Gujarati-American

So, this Labor Day weekend I attended the World Gujarati Conference in New Jersey. This Biennial 3 day event brings Gujarat to America. Not that we don’t have Gujaratism during the other 727 days, but this 3 days feels like we are ‘in’ the heartland of Gujarat.

Gujarat, Gujarati, Gujaratism…From the auto-rickshaws to the recreation of pols (small streets in old city areas), from stalls selling street foods to the hustle and bustle of Gujaratis bargaining for Chania choli, from the Ras Garbas to the Dayro’s, from Ubhi chavi, Aadi chaavi (crosswords) to the kakko Barakhadi (Gujarati alphabets). It was all there. And of course there were Gujarati celebrities, including astronaut Sunita Williams from International Space Station thru a live feed from NASA. Gujarat was in the air, here on planet Earth and in Space.

During one of the speeches (there weren’t a lot of them!!) I started thinking about my roots in Gujarat and my present in America.

Gujarat showed me how to create an opportunity, no matter how bad a situation may be.

America gave me the hope and promise.

My Gujarati parents and culture guided me to believe in myself and dare to dream.

America gave me the opportunities to make those dreams turn into reality.

Gujaratism taught me how to create my own identity with hard work and perseverance.

America taught me to be Proud and to standup for what I believe in and fight for it.

If we think about it, Gujarat and America are not that different, both believe in the power of people, freedom of speech, comingling of cultures, respecting history and creating future. They both strive to provide Equal opportunities for all, but don’t guarantee equal outcomes. This is what great societies and economies are built upon. To be there for needy ones and let the able ones operate on their ability. This is how a true market economy and great cultural societies can co-exist and create bright future for all its citizenries.  

I always thought myself as a proud Indian-American, but watching the shows and the history of the creation of a great state and the progress that it has made, for this three days, I felt more proud to be a Guajarati-American than and an Indian-American…  

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarati

India - Comingling of Contrasts

…and so here we are, India’s 66^th Independence Day.

No different than previous year and the year before and then the year before. More of the same: Out of control inflation, Increasing IPL popularity, Record breaking corruption scandals, Blockbuster Masala Bollywood movies, below par economic growth, emerging of one more ‘public leader’, ever increasing social issues. But no matter what, Indians will always find a way to smile and survive another day.

We Indians are like water, no matter how much the external environment changes, we always find a way to compromise. We strive to live our lives adjusting to the boundaries that we are confined to- Political boundaries, social boundaries, economic boundaries, cultural boundaries.

Not all is as bad as it sounds or looks. After all I am an Indian (and an American!!) and I always find the glass half full.

We have the highly educated and the best human being as our Prime minister,

But he is handicap by the corrupt political system.

Our IT industry is growing at a double digit growth rate, with over $100B in revenues,

But the economic bureaucracy and babuism is limiting there even higher growth potential.

Gujarat has become a symbol of political pluralism and economic capitalism,

But political party lines and muddled national political scene makes it harder for a few remaining political reformers to follow its example.

Indian cricket has become a global phenomenon thanks to IPL, (and BCCI!!)

But since cricket is hogging all the spot light and eyeballs, other sports are paying the price. No wonder our participation in Olympics is limited to 2-3 medals.

India’s film industry has spread India’s cultural reach to all the corners of the world,

But…can’t think of any ‘but’. Adore Indian movies…Bole to Ekdam Jhakaas!!

India is the largest democracy in the world,

But is it a ‘working’ democracy?

India’s most famous son, Mahatma Gandhi gave the world the gift of Nonviolence,

But over 30% of today’s ‘elected’ leaders have criminal cases registered against them.

India grew at a compounded rate of 6% since economic liberalization of 1991, to become the 10^th largest economy in the world,

But our per capita income is less than $1,500 and the poverty rate is still around 25%.

India telecom sector is the third largest in the world with over 900 million mobile users,

But are we connected with our fellow Indians from North-East?

