By Harish Trivedi, Dayton, Ohio.
© 2010
6
‘Books on Demand. Need a book publisher in a hurry? Publish within 48 hours…’
A random sampling of few self-publishing houses in the U.S.: OutskirtsPress.com, Xlibris.com, iuniverse.com, 48HrBooks.com,
One such publisher has even tries to attract new writer with an enticing offer - Keep 100% Royalties and 100% Rights to Your Book…
This makes everything easy, you don’t need to worry about any thing, not even money, use your credit card and go broke in the process but get published… Now you are a writer… Most importantly there are NO Natwar Gandhis who would criticize these publishers or the writers who get published through such outfits. Not any different then legalized brothels. And like brothels, such publishing has become a necessary evil. We know we have such literary pimps or dalals- brokers. For the right price, they would take good care of you. Then you can call yourself a WRITER.
In Gujarat, while computers and word processors are used to typeset and printing of the books. And there are failed novelists and journalists in Gujarat who have made a business of ‘guiding’ an NRI through the self-publishing process, even a gullible editor of a respectable magazine is conned in to writing a glowing preface. So call this what you want – legalized book publishing brothel or a back-room delivery, err printing of a questionable book and if needed even a back-room abortion – when printing is aborted because the Gujarati NRI developed cold feet and did not want to go through the process…and I have learned that in one recent incident the writer refused to pay mega bucks that the vanity publisher had demanded.
Book on demand phenomena has yet to emerge in Gujarat. But that is only a matter of time. May be there already is one in service as I write this, who knows?
So if a publisher in India or for that matter in any country, chooses to print some thing written by a Gujarati NRI writer, whose fault it is, the writer's or the publisher’s? No ones, regardless of screams and moans of wise man in the U.S. The law of supply and demand always plays an important role in such ventures and the Gujarati publishing is not immune from it.
‘Gujarati NRI writers look homeward for approval particularly for what they write. They strive to get good reviews and they get them easily in India. A North American return address on the envelope or a call from North America works wonders in India. As long as you are willing to pay, Indian publishers are willing to print and publish any rubbish any one pretending to be a writer comes up with.’ See above.
‘What is worse now is that with the advent of World Wide Web and blogosphere, who needs even a publisher? Any idiot can start a blog and put whatever he writes on his log and reach thousands of people who surf web daily. Many do. There are hundreds of Gujarati blogs originating from far and near. They are filled with a vast variety of poetry, essays, short stories and all sort of personal ruminations that the blogger feels appropriate. It is a sort of euphoria of abundance. (This also is an answer to all those who were lamenting the impending demise of Gujarati language. Hundreds of people are writing it regularly and tens of thousands are reading it regularly around the globe.)’
On the one hand Natwarbhai complains about NRIs who write 'rubbish' on the World Wide Web but then he condones it by stating, ‘This also is an answer to all those who were lamenting the impending demise of Gujarati language.’ Does this mean that even if one writes 'rubbish' he/she saves Gujarati language by such an effort? I do not believe that this is what Natwarbhai wanted to convey…
Let’s just wait till Gujarati books on line flood the web. I am sure we won’t have to wait for that very long. Even now one can download from the web a very popular novel by one of our leading novelist (available only in English language version) for a price.
Suffice it to say that the subject of the volatile mix of literature and commerce is not worth wasting time about.
‘If the critics in India really cared for the NRI writer, they should be advising him to study the masters of Gujarati literature as well as other literary masters.’(Page 3) Obviously, Natwarbhai is assuming that the critics in India really pay any attention to Gujarati NRI writers and their writings or vice a versa. Or for that matter he assumes that the Gujarati NRI writers in this country want or need any guidance from critics in India. May be Natwarbhai knows something that I do not, just like his informing us all that there were hundreds of thousands of people in District of Columbia who not only read Gujarati but specifically read Divya Bhaskar and Madhu Rye's columns. Oh, well!
‘Question is does it make literature?’ Well, that depends upon what one calls 'Literature'. Natwarbhai has avoided giving us his definition of literature. And in the next sentence (see below) he forgets the question he had just raised and asks ‘What is the literary value of blogs as well as international Gujarati literary exchanges?’ Natwarbhai may venture to suggest anything he pleases and write anything he pleases... But he should at least give us some examples or proof to validate his assertion when he writes, ‘I venture to suggest that visits of Indian writers here as well as NRI writers back home are not only not useful, but actually harmful to Gujarati Diaspora literature…’
Earlier Natwarbhai wrote, ‘Indeed, Gujarati Literary Academy of North America, the preeminent literary association among Gujarati NRIs, has a long established practice of inviting writers and poets from India. It also arranges their coast-to-coast North American tours so that Gujarati community settled across the U.S. and Canada can benefit from their visits.’
So what is it? Are such visits good or are they harmful? And who cares?
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Natwar Gandhi on Gujarati Diaspora Writing in U.S.A – a few observations
By Harish Trivedi, Dayton, Ohio.
