BEFRIENDING A NARCISSIST AMERICA

 

U.S Secretary of States of Nixon era once famously said "The word will go out to the nations of the world that it may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal." How true that is can be experienced by all allies of the U.S, E.U, Japan, South Korea and the Gulf countries like U.A.E, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This is a typical narcissist’s embrace, and India has kept herself miraculously out of it. Pressures are being mounted every day; we did not know that the Ukraine war was India’s war till the U.S told us. Though China, Europe and the U.S all keep doing business with Moscow, but it is India that is financing the war, and responsible for the killing of innocent Ukrainians!

According to Greek legend, a young man was so fascinated, awestruck, and enraptured by his own image reflected on the surface of a pool that he sat lovingly gazing at water’s edge for so long that he succumbed to his own vanity and eventually drowned and transformed into a flower that carries his name, “Narcissus.”

So, who is a narcissist? 

He or she is one who has

1.      A grandiose sense of self-importance
2.       A preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3.       A belief that he or she is special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions
4.       A need for excessive admiration
5.       A sense of entitlement
6.       Interpersonally exploitative behavior
7.       A lack of empathy
8.       Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her
9.       A demonstration of arrogant and haughty behaviors or attitudes.

Now that almost describes the current U.S. President.

There are phrases that narcissists use that can make you feel bad about yourself. These are not always obvious statements, because narcissists have an incredible ability to make a person feel completely worthless if they allow it and without you even noticing. The intention is that they are willing to go to particularly deep levels of negativity to do so and truly destroy you. These phrases are now often heard from U.S law makers and diplomats, and needless to say, they are hardly diplomatic.  

1. "I'm sorry you feel that way." This is not a genuine apology, even if it seems like one at first. When someone truly apologizes, they acknowledge what they did and don’t shift the blame. We told you to buy oil from Russia when it was convenient for us, but now it is not so you should stop. You think we are being unfair, "I'm sorry you feel that way." 

2. "You’re not worthy of our friendship." In a way, this statement is true – no one deserves a narcissist as a friend, and the largest democracy of the world most certainly not. When a narcissist uses this phrase, you should remember that the real intention is to diminish the other person’s / country’s value. Narcissists think they are above everyone else and deserve only the highest quality in everything and everyone. In their pursuit of perfection, they fail, succeeding only by manipulating people with self-esteem issues; remember the public humiliation of the Ukrainian President and then making him sign away the reserves of rare minerals of his country!

3. "If you didn’t upset me so much, I wouldn’t act this way." This is a familiar phrase that makes the other person feel guilty, even if they were just trying to protect themselves. Toxic people crave control because they are insecure. They also feel that every time they get angry, it’s because the person in front of them somehow provoked them. This is a manipulative pattern that serves only them. The only ones who manage to stay close to them are those willing to worship them and when they come across non-ass kissers like Modi they respond with 50% tariff. "If only India didn't upset me so much, I wouldn't put secondary sanctions against them."

4. "Why are you even friends with them?" This isn’t really a question but an insult toward your friends. Narcissists see themselves as the central figure in your life, and everyone else becomes insignificant in their eyes. Russia has been an all weather friend and always sided with India right from the days of liberation of Bangladesh, when the then U.S President had sent the USS Enterprise to the waters of Bay of Bengal to help a dictatorial Pakistan! And today they have the cheeks to tell us to dump Russia in a war that has nothing to do with us!! The best response is not to get dragged into explanations. Any attempt to justify your friendships with others will lead to further insults from them. So, it is best to ignore them.

5. "Be careful, you don’t want to lose me." This phrase is meant to evoke fear and anxiety. In the past, such a statement was indeed made reminding us of our difficult relations with China. India of the 21^st. century can very well manage its affairs with China, without any Western help. The truth is that what is really lost in such relationships is the self respect – the sense of personal worth of the leader and the country, and Modi is far more mature to fall for this crap. America needs the large Indian market of 1.4 billion people just as much as we need access to theirs’. The best thing is to lose the toxic person, and his cheer leaders because life will be much better without them.