(I bet most of us won’t be able to name the NE statesL)

We are building the world’s tallest residential building,

But also house the largest slums.

I guess this is the beauty of India, Comingling of Contrasts.

This is how our DNA’s are designed. We laugh at any opportunity we get for they are few and far in-between. We earn, we save and spend from what little remains. We take pride in every little thing for we have worked hard for it. Government for us is not a means of convenience, but a mode of disturbance. We accept that we do live in a caste system, but that is what makes our culture more vibrant and colorful.

Somehow we came this far and I am sure we will eventually see a better ‘tomorrow’. Or should I say a day will come when we all will talk about ‘today’ and for once not think about ‘tomorrow’.

Till then, for the better tomorrow…

Happy Birthday, India!!

The Underdog Saga

We all love a great ‘underdog’ story. I think it’s the human spirit of ‘believing’ and putting our ‘hearts’ to work that makes us all fall in love with the underdog saga. Be it the ‘Miracle Team’- The US Ice Hockey Olympic team of 1980 or ’Seabiscuit’ – The crooked leg, lazy horse who won the hearts of the Depression era Americans or the ‘World Champion’ Indian Cricket team of 1983, who defeated the mighty West Indians or the IPAC Garba team of America that went on to win the 2012 North American Garba competition by beating the crowd favorite and the previous champion, the Detroit team on their homes grounds.

Wait a minute, IPAC Garba team? That’s right, New Jersey based Indian Performing Art center. The brainchild of Mrs. Smita (Miki) Patel, The Garba team of IPAC was made up of hard working mothers, wives and professionals. The seeds of 2012 IPAC team were sown just 8 weeks back in May. Most of the team members were meeting for the first time. The road to the prestigious, FOGANA Garba competition was long and rough in terms of learning curve and competition. All the weekends leading up to the July 21^st competition comprised of 8 hour long daily practices. Husbands and children might have faced some difficult times in the absence of the women of the house; in fact it is during these times that we know how much of our lives are dependent on their presence.

For IPAC, the 600 mile journey to Detroit, the venue for the 2012 competition started at 4:30am from Edison, NJ. Three proud husbands were fortunate enough to join their future champions on this historic journey. The bus ride was a little tiring, especially for the competitors as they had their practice scheduled within an hour of reaching the destination. Thanks to our driver, Mr. Howard, we reached on time. The hard part was to be separated from our dear wives and spent the night in separate roomsJ, but knowing what was at stake, I think it was all worth it. IPAC team had their scheduled practice session and according to Miki Aunty everything seemed to be fine. The only glitch in the whole process was that there was no scheduled practice session on the performing stage, which would have helped the participants to draw a dimensional map of the stage in their minds. But little did I know the IPAC team was not playing with their minds but with their hearts. And when you believe in yourselves and your team, you don’t worry about these petty things.

The morning of the competition was hectic and busy as expected. Thanks to IPAC team manager Mr. Praful Patel, all the competitors were ready to compete on time. With their traditional dresses on they were looking angels. The competition started at 12pm at the Ford Performing Arts Center and IPAC team was scheduled to perform at 4pm. There were 27 competitors and IPAC was #23. I (Mr. Jeenal Shah), Nishil (Mr. Aripta Parikh), Lalubhai (Mr. Vaishali Parikh), Mr. Praful Patel and other IPAC supporters were sitting on the balcony holding their breaths and repeating “All Izzz Welll”. On the surface we 3 idiots were excited and just happy that our better halves were a part of a great team and ‘participating’ in famous competition. Winning the whole thing never crossed our minds. In fact we were just hoping that they finish their performance without creating any ‘scenes’ (Apologies to all the IPAC veterans, nothing against you, we were just thinking about our wives!!...apologies to our wives as well!!). Right before team IPAC’s performance I started panicking and saw the same scare on Nishil and Lalubhai faces. We started prepping our cameras to capture each and every moment. Our hands were shaking but I saw Jeenal and Arpita dancing in the back room, on the tunes of the team that was performing. I was thinking this is great it means that they are NOT nervous.