© 2010
5
The Gujarati NRI Writer
We look to India to get a Good Housekeeping stamp of approval. (Page 1 last paragraph) I think here Natwarbhai is speaking for himself. He is definitely not speaking for me and perhaps not for all the Gujarati NRIs look for approval from critics in India. I have a hunch that Natwarbhai is using the plural WE instead of singular I when referring to himself the same way a President or a King does when referring to himself personally or their regime or administration.
I hope that Natwarbhai is not seeking approval from India for his writings and nor does Babubhai Suthar or Madhubhai (Madhu Rye). I am sure there are a number of other good Gujarati writers who do not seek approval and they do not write for getting approved by critics in India. Generally people write or create something because they want to do so. Writing and generally all creative effort is a result of some unsupressable inner urge for expression be it painting, photography, sculpting or writing… William Wordsworth (1770 – 1850) has aptly described good poetry as the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.
Having said this, let me add that every writer, poet, novelist, painter...creates some thing, first for his own pleasure but then he/she also wants to share the work with some people –readers, viewers, literary or arts experts and so on. There is no play without an audience…
What we do not have in Gujarat and do not have in any other country is enough number of people who enjoy READING. Compared to over all population of Gujarati-speaking people, relatively a very small number of people BUY books for reading. Comparatively there are not enough Gujarati speaking people who like to read, who go out and buy a new novel or a collection of poems. (Of course many a friends have made a practice of ‘borrowing’ and never returning the books they borrow, but that is a subject for some other time and place.) Under these circumstances even a learned critic (if there are any left…) with rave review of a self-published book can guarantee a big sell of the book. It merely satisfies the ego of its creator.
Many of us know how this game of publishing and reviewing is played. The vanity press folks in India, some even with their own column in the weekend edition of a newspaper are able to sell a total package for one flat price. The gullible NRI empties his/her pockets for a short-lived fame, experience instant gratification and this makes both the parties happy. Even an editor of a respectable publication has no guts to write that the book under review is a vanity publication (paid for and published by the writer) or portions of it are plagiarized. In spite of knowing that some of the poems in a particular collection are not original and have been claimed as original by the so-called poet and that too without any acknowledgement as to the source of the material… One magazine editor has devoted precious space to make a note of such publication. (I state this from a personal experience) So why worry about Gujarati NRI writers wanting to have approval from India or for that matter in this country? Who really cares?
The established writers with a number of awards and honors in their pocket really do not care for approval. They really do not NEED any approval. We have in this country at least half- a- dozen of writers who fit that category, the same folks who get invited again and again at each seminar, symposium or convention to do their own dog and pony show. The literary event becomes a place for joyous merriment and for some a bacchanalia, an all expense paid ritual and a source of entertainment for all the attendees. There is no phala shruti after such event. Only mutual backslapping and preparation for the next year’s event.
It is not as if the vanity press phenomena is unknown in this country. It has flourished and will keep flourishing. But the folks in the know, the academia, the editors at national publications and the editors at respected book review journals know this game and try to stay away from such publications.
But in this electronic age the vanity press has dressed itself up in the form of respectable sounding euphemism – the self-publishing service. These outfits would help one with editorial service, jacket design for the book and marketing assistance – all, of course for a price. The writer gets a small percentage of the sale and if the book is good enough and commands a respectable share of the publishing market, may end up making a small profit may be over a period of a decade or so… These self-publishing companies do advertise and some the books published by these publishers do get sold. But there is one minor but very important detail. The publishers print the books on demand. So there is no worry about unsold copies in the attic that are generally palmed off to unsuspecting guests year after year… I have happily received first edition of such books even after some ten years since its initial publication. I state this only to illustrate my earlier point.
To be continued....
© 2010
5
The Gujarati NRI Writer
We look to India to get a Good Housekeeping stamp of approval. (Page 1 last paragraph) I think here Natwarbhai is speaking for himself. He is definitely not speaking for me and perhaps not for all the Gujarati NRIs look for approval from critics in India. I have a hunch that Natwarbhai is using the plural WE instead of singular I when referring to himself the same way a President or a King does when referring to himself personally or their regime or administration.
I hope that Natwarbhai is not seeking approval from India for his writings and nor does Babubhai Suthar or Madhubhai (Madhu Rye). I am sure there are a number of other good Gujarati writers who do not seek approval and they do not write for getting approved by critics in India. Generally people write or create something because they want to do so. Writing and generally all creative effort is a result of some unsupressable inner urge for expression be it painting, photography, sculpting or writing… William Wordsworth (1770 – 1850) has aptly described good poetry as the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.
Having said this, let me add that every writer, poet, novelist, painter...creates some thing, first for his own pleasure but then he/she also wants to share the work with some people –readers, viewers, literary or arts experts and so on. There is no play without an audience…
What we do not have in Gujarat and do not have in any other country is enough number of people who enjoy READING. Compared to over all population of Gujarati-speaking people, relatively a very small number of people BUY books for reading. Comparatively there are not enough Gujarati speaking people who like to read, who go out and buy a new novel or a collection of poems. (Of course many a friends have made a practice of ‘borrowing’ and never returning the books they borrow, but that is a subject for some other time and place.) Under these circumstances even a learned critic (if there are any left…) with rave review of a self-published book can guarantee a big sell of the book. It merely satisfies the ego of its creator.
