Wherever I go, people who recognize me as an Indian by origin stop by to speak with me. Of course, by their intention to talk to me, I can understand their interest to know about India. I have many Canadian friends who enquire me about Indian culture, about our food, our way of dressing, especially about the sari we wear. We have a grand culture and it is always a pleasure to share it with people here. I do wear sari for work on every Friday to satisfy my friends at the work place. They are simply delighted to see me wearing the sari.

I know many Canadians who are interested in learning Indian cooking. I have helped them with cooking Indian dishes; Indian cuisine has become world famous! I have sent emails of recipes to prepare Indian food whenever time permitted me to do so.

With a friendly woman at Sobeys…..( A Super market in Canada)

Just a week ago, when I was at Sobeys, picking some oranges at the fruit section, a woman came up to me with a very friendly smile. She started telling me how much excited she was about her daughter going to India on a tour with a group of students from the Memorial University. She said they were going to a rural part in India for a Project. That was interesting! She also said she would make it to India some day with her husband. I was so happy for her! I gave her some information on India on the spot and she was very elated indeed.

What a marvelous change!

Now my thoughts go back to Chennai, where I am from. I was in Chennai during last December 2007 and January of this year. The weather was fine, with a comfortable 30 degrees. Exactly seven months have passed after my return from vacation in India. The great time I had still lingers in my memory! Well, during every visit I do notice some positive changes in India. It is not the same place I had seen ten years ago. Previously it was known as Madras and now it has been renamed as Chennai. Chennai is one of the largest Metropolitan cities in India. A hustling and bustling city busy throughout day and night!

The standard of life and living has gone up! People seem to manage the fast growth very well. It was an amazing experience to see Chennai's economy grown and improved to what I saw back in the year 2005. Lots of changes!

Lots of malls have been built and I could also see multiplex buildings for showing movies. They had theatres, shopping centers and food courts. One full day is not enough to check out all the stores at Spencer's Mall. There are Internet browsing centers almost at every nook and corner if you want to check your emails or do some surfing. You just pay for the time you use the Internet. I found it very convenient to check emails on the go!

During my stay, I traveled by train to south to a place called Tenkasi. I was amazed at what I saw on the way. There were lots of windmills that are used in generating wind energy. Is Chennai becoming a mini Holland?

Information Technology is also growing very rapidly in Chennai. The reason being, there is considerable availability of educated manpower, high standard of Educational Institutions, sound infrastructure and operational cost is also very low. Other factors which make Chennai the destination for IT Industry are the presence of International Airport and major sea port. No wonder there are many software companies in Chennai.

At this point, I need to mention there are some village areas in Chennai that are still developing. I am sure to see their development during my next visit. Chennai has been progressing very fast!

Over population, pollution

With the growth in economy following the IT boom, sadly another growth also has occurred. I mean the growth in population of India! My goodness! What a crowd in the streets, market places, malls.....If only the Indian Government can do something about this over-population, I am sure India can become number one country very soon!

Another thing that needs to be checked is the pollution! There is lot of traffic on the road. There are too many cars, buses, auto rickshaws on the road, all causing air pollution due to auto exhaust. There are other kinds of pollutions like Industrial pollution, water pollution that cause health concerns. Thankfully, Chennai has been chosen for Pollution study for a three year study research by a health Institute in Boston. I am sure this will be helpful in checking all the health-related problems in future.

I am blessed with two homes!

Whatever the case maybe, India is still my first home and I am very proud of my home country. I do enjoy life in Canada that is my second home. I appreciate the Newfoundlanders who are such friendly people. No wonder they have made this place a heaven on earth!

Priya