6. "I did it for you." It’s important to be grateful for what people do for you, but there’s no obligation to accept gifts or actions that don’t suit or don’t bring joy. Even if the narcissist invested a lot of effort or money, you have every right to say, “Thank you, but I don’t want this.” No, Trump had no role in the cease fire after Operation Sindoor and if he is suffering from delusion of grandiosity and importance he needs treatment. India will not oblige and not recommend him for the Nobel Peace Prize.  

7. "If you loved me, you would…" This is one of the most common manipulative phrases. When you say “no” to a certain request, the narcissist responds by claiming it is proof of a lack of trust. In reality, everyone has the right to refuse what doesn’t suit them. There’s no need to prove affinity by constantly sacrificing our self. We are not paupers. We do not need American aid. We do not beg for American arms free of cost, we purchase them. We don’t need periodic bail out packages to run our economy and free food grains to feed our citizens. We feel it is far better to love ourselves, and if the situation doesn’t improve – seriously consider abandoning the relationship till better senses prevail in Washington.

The United States has long been past the point in our history where making direct connections between the policies of Hitler and his Nazis and those of Trump and his MAGA White supremist supporters are as clear and as relevant. These are two historical eras that were and are led by men with clear Sociopathic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.

Hitler did and Trump is destined to drown by their narcissism. Hitler did not and Trump will not transform into a fragrant flower. The Indian response to his narcissist attack is the best response. The allies are bending far too much for his comfort. History will not pardon them and they will soon pay a heavy price when they go to the polls the next time. The war in Ukraine will be stopped by diplomacy and dialogue and not by threats, ultimatums and sanctions.

 

 

PRAISES AND COMPLIMENTS – EASY TO GIVE, DELIGHTFUL TO RECEIVE

I am back after enjoying a lovely conference in Cidade de Goa. Besides learning newer things, acquiring newer knowledge and familiarizing with newer technologies, these conferences are great occasions for reestablishing camaraderie and rekindling old friendship, as well as making exciting new ones too. It charges my batteries and I am all prepared to work with new vigor and excitement. But unfortunately, that is not the case with everyone! Some keep on complaining about easily ignorable problems, some are always concerned about imagined inter-personal issues, and they invariably are easily exhausted and in a hurry to leave. These people find it very difficult to see the good in anything and anyone ad they are a big miser when it comes to complimenting people.

 

We all love receiving compliments, even those of us who feel shy when we hear one. A compliment tells us that someone sees us, notices us, and finds good things in us. It signifies a strong connection, boosts self-confidence if we truly let it sink into our hearts, and accept it without resistance. We usually want to make our spouse or our friend or colleague feel this way, so we choose to compliment them when the opportunity arises. However, not everyone does it correctly. A compliment that proves you truly see the person in front of you, beyond their external appearance, is the best gift you can give them.

 

Why is it important to compliment non-external traits?

Compliment can improve mood and create a positive relationship, and focusing on non-external traits rather than physical appearance is always better. Of course, it's appropriate to compliment physical beauty as well, but the best compliments show appreciation for energy, passion, determination, strength, and kindness, traits that truly make the person special in our eyes. Here are some reasons why these compliments are more beneficial and important:

It highlights the person's qualities:  We often cannot significantly influence our physical appearance, and it doesn't truly define who we are. In contrast, traits like humor, empathy, determination, or intelligence shape our behavior and reflect our values, so they are more connected to who we really are.

It creates a deep connection: A compliment is a gift that's easy to give and delightful to receive. When you compliment someone on their character or abilities, you're essentially telling them that you're paying attention to them and not overlooking them. This helps strengthen your bond and encourages a relationship that's not superficial.

It lasts longer: Our appearance changes over time, especially how we look in certain clothes or hairstyles. But our character often remains the same throughout life, and as mentioned, it represents who we are much more. Therefore, such a compliment lasts longer in the recipient's mind, along with the positive feeling it generates.

It boosts self-esteem: Of course, compliments like "You look beautiful today" or "This beard looks great on you" boost confidence in our appearance. However, compliments that touch on character or abilities can do so on a much deeper level. They affirm who we are and what we're good at, truly helping to raise our self-confidence in everything we choose to do.

It encourages personal growth: When you compliment someone on the effort they've put in, their creativity, or problem-solving abilities, they will want to use those skills more and even develop them until they become an integral part of who they are, even if they don't feel these traits define them. Consistent compliments like these can be a significant source of motivation.