Many of us know how this game of publishing and reviewing is played. The vanity press folks in India, some even with their own column in the weekend edition of a newspaper are able to sell a total package for one flat price. The gullible NRI empties his/her pockets for a short-lived fame, experience instant gratification and this makes both the parties happy. Even an editor of a respectable publication has no guts to write that the book under review is a vanity publication (paid for and published by the writer) or portions of it are plagiarized. In spite of knowing that some of the poems in a particular collection are not original and have been claimed as original by the so-called poet and that too without any acknowledgement as to the source of the material… One magazine editor has devoted precious space to make a note of such publication. (I state this from a personal experience) So why worry about Gujarati NRI writers wanting to have approval from India or for that matter in this country? Who really cares?
The established writers with a number of awards and honors in their pocket really do not care for approval. They really do not NEED any approval. We have in this country at least half- a- dozen of writers who fit that category, the same folks who get invited again and again at each seminar, symposium or convention to do their own dog and pony show. The literary event becomes a place for joyous merriment and for some a bacchanalia, an all expense paid ritual and a source of entertainment for all the attendees. There is no phala shruti after such event. Only mutual backslapping and preparation for the next year’s event.
It is not as if the vanity press phenomena is unknown in this country. It has flourished and will keep flourishing. But the folks in the know, the academia, the editors at national publications and the editors at respected book review journals know this game and try to stay away from such publications.
But in this electronic age the vanity press has dressed itself up in the form of respectable sounding euphemism – the self-publishing service. These outfits would help one with editorial service, jacket design for the book and marketing assistance – all, of course for a price. The writer gets a small percentage of the sale and if the book is good enough and commands a respectable share of the publishing market, may end up making a small profit may be over a period of a decade or so… These self-publishing companies do advertise and some the books published by these publishers do get sold. But there is one minor but very important detail. The publishers print the books on demand. So there is no worry about unsold copies in the attic that are generally palmed off to unsuspecting guests year after year… I have happily received first edition of such books even after some ten years since its initial publication. I state this only to illustrate my earlier point.
To be continued....
Natwar Gandhi on Gujarati Diaspora Writing in U.S.A – a few observations
By Harish Trivedi, Dayton, Ohio.
© 2010
3
NATION and STATE
A language or culture of a nation survives not because of the folks who moved to another country tried to preserve it. So let's not go in that direction. What we describe as Indian Culture or the various Indian languages have survived some five thousand years of attacks, invasions and occupation by foreign nations... And during that period the Indian culture kept on evolving by assimilating certain cultural traits in to their own lives…The various Indian languages also went through transformative process and went on taking different structure and form. One can easily see the influence of Arabic, Persian, Portuguese, French and English words in our own native languages. The culinary traits of invading forces have influenced the Indian cuisine. People who think that it is a responsibility of NRIs to preserve the language and culture of their home country is a sheer folly, a delusion. Culture and language will keep on evolving, keep on growing, whether one likes it or not.
For example, Jews were a NATION without a State or a COUNTRY prior to the formation of Israel. It was on the basis of this theory of Political Science that Mohammad Ali Jinnah had demanded formation of Pakistan for the Muslims living in India – with the famous or notorious Two Nation theory. This is a fact of history.
‘We form community associations to get together with people who look and talk like us, temples to pray the same gods, and Indian professional associations to exchange stories and check notes. Indian immigrants with literary interest also have formed associations that hold regular literary meetings. They read to each other their works and poets recite at Mushaira. Many publish their works with regularity. Some have become prolific novelists while others have several collections of poetry and travelogues to their credit. They also invite eminent literary figures from India just the way others invite swamis and sadhus.’ Earlier Natwarbhai had described these visitors as migratory birds, then a few paragraphs and pages later he changed his mind and admits that some people do invite these sadhus, writers and quacks.
To be continued....
© 2010
3
NATION and STATE
A language or culture of a nation survives not because of the folks who moved to another country tried to preserve it. So let's not go in that direction. What we describe as Indian Culture or the various Indian languages have survived some five thousand years of attacks, invasions and occupation by foreign nations... And during that period the Indian culture kept on evolving by assimilating certain cultural traits in to their own lives…The various Indian languages also went through transformative process and went on taking different structure and form. One can easily see the influence of Arabic, Persian, Portuguese, French and English words in our own native languages. The culinary traits of invading forces have influenced the Indian cuisine. People who think that it is a responsibility of NRIs to preserve the language and culture of their home country is a sheer folly, a delusion. Culture and language will keep on evolving, keep on growing, whether one likes it or not.
For example, Jews were a NATION without a State or a COUNTRY prior to the formation of Israel. It was on the basis of this theory of Political Science that Mohammad Ali Jinnah had demanded formation of Pakistan for the Muslims living in India – with the famous or notorious Two Nation theory. This is a fact of history.
‘We form community associations to get together with people who look and talk like us, temples to pray the same gods, and Indian professional associations to exchange stories and check notes. Indian immigrants with literary interest also have formed associations that hold regular literary meetings. They read to each other their works and poets recite at Mushaira. Many publish their works with regularity. Some have become prolific novelists while others have several collections of poetry and travelogues to their credit. They also invite eminent literary figures from India just the way others invite swamis and sadhus.’ Earlier Natwarbhai had described these visitors as migratory birds, then a few paragraphs and pages later he changed his mind and admits that some people do invite these sadhus, writers and quacks.
