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My Changing Views About Foreign Migration

Discussion in 'Snippets of Life (Non-Fiction)' started by SGBV, Feb 7, 2021.

  1. SGBV

    SGBV IL Hall of Fame

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    My changing views about foreign migration

    2000: I should somehow migrate to the west, either for studies or marriage. If both do not work, I should flee the country & seek asylum as a refugee in Europe. Because Europe is heaven on earth.

    2005: Migration is good, Europe or America... Life would be better if i go there for higher studies or to marry a citizen of the west. Because everyone says so!

    2010: I have the opportunity in hand to settle in abroad, but do i really wanna go?
    It seems i have everything here at home. Isn't my home a paradise then?

    2015: Thank God i didn't migrate. I know how hard it can be to stay away from families (parents, siblings, close friends). I cant afford to miss my home, my people, my tradition, my lifestyle etc..etc..Life in the west is not my cup of tea!

    2020: It is a pride to lead a very successful life in my country, with my people and in my own home. I am happy here. Perhaps, we can plan a foreign trip next year to the west to celebrate this life. That's all.
    சொர்க்கமே என்றாலும் அது நம்மூரை போல வருமா?
    (Although it is heaven, will it be great like our hometown? )
     
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  2. hrastro

    hrastro Platinum IL'ite

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    When Sri Rama wins over Ravana, and appoints Vibheeshana as the king, Lakshmana asks Rama "Lanka is full of riches. You yourself could become the King of Lanka."

    It is a long conversation with other reasons too, but the first statement is -

    Rama says
    अपि स्वर्णमयी लंका न मे लक्ष्मण रोचते।
    जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी॥

    Api swarnamayi lanka na me Lakshmana rochate
    janani janmabhoomishcha swargaadapi gariyasi

    "O Lakshmana, Yes Lanka is made up of Gold, but it still does not appeal to me.
    The Mother who gave birth to me and my motherland is MORE ATTRACTIVE TO ME than heaven itself.”

    @SGBV I think many in our generation would have gone through a similar thought process!
    I see many who go abroad in their youth for careers and settling abroad, are wanting to come back when their kids are entering their teens.
    Personally I have spent a few years on and off working abroad, but never stayed long term!
    So I guess, I enjoyed the best of both the worlds! I travelled, learnt & experienced living & working and integrating into the western culture, but when required, I was with family!


    Keep Smiling
    HR
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2021
  3. Hopikrishnan

    Hopikrishnan Platinum IL'ite

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    Isn't the OP from Lanka? ;) droll!

    Yes; it is tough to leave. There is also the "status quo bias", and inertia working against any changes in our life.
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2021
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  4. hrastro

    hrastro Platinum IL'ite

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    Hahaha Oops!!

    @Hopikrishnan thanx for noticing

    @SGBV, that was an unintended pun...

    Your Tamil quote reminded me of the sloka immediately, so I wrote it! Am sure you know/heard about the Ramayana context!


    Keep Smiling
    HR
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2021
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  5. SGBV

    SGBV IL Hall of Fame

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    Don't worry. I have taken your views with right spirit.
    Yes, no matter what, our motherland is our Paradise.
     
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  6. Minion

    Minion Platinum IL'ite

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    Sorry SGBV, this only reminds me about this story about "The fox and the sour grapes"

     
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  7. Hopikrishnan

    Hopikrishnan Platinum IL'ite

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    Mentions of refugee in Europe and Asylum etc..in the OP's post, and some Tamil words, were good hints. I had thought not emigrating was a tongue-in-cheek comment.
    Having to live away from culture, and foods isn't easy. Economic refugees who emigrate for a better life or opportunities to earn money have a more difficult time to escape and get to safe harbors. OTOH, those who seek political-asylum get their whole life's plan reworked at their destinations. It is a difficult world when we miss out on good-luck rations.
     
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  8. SGBV

    SGBV IL Hall of Fame

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    Thanks for sharing this clip ;)
    I can understand this from the mind set of those with a poor lifestyle back in their home countries before migration.
    One of my friends migrated to the west during early 2000. Those were the times when we had war & severe economic instability in the country.
    Lots of Hunan rights issues & lack of opportunities to prosper made many youth to dream prosperity outside of the country.

    This poor lady had a very poor & restricted lifestyle; thus the wealth & freedom in her country of asylum made her think this way.

    Contrary to this people like us - who had prosperous life back at home also fantasized about the foreign life at that age without thinking the other side of it.
    It was for the outer beauty, luxury, so called pride & money that foreign migration brings with.
    As we grew up & our dreams came true with frequent foreign trips & work assignments, the fantasy has subsided. Now that, there is no urge to migrate and absolutely no need for it either. A foreign trip would do the magic.

    But it is unfortunately 'sour grapes' mentality for the others who havent stood in our shoes. Understandable!
     
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  9. SGBV

    SGBV IL Hall of Fame

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    Defiantly!
    The real refugees had a second chance and better living which is undeniable. But many many others who tried the asylum path because of their foreign fantasy around the same time.
     
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  10. Thyagarajan

    Thyagarajan IL Hall of Fame

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    :hello:The realisation albeit comes to one, only after struggling for a while in foreign countries. Though it is said “ East or West, Home is Best”, it is only after few months or years, the meaning of such adage is being realised.

    The value of shade is realised only after exposure in scorching sun.
    நிழலின்அருமை வெய்யிலில் தெரியும்!

    Every one knows distance lends enchantment to view. When one distanced from his or her motherland, the value, beauty, the virtues of one’s own land - the mother land are far more realised.

    An immigrant craves to be back to motherland, but his or her offspring’s born there reluctant to move out. Children born in USA to desi parents seldom like their parents’ Desh.

    The likes and dislikes for one across ages, bound to vary as more and background knowledge & experiences are gathered.

    As a boy I desired to be a banker. As a sophomore, I like to get foreign university doctorate. As a bachelor, I would love to love and marry and settle away. As a dad with spouse & kids, I love to be back to my nest. I long for the nest, when it has disappeared.

    From vacillating, I am now determined. I am sometime called called ABDI.

    Thanks and Regards.
     
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