It is from the heart and it touches the heart: When you tell someone that “You are always smiling” or “You invariably look contended and at peace with life” it establishes a heart to heart hotline and the affection is unmistakable. Even if you meet once a year or even less frequently, it immediately reestablishes your friendship.

 

How to give unique and genuine compliments?

Try to figure out what you appreciate about the person. When you think of them, what is the first thing that comes to mind? How do they change the atmosphere in a room when they enter? How does their energy affect you? What about their personality makes your day? So, the best compliment shows appreciation for the unique things about the person you're complimenting.   Your compliments should be as focused as possible. Instead of giving a general compliment like 'You're so good' or 'You're amazing,' focus on specific actions or qualities you truly value and admire. Generalized appreciation often sounds hollow. For example, if your partner has an incredible ability to stay calm in stressful situations, you can say: "I really appreciate how you handled that today. You stayed calm, and it helped everyone else relax too." Such a statement highlights your partner's special ability, shows that you noticed it, and demonstrates your appreciation for its impact on you and others

 

Examples

If you need a bit more help coming up with ideas for non-appearance-based compliments, here are a few compliments you can use, tweaking them as needed to match your partner's unique personality:

1. You are so thoughtful—that's one of my favorite things about you.

2. You have such a calming effect on me.

3. Your joy is contagious.

4. You're so calm amidst all the chaos—it's amazing!

5. Your positivity is like sunshine on a rainy day.

6. You bring out the best in me.

7. You're the only person I can fully trust.

8. You're the glue that holds our family together.

9. You inspire me to give my 100% effort.

10. You have a way of explaining things that makes everything clearer.

11. You know how to tell every story in a captivating way.

12. You're so good at ____________

13. With you, even the most boring thing in the world can be fun.

14. You always know what to say to make people feel better.

15. You're such a great listener—that's why you understand me.

16. With you, I feel comfortable being myself. 17. You have a way of making everyone feel included.

18. Your creativity always amazes me.

19. Your passion for the things you love is incredible.

20. You are the kindest person I know, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life.

 

Compliment and Flattery are two different things alltogether

Flattery often contains excessive or insincere praise, aimed at winning someone's favor or attention. Compliment, in contrast, is an honest expression of admiration or approval regarding someone's quality or accomplishment. Flattery can sometimes be with ulterior motive and be seen as manipulative, as it can be utilized to sway someone's opinion or decision. A Compliment, in its genuine form, does not seek to manipulate but simply acknowledges something positively. It lacks hidden agendas, being an authentic appreciation. That is the reason why flattery might sound over-the-top or overly effusive, while a compliment sounds heartfelt and sincere.

 

 

In today's world, many people place too much emphasis on physical appearance, while what we often lack are internal sources of positive feelings. You can provide such a source for your spouse by saying, "I notice who you are, your true self, and I think you're amazing!" Whether it's their sense of humor, kindness, or the way they handle stressful situations, a compliment on such a character trait can truly impact their inner feelings and your relationship. So, don't hesitate to give a compliment—it doesn't cost you anything, but its value is priceless.

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY IN LIMB TRAUMA

On June 30, 2025 I had the opportunity to share my experience with the students and teachers of Balaji Medical College in Chennai. Dr. Manimaran had organized the meeting and the audience hd MBBS and M.S General Surgery students. 

We divided the topic of Reconstructive Surgery in Limb Trauma into:

1. Limb Salvage surgery

2. Like for Like Tissue Reconstructions

3. Funstional Muscle transfers

4. Replants and Revascularizations

5. Dermal Substitutes

6. Documentation

7. Physiotherapy

As we were addressing the students and not our peers, at times we indulged in over-simplification. If you would like to see the presentation please click the following hyperlink / icon:

surajit batacharya 2.mp4

 

EVEN FOOD AND BEVERAGE HAVE A HISTORY

 

The roots of food and beverage can be traced back to ancient civilizations where early humans relied on hunting and gathering. As communities settled, they began to cultivate crops and domesticate animals, leading to more organized food production. This transition marked the beginning of agriculture, which laid the foundation for the food industry as we know it today. The history of food and beverage spans thousands of years, evolving from early agricultural practices to a complex global industry influenced by culture, technology, and societal changes. In one of my previous blogs I had traced the history of Biryani and you can read it by clicking: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2020/02/biryani-fantasy-dish-for-all-palates_32.html

When you are eating your favorite snack, do you ever wonder how it came into existence? Well, most of us don’t, right? But their history is often very interesting. A series of events may have led to the creation of a particular food item, so will it not be interesting to find out? Who was that genius who thought of making a sandwich for the very first time? Or who brewed the first beer? These are all interesting questions, and if you dig a little deeper, you would be surprised with the answers you get. Some of these food items have a bizarre history and some were discovered purely by accident.