To be continued....
Natwar Gandhi on Gujarati Diaspora Writing in U.S.A – a few observations
By Harish Trivedi, Dayton, Ohio.
© 2010
2
CULTURE
Culture is a one of the specific characteristics of a nation. It has nothing to do with environment or weather. People belonging to a particular nation or nationality carry their culture wherever they go. For example diaspora Jews have carried their own culture with them wherever they moved and have successfully preserved it.
>>‘Once on American soil, our culture is no longer in the environment’ . ‘…We have to make a special effort to recreate it’. Well, one cannot 'recreate' culture. Culture is not a piece of clay that one can mold and remold in various shapes and size. Culture is not static. It is in a constant state of evolution.
If culture were in the environment as Natwarbhai has stated, then every non-Indian who visits India would immediately be infected with a dose of Indian culture like a virus. But we all know this does not happen. Yes, if one chooses to absorb a particular element of a cultural tradition one can do so, but by doing so he/she does not become an Indian or a Jew or an Arab. Not every one who visits India, Israel or Saudi Arabia becomes an Indian or a Jew or an Arab. Absorption of a cultural trait or a rejection of a particular culture is a matter of choice and not an accident of travel to a foreign land or residency in a foreign country.
Culture and cultural traditions change over a time and thereby evolve in to a new and at times more vibrant culture. What we call Indian culture is not the same culture as it was say at the time when the Aryans came to India or say during the period of King Ashoka.
The 19th century Indian culture was much different than the 20th century and with globalization the 21st century Indian culture would evolve in to a different culture than the one in earlier centuries. This is particularly true when we discuss Gujarati language and literature. Just look at the state of Gujarati language from the last quarter of 20th century onwards. See how many English words have crept-in the Gujarati vocabulary and also in print during the last five-decades or so. The Gujarati language has surely undergone a sea change during the last thousand years or so and it would keep on changing. No amount of breast-beating would stop this process of evolution and assimilation.
The first generation Asian-Indians, people of Indian origin who came to USA in say early 60s and 70s and who raised their families in this country will have to accept the fact that a new Indo-American culture is evolving, perhaps with assimilation of the best cultural traits from both the countries (India and the U.S.A.)
Some of these first generation Asian Indians keep fighting a loosing battle against historical forces at work here. It has happened before and it would keep on happening in future. We already have some evidence - just look all around us (in the U.S.A). We are living in the midst of the descendants of Italian, French, German, English, Irish... immigrants who came before us. They have all assimilated and have preserved their own language and traditions the best way they can and in the process evolved in to what we now call the American culture. They are all Americans. NRIs have a long way to go in this direction and sooner they do, the better it would be for the coming generations of Indian-Americans.
To be continued....
© 2010
2
CULTURE
Culture is a one of the specific characteristics of a nation. It has nothing to do with environment or weather. People belonging to a particular nation or nationality carry their culture wherever they go. For example diaspora Jews have carried their own culture with them wherever they moved and have successfully preserved it.
If culture were in the environment as Natwarbhai has stated, then every non-Indian who visits India would immediately be infected with a dose of Indian culture like a virus. But we all know this does not happen. Yes, if one chooses to absorb a particular element of a cultural tradition one can do so, but by doing so he/she does not become an Indian or a Jew or an Arab. Not every one who visits India, Israel or Saudi Arabia becomes an Indian or a Jew or an Arab. Absorption of a cultural trait or a rejection of a particular culture is a matter of choice and not an accident of travel to a foreign land or residency in a foreign country.
Culture and cultural traditions change over a time and thereby evolve in to a new and at times more vibrant culture. What we call Indian culture is not the same culture as it was say at the time when the Aryans came to India or say during the period of King Ashoka.
The 19th century Indian culture was much different than the 20th century and with globalization the 21st century Indian culture would evolve in to a different culture than the one in earlier centuries. This is particularly true when we discuss Gujarati language and literature. Just look at the state of Gujarati language from the last quarter of 20th century onwards. See how many English words have crept-in the Gujarati vocabulary and also in print during the last five-decades or so. The Gujarati language has surely undergone a sea change during the last thousand years or so and it would keep on changing. No amount of breast-beating would stop this process of evolution and assimilation.
The first generation Asian-Indians, people of Indian origin who came to USA in say early 60s and 70s and who raised their families in this country will have to accept the fact that a new Indo-American culture is evolving, perhaps with assimilation of the best cultural traits from both the countries (India and the U.S.A.)
Some of these first generation Asian Indians keep fighting a loosing battle against historical forces at work here. It has happened before and it would keep on happening in future. We already have some evidence - just look all around us (in the U.S.A). We are living in the midst of the descendants of Italian, French, German, English, Irish... immigrants who came before us. They have all assimilated and have preserved their own language and traditions the best way they can and in the process evolved in to what we now call the American culture. They are all Americans. NRIs have a long way to go in this direction and sooner they do, the better it would be for the coming generations of Indian-Americans.
To be continued....
