For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go.
Interview by KALLI PURIE
Photograph by BANDEEP SINGH
REMO FERNANDES, Musician-singer,
anti-drugs, anti-AIDS activities
When I am in India, I think how Goan I am. When I go
abroad, I think how Indian I am.
Being Indian means belonging to a country with a fabulous
past, a great future and a lousy present.
India is like a large Om. It contains everything. To keep
down a country which is so rich in natural resources and
human resources has taken a superhuman effort on the part
of the Indian politician. But India is resilient. You
take one little piece out of a well-structured society or
building, and the whole thing collapses. Here, the
building is put together with string, bamboo and stone.
So even if you take one thing away, it will still be
there, held together with that little bit of string.
For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go. 
REMO FERNANDES, Musician-singer,
anti-drugs, anti-AIDS activities