1. Tea

Tea is undoubtedly one of the most famous drinks in the world. It’s stimulating and calming effects make it an ideal drink to have in the morning or in the afternoon. The English introduced it in India and cultivated it in the eastern province of erstwhile Bengal. The history of tea is replete with several myths and legends. According to Chinese lore, the history of tea began in 2737 BC when Emperor Shen Nong, an eminent ruler and a scientist, discovered tea by accident while sitting under a tea tree. The story goes that the emperor was boiling water and a few leaves from the tree fell down into his pot. When Shen Nong took a sip of the drink, he enjoyed the taste immensely. Later on, the emperor began researching the plant further and discovered the many wonderful medicinal properties of tea that eventually made its way into Chinese medicine before evolving into a modern drink. Though difficult to prove this story but it is a fact that the tea plant originated somewhere in southwestern China, Tibet, and Northern India.

 

2. Coffee

The story behind the origin of coffee is quite fascinating. While no one knows exactly how or when coffee was discovered, there are many legends about its origins. The most popular and widely accepted one is about its discovery in the ancient coffee forests on the Ethiopian plateau. The legend says that a goatherd called Kaldi was the first person to have found the unique properties of coffee beans. According to the story, Kaidi noticed his goats being unusually energetic after they ate berries from a certain tree. In fact, the animals were so energized that they couldn’t sleep at night. Curious to find out more, the goatherd reported his findings to the monks of a local monastery. They went on to make a drink with the berries and realized that coffee helped them stay up to perform their prayers late at night. Soon, knowledge of the energizing berries began to spread and coffee became a popular drink throughout the world.

 

3. Popsicles

Popsicles, the refreshing frozen treats, were discovered unintentionally by an 11-year-old boy in California named Frank W. Epperson. The year was 1905 and Epperson, while making lemonade soda on his porch, left it out and went to sleep. However, when he woke up the next day, he was surprised to find the stick he was using to stir the mixture had frozen upright in the liquid. The young boy, thrilled with his accidental creation, named it "a handled, frozen confection or ice lollipop." He applied for a patent for his unique discovery in 1924 and changed its name to ‘Popsicle’.

 

4. Potato Chips

This tasty and salty snack was invented by American Chef George Crum by accident in 1853. Back then, French Fries had become quite famous in the masses and were in high demand at the Moon Lake Lodge in Saratoga Springs in New York, where Crum worked. One day, an angry customer complained to the chef that his French fries were too thick.To pacify the man, Crum sliced a batch of potatoes really thin, fried and salted them, and sent them out. This time, the customer was thrilled, and in no time, the word about the crunchy fried potatoes had spread throughout the city and then the entire country. Thus, potato chips were born and went on to conquer the world.

 

5. The Sandwich

Sandwiches are loved so much because they come in so many varieties. While it’s impossible to say who was the first person to cut their bread and put a piece of meat or cheese between two slices of bread, the credit for the sandwich’s initial popularity goes to John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich. Yes, you read that name right. Montagu was a British aristocrat who lived in the 18th century and was heavily into gambling.Interestingly, the earl didn’t like taking breaks while gambling, and during one intense gambling session, he ordered the cook to bring him some meat slices placed between two pieces of bread. He enjoyed this snack as the bread stopped his hands from getting greasy and he could continue playing the game without interruption. While many historians have questioned the legitimacy of this story, it is widely believed that Montagu's refusal to get up for a meal resulted in the discovery of the sandwich.