Natwar Gandhi on Gujarati Diaspora Writing in U.S.A – a few observations
Natwar Gandhi on Gujarati Diaspora Writing in U.S.A – a few observations
By Harish Trivedi, Dayton, Ohio.
© 2010
1
(Note: Quotations from Mr. Natwar Gandhi’s article appear in italics)
Natwarbhai Gandhi has offered a thoughtful take on the state of Gujarati NRI (Non Resident Indian) writing, writers and the Gujararti Literary Academy of North America in his article that was published in a periodical published in this country. I received a copy of it from a friend. It was a typed copy and did not carry the name and the issue date of the periodical.
What is apparent from this article that Natwarbhai thinks all the NRI writers crave for attention and approval from critics in India. He also provides some suggestions to the Gujarati NRI writers. And calls upon them to write something based upon their American experience.
If nothing comes out of Natwarbhai’s thoughtful analysis, I hope it foments some much needed debate and discussion on the state of Gujarati NRI writers and writing as well as current trends in Gujarati writing, be it a fiction, poetry, criticism or a play.
I have met Natwarbhai and had also the privilege to sit with him on a panel discussion. Since then I have from a distance admired his professional accomplishments and happily read about it in various publications.
In the article under review, Natwarbhai Gandhi has, with one hurtful punch tried to KO every NRI writer or wannabe writer regardless of him (Natwarbhai) having any specific knowledge of the writers' literary aspirations or expectations. He does not name any names in his analysis of NRI Gujarati writing and writers, although it is easy to guess the identity of writers commented upon by Natwarbhai. In the process he may have settled some scores with NRI writers whom he does not like.
It is not the purpose of this article to speculate on the motives of Natwarbhai in writing this particular article so please allow me to discuss few points he has raised in his article titled Gujarati Diaspora Writing--A Call for Independence.
Natwarbhai has, with one broad sweep managed to offend, probably unintentionally every NRI writer who writes in Gujarati. He has also assumed that each of the NRI writer is anxious to get an approval from the critics back home in India and thus seeking what he calls ‘Good Housekeeping stamp’ of approval from them.
I have quoted relevant paragraphs from Natwarbhai's article and have taken liberty to offer my two-cents worth on the same.
The said article is full of generalizations, repetitions and contradictions.
I shall try to point out these and other issues that he has raised in this article as we go along. Quotes from his article appear in italics.
‘Every spring and summer a group of special Indian visitors descend upon North American soil with the regularity of migratory birds. These are sadhus, swamis, teachers, writers, poets and quacks of all sorts. They come with a balm to soothe us of our immigrant anxiety. One of our continuing fears is that we are losing our unique Indian culture, particularly the religion and language. It is not that we particularly cared for it while we were in India, but once on a foreign soil we miss it. Culture was in environment back home. It was like the air that we breathed. We took it for granted. No special effort was made.’
He is assuming that all these ‘quacks of all sorts’ are descending on this blessed land uninvited. But that is not true. In my opinion, after each visit by these writers, swamis etc the invitees probably gets a booster shot that could help rectify the deficiencies of some cultural element that they, the invitees crave for in the area of literature, religion, language etc.
to be continued...
By Harish Trivedi, Dayton, Ohio.
© 2010
1
(Note: Quotations from Mr. Natwar Gandhi’s article appear in italics)
Natwarbhai Gandhi has offered a thoughtful take on the state of Gujarati NRI (Non Resident Indian) writing, writers and the Gujararti Literary Academy of North America in his article that was published in a periodical published in this country. I received a copy of it from a friend. It was a typed copy and did not carry the name and the issue date of the periodical.
What is apparent from this article that Natwarbhai thinks all the NRI writers crave for attention and approval from critics in India. He also provides some suggestions to the Gujarati NRI writers. And calls upon them to write something based upon their American experience.
If nothing comes out of Natwarbhai’s thoughtful analysis, I hope it foments some much needed debate and discussion on the state of Gujarati NRI writers and writing as well as current trends in Gujarati writing, be it a fiction, poetry, criticism or a play.
I have met Natwarbhai and had also the privilege to sit with him on a panel discussion. Since then I have from a distance admired his professional accomplishments and happily read about it in various publications.
In the article under review, Natwarbhai Gandhi has, with one hurtful punch tried to KO every NRI writer or wannabe writer regardless of him (Natwarbhai) having any specific knowledge of the writers' literary aspirations or expectations. He does not name any names in his analysis of NRI Gujarati writing and writers, although it is easy to guess the identity of writers commented upon by Natwarbhai. In the process he may have settled some scores with NRI writers whom he does not like.
It is not the purpose of this article to speculate on the motives of Natwarbhai in writing this particular article so please allow me to discuss few points he has raised in his article titled Gujarati Diaspora Writing--A Call for Independence.
Natwarbhai has, with one broad sweep managed to offend, probably unintentionally every NRI writer who writes in Gujarati. He has also assumed that each of the NRI writer is anxious to get an approval from the critics back home in India and thus seeking what he calls ‘Good Housekeeping stamp’ of approval from them.
I have quoted relevant paragraphs from Natwarbhai's article and have taken liberty to offer my two-cents worth on the same.
