusivity. (Plus Nehru’s palmist but that’s for another day)

But of course it’s not straightforward or necessarily predictable.

I first fell in love with India in the 1970s through books and listening to its music.

Eventually arriving here almost thirty years ago first visiting Bangalore, I realised I’d somehow come home.

It’s never been an easy relationship.

I always look for patterns. In those first few days I was amazed by the driver’s behaviour. How were the cars not crashing into each other? Were there rules? Did anyone know or follow them?

In time I began to recognise something of the patterns. First I noticed the number plates. The first two letters K and A stand for the state- Karnataka. The next two figures, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) office where the vehicle is registered. In Mysore’s two RTO offices, that’s 09 and 55. In Bangalore a main office is number 05. So flashing before my eyes as I fought through the traffic and sought understanding was KA0S …

I jest but it helped me realise what a very different world I was now in.

I was impressed by Bangalore but it was nothing by comparison with Mysore, my next stop.

….

The adventure really begins.

Next to sort out the insides. Plain roof, something fancy or the original?

Our list of decisions and actions.

Door Mirrors. Chrome, check.

Seat belts, one not working, replace? Fix? Check

Insides, light or darker colour? Use old? No idea

New Number plates, shaped to fit car, new rear metal plate plus new legal type. Provide registration document. Check.

Insurance runs out this month. Check

Hubs Mercedes or plain

Front lights install Round indicator and LED headlamp Back lights as before. Check

Old or new windows, dither.

I am myself.

At recent meetings, speakers showed sensitivity towards me and my nationality as they were being critical of the British Empire.

I thank them for their sensitivity but I’m not the least bothered by such things.

Imperialists and their actions are reprehensible. But that’s not me. I’m also not responsible for what they did. Fact is they did some of their deplorable actions to their own people, potentially some like me: Irish, Scottish and working class.

By the ‘accident’ of birth I’m British but in no way am I responsible for British imperialism or colonial racist attitudes. On the contrary, I’m firmly against it. I’m from a different age and the politicians, leaders, business people of my birth country then or now, do not in any way represent my views.

It’s simplistic maybe even racist to think otherwise.

I decide for myself.

An Indian friend was surprised to hear that we British don’t, parade around and march on significant days, the royalty and army might but many of us from the U.K. reject it and the nationalism it represents.

Each to their own.

There are three items, a video, a book and a song that reflect something of my views. Worth a look if you have the time.

I’d prefer it if we saw ourselves as global citizens, with the responsibility as stewards of our planet.

In my life and work I’ve endeavoured to help people from many different ethnicities, cultures and situations to choose for themselves, to be active participants in the decisions which affect them and not passive recipients of what others force on them. To do this we need to continue to understand and manage our own prejudices and beliefs.

My first conversation with Manjula, who became my wife, was to declare we are equal, different but equal. That helped create a strong foundation for a wonderful nine years together.

In my view, we should show compassion and care for one another in appropriate ways. Sometimes that might mean challenging the way things are, I’m trying to do that in honour of my wife.

We all should however learn from our country and personal pasts, not use it as an excuse for contemporary inaction and be kind to everything else that makes up our world.

Bertrand also helps out…