 

6. Corn flakes

This popular breakfast cereal was discovered by accident, too. The story goes that while working in a sanitarium in Michigan, W.K. Kellogg, the founder of the Kellogg Company, attempted to make granola as a healthy vegetarian treat for some patients at a sanatorium at Battle Creek that he ran with his brother.While making the dish, W.K. Kellogg and his brother accidentally left wheatberry cooking in the kitchen and found later that the kernels had flaked. The brothers kept on experimenting with cooking different grains and eventually flaked corn, thus creating a recipe for corn flakes that they really enjoyed. The cereal became the most loved morning meal worldwide and today its numerous variations can be found everywhere.

 

7. Nachos

The famous Mexican snack is credited to Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya who was the head waiter at a restaurant called the Victory Club in Piedras Negras, Mexico. One afternoon in 1943, a group of military wives from the US had crossed the border into Mexico from the Fort Duncan Army base to do some shopping.In the evening, they came to the Victory Club restaurant to have a meal but were disappointed to find that the chef had left. Anaya didn’t want the women to leave and decided to prepare something new - covering a plate of tostadas with grated cheese, passing it through an oven while heating the plate from above, and then adding a few sliced jalapeño peppers as a topping. The women adored the dish and one of them dubbed it “Nacho’s especiale” (“Nacho’s special”). Later on, it was shortened to just ‘Nachos’ and came to be the well-known snack we all recognize today.

 

8. Chocolate Chip Cookies

In the year 1930, an American woman named Ruth Wakefield was mixing a batch of cookies for her roadside inn guests when she found that she had run out of the baker's chocolate she generally used for making them. To compensate, Wakefield added broken up pieces of Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate instead. She hoped that the chocolate would melt and absorb into the dough to create chocolate cookies. The chips didn’t spread. However, when Wakefield removed the pan from the oven, she found that she had accidentally created chocolate chip cookies. The guests loved the chocolate chip cookies, and it became Wakefield's specialty, which she called "Toll House Crunch Cookies”. The recipe for the cookies was published in a Boston newspaper and shortly afterward, chocolate chip cookies became the most popular variety of cookies in America. It didn't take long for this delicious recipe to reach different parts of the world as well.

 

9. Beer

Beer is the oldest recorded recipe in the world! The brewing process was first documented by the ancient Egyptians on papyrus scrolls around 5,000 BC. These first beers were blended with a mixture of such ingredients as dates, pomegranates, and other indigenous herbs. Their taste is likely to have been quite bitter and harsh. It is said that the Egyptians consumed these beers during religious ceremonies. Even before the Egyptians, however, the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia are believed to have been the first brewers way back in 10,000 B.C. Historians say that when the Mesopotamians began storing grains for bread, their storage spaces would at times become damp, causing the grains to ferment. This fermentation process led to the creation of the earliest beer.

The history of food and beverage is thus a rich tapestry woven from cultural, technological, and societal threads. From ancient agricultural practices to the modern globalized market, the industry has undergone significant transformations, reflecting the changing needs and preferences of societies throughout history. Understanding this history provides valuable insights into our current food systems and culinary practices. By exploring the evolution of food and beverage, we can appreciate the intricate relationship between culture, technology, and the way we nourish ourselves.

Temples in ancient India always offered ‘prasad’ which was either a combination of fruits or even cooked food. The emergence of inns and restaurants in the 18th century marked a significant development in the food and beverage industry. The first known restaurant, opened by Boulanger in 1765, served restorative soups and laid the groundwork for modern dining establishments. By the late 18th century, restaurants began to offer menus and individual dining experiences, transforming the way people consumed food. 

 

The spice trade played a significant role in shaping global food culture, introducing new flavors and ingredients across continents. The exchange of culinary traditions was further enhanced by exploration and trade routes, which allowed for the sharing of diverse cooking techniques and food preservation methods. 

 

The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries brought transformative changes to food processing and preservation. Innovations such as canning, developed by Nicolas Appert in 1809, and pasteurization, introduced by Louis Pasteur, revolutionized food safety and extended the shelf life of products. These advancements facilitated mass production and distribution, making food more accessible to the growing population. 

 

The mid-20th century saw the rise of fast food chains and standardized dining experiences, catering to the demand for convenience and affordability. This shift marked a significant change in eating habits and the overall food landscape. Today, the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, influenced by globalization, health trends, and sustainability concerns.