The said article is full of generalizations, repetitions and contradictions.
I shall try to point out these and other issues that he has raised in this article as we go along. Quotes from his article appear in italics.
‘Every spring and summer a group of special Indian visitors descend upon North American soil with the regularity of migratory birds. These are sadhus, swamis, teachers, writers, poets and quacks of all sorts. They come with a balm to soothe us of our immigrant anxiety. One of our continuing fears is that we are losing our unique Indian culture, particularly the religion and language. It is not that we particularly cared for it while we were in India, but once on a foreign soil we miss it. Culture was in environment back home. It was like the air that we breathed. We took it for granted. No special effort was made.’
He is assuming that all these ‘quacks of all sorts’ are descending on this blessed land uninvited. But that is not true. In my opinion, after each visit by these writers, swamis etc the invitees probably gets a booster shot that could help rectify the deficiencies of some cultural element that they, the invitees crave for in the area of literature, religion, language etc.
to be continued...
Sunday, August 8, 2010
In Dayton, Ohio - Can area sustain four arts venues of 1,000-plus seats? (Dayton Daily News, August 7, 2010)
The county officials and the State funding authorities when they approved tons of money for the Schuster Center and committed to long-term grants for the same should have asked this question.
Millions of dollars from the County goes to the Schuster Center, the State provides additional funding that it has approved, the Culture Works thru its annual fund raising drive collects millions and a major portion from that again goes to the Schuster center, and it still needs funding. Some condos were sold at fire-sale prices and others in the building are still empty... Does the Schuster Center pay any real estate taxes?
This year the County and the City should have been planning for the centennial of the Memorial Hall rather than worrying about the impact the upgraded Memorial Hall would have on the ill advised building of the Schuster Center.
The ticket rates are so prohibitive that minority groups can hardly afford to buy the tickets. The rental of this property is equally high for non-profit groups in the Montgomery County.
The State should reconsider the financial commitment it has made to the Schuster folks. Vacancy rate for business property in the County is all time high... The County should be considering making all the boosters and promoters answerable for this folly - the white elephant right in the midst of downtown Dayton. Where are the folks who were acting as cheerleaders for the Schuster Project? All the Schuster boosters, including the media should have considered impact of the Schuster Center on the Memorial Hall when they all were hyping the importance of this folly and the benefits it would it would bring to the local economy. Oh the dream of businesses lining up from all across the country to see the second-hand Broadway shows that the center would bring!
Millions of dollars from the County goes to the Schuster Center, the State provides additional funding that it has approved, the Culture Works thru its annual fund raising drive collects millions and a major portion from that again goes to the Schuster center, and it still needs funding. Some condos were sold at fire-sale prices and others in the building are still empty... Does the Schuster Center pay any real estate taxes?
This year the County and the City should have been planning for the centennial of the Memorial Hall rather than worrying about the impact the upgraded Memorial Hall would have on the ill advised building of the Schuster Center.
The ticket rates are so prohibitive that minority groups can hardly afford to buy the tickets. The rental of this property is equally high for non-profit groups in the Montgomery County.
The State should reconsider the financial commitment it has made to the Schuster folks. Vacancy rate for business property in the County is all time high... The County should be considering making all the boosters and promoters answerable for this folly - the white elephant right in the midst of downtown Dayton. Where are the folks who were acting as cheerleaders for the Schuster Project? All the Schuster boosters, including the media should have considered impact of the Schuster Center on the Memorial Hall when they all were hyping the importance of this folly and the benefits it would it would bring to the local economy. Oh the dream of businesses lining up from all across the country to see the second-hand Broadway shows that the center would bring!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Over Four-decades in Dayton, Ohio ...
Over Four-decades in Dayton, Ohio: Few Personal Reflections
By Harish Trivedi
© 2010
Having been resident of our community for over four-decades I have had opportunity to watch the birth of the India Club of Dayton, Umang Gujarati Samaj, Hindu Community Organization, the activities of the Swaminarayan Group, the Jain Samaj - an organization dedicated to the followers of Jainism and the building of Jain, Hindu, and Swaminarayan temples. And last but not the least the creation of the India Foundation.
In addition to all these community organizations - and I am sure I have missed some other ones that are also active in our community, there are also trade and professional organizations such as Asian Indian American Business Group, the Physicians of Indian Origin group and so on…
From around early 60s when there was a small community consisting mainly students and few employed individuals or entrepreneurs, the Asian Indian community has grown and keeps growing.
1960s was a time when there was not a single Indian restaurant, a very few Chinese restaurants and Japanese or Korean restaurants were non-existent. There was only one Mexican restaurant – the famous and locally owned Elsa’s on Linden Avenue and there was not even one Indian grocery store in sight.
While every one from India knew every one else from India in our community, the India Club or an organization for Indian community members was still only a dream of a few community minded individuals or it just seemed that way.
Nationally known Patel Bros, Raj Bhog, Eros and Neha Entertainment, India Plaza, Shrimati’s and all assorted nationally known businesses that cater to the Indian Diaspora where still in the imagination of gutsy businessmen or students who turned in to businessmen. Canned and or frozen Indian food or some thing resembling it had yet to appear on the market. Commercially available films on Video were not imagined yet and availability of Indian movies on video was not even contemplated.