And then the announcement was made, New Jersey’s IPAC group is going to perform on “Piyu Maro”. The lights went off and the curtain started to rise. Then the music started. Lalubhai started his camera, Nishil started his camera. I started my camera. And I bet we all were saying ‘Sri Krishna Sarnam Mama’ at the same time. The entry went superb. All the steps were coming in sync. The circles formation went fine. No one dropped anything. The last time I remember, 5 minutes and 45 seconds passing that quickly was during my 12^th science Biology exams. The performance was breathtaking, mind-blowing, Aflatoon,  Bole to Ekdam Jhakaas!!!. Well, not so Jhakaas, at least according to some participants. Since we were sitting on the corner, we didn’t realize that the circle formation was not in the center and they also ‘messed up’ some of the steps. Arpita broke down, Jeenal was feeling low, Vaishali bhabhi was nervous and then everyone started to doubt themselves. I was just happy that they ‘completed’ there garba.

So now the long wait started for the announcements. There were 5 competitors in there group. We were hoping that IPAC will get #2. Third price was announced and it was not IPAC. We were all excited. This means that we were definitely getting the second prize. Hip Hip Horray!! Jai Ho!!...’and the second prize goes to…’ I don’t remember the name, because it was not IPAC. I thought that, yes it means that we won the whole thing, because at that moment I started hallucinating, thinking that there were only 3 competitors and if IPAC didn’t win 3^rd or 2^nd then they are the definite 1^st place winner. Lalubhai corrected me, saying that there are 5 and we are done. The feeling was mutual downstairs were all the IPAC team members were eagerly standing, waiting to be called upon. Miki aunty told some of them to start walking as the IPAC’s 2012 journey had ended. Well, not so early Miki aunty, because destiny had something else written for you and Team IPAC. The announcer goes, “and the prize for the 1^st place for the 2012 FOGANA Garba competition goes to New Jersey…blah blah blah…” We started shouting, yelling “Piyu, Piyu, Piyu”. Stage was flooded with the IPAC team members. Nishil ran downstairs to share their excitement. Lalubhai and I were high fiving and yelling. We all went downstairs and congratulated the new garba champs of 2012. We were just building the excitement as the party had just started. It continued in our hotel rooms and later in the bus. None of the IPAC souls were complaining about the pains or cramps for they were energized by holding the trophy.  

Now I, Nishil, lalubhai and all the husbands of the 2012 Team IPAC can proudly say that they and Dr. Sriram Nene have one thing in common. Our wives are champion dancers.

Thank you Miki aunty, Praful uncle and all the participants for giving us such a wonderful time. Of course the trophy is important, but the moments of playing Antakshari, taking Tequila shots, Eating 7 layer burrito in the middle of the night in a bus, listening to Praful uncle’s funny ‘one liners’, Kalpana aunty’s, sorry, Kalpanaben’s made up songs and the innumerable laughing moments that we had, will be cherished for a long long time to come.

Jai Ho Team IPAC, for you have added one more chapter in the book of ‘Underdog Winners’.

Takes Two To Tango

US & German Bald Eagles flying high...Thank You, 'Euro crisis'

I think Western political elites; especially the European Union (EU) leaders are taking a lesson or two from there Indian counterparts. Don’t solve the problem, treat them just enough, so to keep the citizenry quite. For, problems are the job security of our leaders. Treat them in such a fashion that they become recurring- Kick the can down the road

This is what European leaders are doing. No strong actions are taken to solve the current Euro crisis which is entering its third year. EU’s leadership is so much focused on the short term solutions that daily FTSE, DAX & CAC indices have become there focal point. Bond yields on Spanish & Greek securities have become the talking point for all and sundry, but after 20 EU leaders meetings there is no resolution in sight. The only policy European Monetary Union (EMU) was able to frame was setting up the 7% benchmark. Any government whose security crossed the 7% yield becomes eligible for the IMF/EMU support (‘Bailout’ has become a ‘Financially Incorrect’ term to use). It happened with Ireland, with Greece and with Spain to some extent. The funny part is it’s not an ‘official’ policy.