FIGHTING DIVERSITY IS POSTPONING PROSPERITY AND DENYING DEVELOPMENT

When organizations like Maharashtra Navanirman Sena shout slogans against immigrants in Mumbai, beat up traders for not speaking Marathi and harass the taxi drivers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for taking up jobs that they think rightfully belong to the local Mumbai people, they forget that megapolis like Mumbai are not built by the local population, and do not belong to Mumbaikers alone, but to the entire world! Hate is no way to achieve national greatness. It, in fact, incurs enormous social and economic costs.

If we are not open to accept different languages, different attires, different cuisines, different appearances, and different way of life then how will we attract the best talent to our cities and how will our states prosper economically.  Nearly half of M.Ps who have represented Mumbai in the Parliament have been non-Marathis. Majority of the rich people in Mumbai are Gujarati, Jain, Marwadi, and Punjabi and they contribute the lion’s share of taxes. But that does not mean that the Marathis have not done well; Babasaheb Kalyani of Bharat Forge, Leena Gandhi Tewari of USV Pharma, Anand Deshpande of Persistent Systems, and Sanjay Kirloskar of Kirloskar Brothers are all institutions of success. Internationally, figures like Vivek Ranadive and Manoj Badale have made significant strides, underscoring global Marathi entrepreneurial influence. Additionally, historical Maratha families like the Gaekwads and Scindias have amassed considerable wealth, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit through enterprises such as Bank of Baroda.

Mumbai grew into a metropolis over centuries as it offered hope. And still does. Outsiders' of yesterday and today are insiders of tomorrow. Dev Anand, Anand Bakshi, Dilip Kumar all arrived from the Punjab that is in Pakistan today. Bimal Roy, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Sharmila Tagore, Biswajeet, Hemant Kumar , Salil Chaudhary came from Bengal and Sachin Dev Burman from Tripura and enriched the cultural melieu of Mumbai. The Ambanis are from Gujarat, Jindals from Haryana, Kirloskar from Karnataka but they are big job providers and wealth growers for the city.

Mumbai has one of the highest literacy rates in India (94.7%) which is significantly higher than the country's average. The official language of the state is Marathi; however, sixteen other major languages are spoken here including English, Marathi and Hindi. The city is the commercial and the entertainment capital of India and is also one of the most populous cities of the country. With a high number of migrants and diverse religious groups, Mumbai is truly a melting pot of cultures. Mostly, the inhabitants of the city comprise of Marathis, Gujaratis, Zoroastrian Parsis and Konkanis. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parsis, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains comprise of the total population of Mumbai. If suddenly this vibrant and happening melting pot is stirred by language / culture / religious chauvinists for the sake of votes, every once in a while, they do incalculable harm to the reputation of the Maximum City.

Not only from India, Mumbai has attracted people from all over the world and several foreigners come to work in the film and television industry, InfoTech industry and food and hospitality businesses. The city is home to a small population of Bene Israelis who migrated from the Gulf several decades ago for mercantile reasons. Mumbai is also home to many South East Asian communities and a small percentage of Europeans such as the Portuguese and French. 

 

Who is the original Mumbaikar?

The original fisher folk inhabitants of the city were the 'Kolis' who gave the city its name. They are historically an Indo-Aryan race of people believed to have migrated from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and other parts of Maharashtra. Most Kolis were Hindu, but later, many converted to Buddhism, Islam and Christianity under the reign of the Mauryan, Mughal and British empires respectively. They got their tag as fish folk because that is what they did for sustenance. Today, the Koli population in the city has reduced considerably, to about 48%. Though predominantly fishermen, Kolis are a mix of different communities with different professions such as fishermen, agriculturalists and water carriers. Have these people ever grudged the appearance of a constant stream of migrants to their home town Mumbai? Then why do they, who came to this city much later, stir trouble before every election?

Hate has a high cost

Economist Michael Martell cites a shooting incident in a Gurdwara in Wisconsin that left six dead. Not only the gurdwara but the local mosque and the Hindu Temple all upgraded and spent more on their security. Terrorized immigrants curbed their curbed their movements, affecting local businesses. In the U.S the estimated cost of hate crimes in 2019 was USD 3.4 billion! Immigrants are crucial for keeping the services running specially in countries  which have unsustainable birth rates. Just as European countries need the North African immigrants to run their factories, U.S and the U.K need Indian scientists, doctors and engineers, India too needs immigration for both investment, education and up gradation. Xenophobia has no place in the interconnected world we live in.