At that time, many of the relatives, friends and family members of those living in and around Dayton area did not have phones at their homes India. In some instances it was always a visit to a neighbor’s house next door where one could receive a phone call or make one to Dayton. Direct dialing to India was not available and every one seemed to be happy calling the ‘over-seas’ operator of AT & T. There was only one phone company!
Those were the days my friend…to borrow and paraphrase some famous lines from a song by Mary Hopkins – (mid to late 60s?)
Once upon a time, there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours,
Think of all the great things we would do
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we'd choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way
…Then, the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If, by chance, we’d see each other,
We'd smile and we'd say
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
…Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days
…Just tonight, I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass, I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely man really me?
…Oh, my friend, we're older but no wiser
For in our hearts, the dreams are still the same
…Those were the days, my friend
(and) We thought they'd never end…
* * *
Raghu Bharadwaj, the first president of the India Club who left Dayton in mid-70s and Atamjit Sigh, became Raghu’s successor as a president of the India Club. He could still be seen around minding his own business and showing up at an event or two to surprise some old-timers. His successor to the India Club’s Presidency was Dr. K. S. Nagaraja… and the list has grown and keeps growing. The past history of the Indian community and its memories are disappearing fast or are forgotten. And sadly nobody seems to care about it!
Dr. Nagaraja was affectionately called the original settler or Adi Wasi. Among those original settlers one could count Krishan Joshi, Atamjit Singh, Dahyabhai Patel, Yud Vir Rajput, Parma Sinha, Ramesh Mehan, late Dr. Shib Chattoraj (who arrived in mid-50s) and Naren Patel – all have been in and around Dayton for nearly five-decades.
Along this long and memorable journey we have lost many friends and familiar faces.
Dr. Nagaraja, (former President of the India Club and a member of the first Board of Trustees of the India Foundation) is no more with us, the tragic death of Dr. Sukhdev Singla, the tragedy of accidental death of Mohan Joshi in an auto accident on a wintry night not too long ago and later one of the members of his family too died succumbing to injuries suffered in an auto accident… Yes, the auto accidents have taken many lives, lives of many of our friends from this community of ours. How can we or who can forget the passing away of Shardaben Chauhan, Govindbhai Patel and the tragedy suffered by the Kumbhani family? The passing away of Ike Beediwala and Satish Jandial (a past President of the India Club, a member of the first Board of Trustees of the India Foundation), Vasant Kamdar and many more – all real good old-timers, good friends and valued community members. All gone! Mourned and mostly forgotten by the community.
90s brought a new generation of immigrants from India to our community in Dayton. Some arrived from other cities and states in this country and some started to arrive as a result of the globalization process. Some of our close friends also moved away to various cities and states for greener pastures or in search of greener pastures!
Then we crossed the dreadful end of the 20th century, the fear of Y2K and suddenly we are in the 21st century!
Now as the first decade of the 21st century is approaching, the community can proudly look at three magnificent buildings that bear the name of Raj Soin and the Soin Family. The Raj Soin College of Business and Administration on the campus of the Wright State University, the Soin Emergency Care and Trauma Center at the Children’s Medical Center and soon to open Raj and Indu Soin Hospital in Beavercreek, Ohio. The Soin family’s munificent donation of land for the golf club in Beavercreek, their support to World A’Fair – the major multi-cultural ethnic fair in Dayton and the list can go on and on…
And who can forget the Krishan and Vicky Joshi Research Center on the campus of the Wright State University?
Then there are Parma and Chaitali Sinha, Ramesh and Rene Mehan and Naren and Pushpa Patel families (and perhaps many more) who in one way or other have made indelible impression on the community life in Dayton.
These individuals have done a lot for the community in India as well as for the people of Dayton and Miami Valley. There is nothing to compare with these individuals’ business acumen, sagacity, foresightedness, their self-sacrifice and their desire to succeed, their generosity of spirit and their dedication to the community… They and people like them inspire us and make us all proud. May their tribe multiply!
And so it goes. Life moves on and so does the cycles of births and deaths. New people arrive and some old ones move on or pass away and the Asian Indian community keeps growing, though long on ambition but sadly short on memory the community flourishes, new generation is growing up fast and the roots laid down by the first arrivals from India get deeper and stronger!
So here’s a personal salute to all the pioneer residents of Dayton, many of you are gone but not forgotten – at least not by this writer…
By Harish Trivedi
© 2010
Having been resident of our community for over four-decades I have had opportunity to watch the birth of the India Club of Dayton, Umang Gujarati Samaj, Hindu Community Organization, the activities of the Swaminarayan Group, the Jain Samaj - an organization dedicated to the followers of Jainism and the building of Jain, Hindu, and Swaminarayan temples. And last but not the least the creation of the India Foundation.
In addition to all these community organizations - and I am sure I have missed some other ones that are also active in our community, there are also trade and professional organizations such as Asian Indian American Business Group, the Physicians of Indian Origin group and so on…
From around early 60s when there was a small community consisting mainly students and few employed individuals or entrepreneurs, the Asian Indian community has grown and keeps growing.
