Three Years....well spent or wasted?

Hey...myself?

September 1, 2008....it is exactly 3 years that I landed in the US...Now, is the time for introspection...

What have I learned in these three years? what have I really gained? have I gained anything at all? or it was just a waste of the 1000 days...

I have definitely learned many things in here...

1. People any where in the world are same...their mentalities and attitudes....every aspect...although there might be a slight degree of tolerance or lack there of in some

2. Education systems in here are well equipped and make the students more thorough in their subject..they encourage critical thinking....for sure...

3. There is a lot of hype and exaggeration in every aspect of life

4. Politicians are concerned at short term gains and safeguarding their seat for another term...

5. Many a times, I feel that style takes over substance and genuine talent or the real people are not recognized

6. America is not a land of opportunities for every one...but sure..it is for many...

7. The presidential election system here is one of the worlds best, but people are irrational and too narrow minded in approach....thus making the process a big farce

8. There is a very systematic approach to anything undertaken...and the both the process and the product are given equal importance

9. Like in many countries, critical issues are chosen to be ignored or postponed till the "opportune" moment comes...and when the the "opportune" moment arrives...no one is sure

10. the people and communities in certain places are really tolerant...and in certain are not...

11. Race is still a major factor in decisions

12. Merit is recognized, but "other" considerations are also taken int account

13. Every American knows the value of their hard earned money and are not shy to be pompous if required...

14. The diverse populace of the country gives rise to diverse interests, tastes, values and appreciation of different cultures

15. Sex plays a significant role in everyone's life.

16. many are opinionated

17. I have a better understanding of the world today

18. poverty still exists and the government chooses to be it that way

19. research and publications are a big thing here and every one writes something...on any subject there are tons of books and there are books on books too...hehe

20. Transportation systems are a real mess (I mean public)


Opportunities lost?
1. India has gone leaps and bounds in the last 3 years...it has strengthened its position in the globe and have definitely put its foot forward in many issues

2. Urban India still does not get the deserved attention

3. salaries in India are on the rise...but so is the rich-poor gap

4. employment and economic development are still major challenges...beyond the basic health....but to my knowledge, urban sector is far better than rural sector ...wherein the majority of people live...

5. there is still a lack of holistic perspective in tackling issues...

6. politicians seems to make promises...that they are not able to keep up or choose not to (as usual)

7. the cost of living in metro cities is insane and makes no rational arguments

8. has quality of life improved? yes... n ...no

9. remittances have substantially gone up...yeah....good for India..but at the same time...this has contributed to the divide...

10. the government "control" over each and every issue...still continues and hence the delays in processes and little or no outcomes...

11. film stars have started blogging!!! and AB makes it a point that he refutes each and every criticism aimed at him...way to go...Big B...but don't get mired in this (Virtual) world..he he...

12. the role of "left" parties is growing and so are the problems associated ... I am not against "left" per se...but they can't have their cake and eat it too...

okay..let me stop here...remembered the one hour limit...and it is way beyond that...

more later

Avadhani

ps: All things considered, India, is still better than America...no offense