 

Why is diversity important?

Diversity signifies that the city is open, inclusive and welcoming to all, and the best talents of the world get attracted to it. That is how a city grows into a metropolis and a metropolis into a megapolis! Being tolerant to an alien culture or a new idea is not enough, you have to learn to enjoy and celebrate diversity. Then only the city, state and nation can prosper.

The most diverse cities in the world are:

1.      London, UK

2.      Melbourne, Australia

3.      Brighton, UK and  New York, USA

4.      Los Angeles, USA

5.      Chicago, USA

6.      Madrid, Spain

7.      Barcelona, Spain

8.      Bangkok, Thailand

9.      Johannesburg, South Africa and Cape Town, South Africa

10. Montreal, Canada, Medellin, Colombia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and San Francisco, USA

All these are large and thriving metropolitan cities, very successful in attracting the best talents of the world and are relentlessly progressing. I have been to all of them and stayed for a significant time in the two list toppers. All these cities attract people for business, tourism and academic pursuit. People do not hesitate twice before deciding to go to these cities because they invariably feel safe and welcomed. If a city fails to give this assurance then those who have options would start avoiding it. Cities have to be friendly and where diversity and inclusivity are welcomed.

Melbourne is a thriving metropolis that prides itself on being highly liveable, with cool neighborhoods and streets that are home to various cuisines, communities and cultures. Let’s not forget the culinary influence of Melbourne’s many international communities. Box Hill is known for its abundance of fantastic Chinese restaurants, while Footscray boasts some epic bánh mì spots thanks to its large Vietnamese population. Oakleigh is the Greek heartland for souvas and gyros, and recent waves of migration from Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon have culminated in a mushrooming of West African eateries. The city is filled with lush green parks and has many sporting options. It invariable has a stacked line-up of festivals and events, a proud and ever-growing queer community (Melbourne was even voted the fourth most LGBTQIA+-friendly city in the world in 2022), and a thriving nightlife scene.

London is the epicentre of diversity where everyone is welcome to show up and be their most authentic selves. So an Englishman with his coat and hat is seen rubbing shoulders with a Bengali in a Dhoti-Kurta, a Pakistsni in a Shalwar Kameez, a Jew with a skull cap and a Somali in his own dress and no one raises an eyebrow or a pointing finger.  The city is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural cities in the world. Around 37% of London's population was born outside the UK, and over 300 languages are spoken in the region. However, the extent of ethnic diversity across London boroughs varies significantly. Ten of London’s 33 boroughs have a majority non-white population, with Newham being the most diverse borough. The city has 37% Anglo-Saxon British, 14% Black, African or Caribbean, 19% South Asian, 5% Middle Eastern and North African, 5% Europeans, 3% Chinese, and 1% Jewish and Latino and the remaining belong to the rest of the world, and everybody proudly call London their home.

Closer to home, even Kuala Lumpur is a wonderfully diverse capital city. The city has long stood out as a shining example of a diverse place that works – and is in fact strengthened by its diversity. Malays, Chinese and Indians are the major ethnic groups, with Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism as the dominant religions. A street food heaven, in KL the Chinese also use Indian spices in their dishes. They combine different tastes and cooking methods to create a uniquely Malaysian flavour. American, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, South Indian restaurants are plenty and equally plentiful are the places of worship. No wonder KL is posing a stiff competition to a much more cosmopolitan Singapore.

The role of cities in shaping human history and society goes beyond their physical structures and economic prowess. Many cities across the world are deeply intertwined with religious and cultural identities, and these connections have shaped their development for centuries. In India, cities like Varanasi and Amritsar stand as living testaments to the power of religion and culture in urban landscapes. These cities are not just urban centers but are hubs of spiritual significance, cultural heritage, and religious tourism. The unique intersection of faith, culture, and urban development offers us a fascinating glimpse into how religion and culture can influence and transform cities over time. These cities are attracting tourists but few businesses and industries. The latter will gravitate towards more diverse and cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. If these cities don’t open their arms to embrace an outsider with a brilliant idea and great skill, he/she will gravitate towards a more welcoming city. This will only deprive our mega-cities of the best people and brightest talents.