In the free capitalist world, someone’s Loss is almost always someone’s Gain. Euro crisis is no different. Two economies are gaining tremendously from the current euro crisis- The United States & the Deutsch Land.

US have its own macroeconomic issues. Unemployment is at almost 9% (shadow unemployment ~15%), GDP is growing at a meagerly rate of 1.5-2%, Housing market is still in shambles, Federal Reserve is almost out of ammo. The current drought is putting a stress on the inflation (CPI) and to add salt to the wound, Debt (& Deficit) is growing each and every passing day. But to everyone’s surprise Treasury yield are at historic low. In fact the yield on 6 month bills went into the ‘Negative’ territory. The only decent reason I have is that US is the Best House in the Worst neighborhood. Where else will the investor go; can’t go to Europe, Japan is forbidden since 90’s, China has not opened up its markets and Australia and Canada are not big enough. So the ‘only’ alternative is the US Treasury market. It’s not the Economic reason but the Political reason that’s attracting investors to the US. As they say sometimes, you have to be worried about the Return OF Principle then the Return ON Principle.

Germany, is gaining tremendously from its neighbors trouble. The current crisis has made Angela Merkel a very shrewd leader. She knows that the depressed Euro is good for Germany’s exports. Germany is the world’s fourth largest economy ($3.5 Trillion) and Export makes up 30% of its GDP. Of course it’s in Germany’s favor to keep her neighbors afloat but in the capitalist society there is no harm when you Gain from someone Pain.

Se Habla Espanol

It’s 7am, and the lines have started forming in front of the government unemployment office- Two hours before the doors open. The scene is same at the city’s food banks and churches. No, this scene is not from a sub-Saharan city, but from Madrid, Spain. Spain has become the poster child of the boom to gloom. By the end of today, Spain’s 10 year bonds were going for a record 7% yield.

Not too long ago, Spain was the epitome of economic liberalization. Thanks to the ‘92 Barcelona Olympics, world became familiar with Spanish cuisines, warm weather, beaches, football leagues and of course its cinema (Penelope Cruze, anyone!!).  Spain was the prosperous "Iberian Tiger” the biggest creator of jobs among the Euro nations. The adoption of the single European currency in 1999 pushed Spain into the elite league of successful nations. It became ‘developed’. It was on the same level playing field as its much bigger and economically better counterpart, Germany. Spain's financial system came to resemble the Germans' — using the same currency, enjoying the same low interest rates and opening investment opportunities.

Spain’s economic revolution was based on ‘Sun and Bricks’. The warm weather attracted wealthy Scandinavians and northern Europeans. And thanks to the liberal economic policies, miles of pristine beaches were opened up for construction. What followed was a housing boom that makes the US boom meager. English, Germans and Scandinavians flocked the Spanish beaches. They demanded beach front villas and boy did Spaniards provide them. In 2005/06 Spain started to build more homes then UK, France, Italy and Germany combine. 5 million new jobs were created since the inception of Euro. The nation that uses to have over 20-25% unemployment saw it’s out of work population decrease to 10-11%.

And then came the economic crisis of 2008. Northern Europeans started to withdraw their money from Spain. English were not able to make the payments on their beach front properties. Spaniards who owned 2-3 homes started getting laid off. Money started drying out of the system. Greece’s problem didn’t help either. Investor started to realize that after all Spain, just like Greece, is the ‘Club-Med’ peripheral European nations that didn’t had anything else except warm weather and beaches to offer to the world.

The reality has settled in. Spain’s economy shrunk last year, unemployment is crippling back at 20%, banks have gone bankrupt, Spaniards have started withdrawing money from the Spanish Banks and are moving it to Germany and France. Spanish youths who had moved out of their parents homes, returned back. In Spain they're called the "ni ni” (“nor nor”) generation — they have neither money, nor homes, nor careers. Reflecting the reality of bad times, Real Madrid and Barcelona both lost in the UEFA champion’s league.