1960s was a time when there was not a single Indian restaurant, a very few Chinese restaurants and Japanese or Korean restaurants were non-existent. There was only one Mexican restaurant – the famous and locally owned Elsa’s on Linden Avenue and there was not even one Indian grocery store in sight.
While every one from India knew every one else from India in our community, the India Club or an organization for Indian community members was still only a dream of a few community minded individuals or it just seemed that way.
Nationally known Patel Bros, Raj Bhog, Eros and Neha Entertainment, India Plaza, Shrimati’s and all assorted nationally known businesses that cater to the Indian Diaspora where still in the imagination of gutsy businessmen or students who turned in to businessmen. Canned and or frozen Indian food or some thing resembling it had yet to appear on the market. Commercially available films on Video were not imagined yet and availability of Indian movies on video was not even contemplated.
At that time, many of the relatives, friends and family members of those living in and around Dayton area did not have phones at their homes India. In some instances it was always a visit to a neighbor’s house next door where one could receive a phone call or make one to Dayton. Direct dialing to India was not available and every one seemed to be happy calling the ‘over-seas’ operator of AT & T. There was only one phone company!
Those were the days my friend…to borrow and paraphrase some famous lines from a song by Mary Hopkins – (mid to late 60s?)
Once upon a time, there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours,
Think of all the great things we would do
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we'd choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way
…Then, the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If, by chance, we’d see each other,
We'd smile and we'd say
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
…Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days
…Just tonight, I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass, I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely man really me?
…Oh, my friend, we're older but no wiser
For in our hearts, the dreams are still the same
…Those were the days, my friend
(and) We thought they'd never end…
* * *
Raghu Bharadwaj, the first president of the India Club who left Dayton in mid-70s and Atamjit Sigh, became Raghu’s successor as a president of the India Club. He could still be seen around minding his own business and showing up at an event or two to surprise some old-timers. His successor to the India Club’s Presidency was Dr. K. S. Nagaraja… and the list has grown and keeps growing. The past history of the Indian community and its memories are disappearing fast or are forgotten. And sadly nobody seems to care about it!
Dr. Nagaraja was affectionately called the original settler or Adi Wasi. Among those original settlers one could count Krishan Joshi, Atamjit Singh, Dahyabhai Patel, Yud Vir Rajput, Parma Sinha, Ramesh Mehan, late Dr. Shib Chattoraj (who arrived in mid-50s) and Naren Patel – all have been in and around Dayton for nearly five-decades.
Along this long and memorable journey we have lost many friends and familiar faces.
Dr. Nagaraja, (former President of the India Club and a member of the first Board of Trustees of the India Foundation) is no more with us, the tragic death of Dr. Sukhdev Singla, the tragedy of accidental death of Mohan Joshi in an auto accident on a wintry night not too long ago and later one of the members of his family too died succumbing to injuries suffered in an auto accident… Yes, the auto accidents have taken many lives, lives of many of our friends from this community of ours. How can we or who can forget the passing away of Shardaben Chauhan, Govindbhai Patel and the tragedy suffered by the Kumbhani family? The passing away of Ike Beediwala and Satish Jandial (a past President of the India Club, a member of the first Board of Trustees of the India Foundation), Vasant Kamdar and many more – all real good old-timers, good friends and valued community members. All gone! Mourned and mostly forgotten by the community.
90s brought a new generation of immigrants from India to our community in Dayton. Some arrived from other cities and states in this country and some started to arrive as a result of the globalization process. Some of our close friends also moved away to various cities and states for greener pastures or in search of greener pastures!
Then we crossed the dreadful end of the 20th century, the fear of Y2K and suddenly we are in the 21st century!
Now as the first decade of the 21st century is approaching, the community can proudly look at three magnificent buildings that bear the name of Raj Soin and the Soin Family. The Raj Soin College of Business and Administration on the campus of the Wright State University, the Soin Emergency Care and Trauma Center at the Children’s Medical Center and soon to open Raj and Indu Soin Hospital in Beavercreek, Ohio. The Soin family’s munificent donation of land for the golf club in Beavercreek, their support to World A’Fair – the major multi-cultural ethnic fair in Dayton and the list can go on and on…
And who can forget the Krishan and Vicky Joshi Research Center on the campus of the Wright State University?
Then there are Parma and Chaitali Sinha, Ramesh and Rene Mehan and Naren and Pushpa Patel families (and perhaps many more) who in one way or other have made indelible impression on the community life in Dayton.
These individuals have done a lot for the community in India as well as for the people of Dayton and Miami Valley. There is nothing to compare with these individuals’ business acumen, sagacity, foresightedness, their self-sacrifice and their desire to succeed, their generosity of spirit and their dedication to the community… They and people like them inspire us and make us all proud. May their tribe multiply!
And so it goes. Life moves on and so does the cycles of births and deaths. New people arrive and some old ones move on or pass away and the Asian Indian community keeps growing, though long on ambition but sadly short on memory the community flourishes, new generation is growing up fast and the roots laid down by the first arrivals from India get deeper and stronger!
So here’s a personal salute to all the pioneer residents of Dayton, many of you are gone but not forgotten – at least not by this writer…
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