In Search Of A Hero

India and Indians are always in ‘corruption state of mind’.

            If we are not involved in corruption, we are agitating against corruption or updating our Facebook status with statement against corruption or some pathetic souls like me who pretend to be a blogger, blog about it. Whichever way or form it may be, we Indians are always fascinated about Corruption.

It’s funny the whole nation is professedly against the notion of corruption and has always been, but the business of corruption always manages to flourish!! In fact if you think about it, corruption could be the largest service sector industry in India.

            Indians by nature have always been ‘Hopeful of their Future and Emotional by Nature’. The two ingredients that politicians have always taken advantage of. It’s true that people are fed-up of corruption, especially by the political elites, and it is also true that we always try to find a ‘hero’ to fight all our ills, corruption included. I guess we are still hung-over from the Gandhi, Nehru and Patel era.  Hence, we always rally behind a person who wants to fight for the Aam Admi (common man), against the ‘system’. We put all our hopes behind his/her efforts and start looking for the glimpse of our great freedom fighters in their shadows. Alas, it only lasts for a few passionate weeks, in some cases months and then life makes a full circle and back to basics.

The Aaj Tak generation, which is always eager for the last minute news and a little tadka (gravy)will flood the social media scene with their heart-touching, national building, and heroic comments. Pictures are posted, ‘likes’ are requested for quotes, pictures and news. Candle light vigils, Signature collection efforts and Rallies are organized. Normal life is disrupted. Depending on the crowd, opposition leaders will get involve; religious leaders will link religious demons to corruption and will cash out on the raining popularity currency.

           And then the harsh reality of corruption and politics settles in and takes control of the situation and as always, life moves on. Hope starts to build again and the waiting game to find a new ‘hero’ begins… 

Iron Lady of Europa

The deepening banking crisis in Spain, weak Irish and Portugal economies and a pivotal June 17 Greek election that could make or break the nation's ties with the euro zone; all this point to the increasing possibility of a Euro break up. Although, the existence of the euro looks bleaker each passing day, I still feel that Euro will survive. And one of the reasons behind my belief is Germany’s financial and political risk attached to the failed Euro.

According to the latest Deutsche Bundesbank report, Germany’s GDP grew at a comparatively strong rate of 0.5% and its unemployment is the lowest since last 20 years. This is when the whole European neighborhood is trying to survive each day. With over $1.4T (trillion) worth of goods and services exported, Germany remained the world’s second largest exporter behind China (but of course). And this is possible because of a ‘weak’ euro.

Thanks to the Euro zone crisis, euro has lost its value which has made Germany's export cheaper and therefore competitive. The demand of the German Bunds is so high that the yields have touched an all-time low for the most of Bundebank’s offerings. If Germany had Deutsch Marc, it would have been so much over valued because of the Euro crisis that there was no way Germany would have achieved the high level of exports, which in turn would have increased the unemployment rate and depressed the overall economy.

Since the beginning of the Euro crisis (2009/10), European leaders have scheduled almost a dozen ‘emergency talks’. The result of the last round of emergency talks was a ‘strict limit’ on the budgets of the 17 Euro using countries. Any country that broke the rules would suffer automatic penalties. Interesting thing about this meeting was not the actual outcome, but acceptance of majority of German demands.

Although there are some doubts with regards to the policies of ECB, EU and individual Euro states, one thing is very clear Germany has taken the driver’s seat in Europe (to France’s dislike!!). Surprisingly, for the first time in 60 years, Germany is the clear leader in Europe.

Till now the Iron lady of Europe- Chancellor Angela Merkel, is just doing enough so that the peripheral countries will survive, but if it came to the existence of Euro, I am sure she will go all out to save the Euro because it will be in Germany’s financial and political interest.

The Great War of Europe just ended, and Germany has won.