We are like this only - Part I

Yesterday, Batman and I were at the Indian Consulate in NYC to renew our passports. I know I have not been home in 5 years and 9 months and every time I have discussions on India or anything related to everyday life in India, I am quickly reminded that I do not have grasp of the changed India, with its tachno-savvy new breed, and the countless flyovers and wide-open highways. The soul of a nation does not change in 6 years. Deep rooted traditions and societal make-ups don't change with the flip of a switch. I know my country has its share of troubles and problems, with a lot of its residents struggling for 3 square meals a day. I hope to go back to India when I graduate. Some have asked me the reasons. I don't think I have a reasonable reason beyond, "Because, It is my country". No matter how long I stay in U.S. I'd never be able to associate myself to U.S. like I should. Pointy wrote on this using Major league soccer fans equivalent.

I digress. I just wanted to write on the sights and scenes at the Consulate. First up, As Batman and I were about to enter the passport division of the building, we made way for the family that was leaving the office. In the slightest space that was between us, a rather opportunistic gentleman squeezed in so that he could be ahead of us.. I felt nothing but humored by his apparent rush to get things done and not let that family through and walk behind us, like he should have!

An American lady was shouting at the woman working the information window. Apparently, her stupid (sic) secretary sent her VISA papers to the consulate instead of the travel agent and she wanted them back. The Info woman was trying to tell her how to get them and she wouldn't have any of it and instead.. "YOU LISTEN TO ME. I NEED MY PASSPORT. NOW. LET ME TALK TO YOUR SUPERVISOR". She could have easily sorted it all out if she would've been a little more patient and talk in a reasonable, not-so-rude tone. I hope she learned something from this.

I was waiting my turn to hand in the documents. My token # was 893 and the display at the office goes from 01 to 99. This one guy with #903 walks up to me while 93 was on the display to tell me that its his turn as 93 stands for 903.. Nice try buddy. After I told him that he shouldn't try that cheap trick on me, he walks away with a sheepish grin. He goes back to his spot in the line with a smile that smacked of, "I tried to pull a fast one and it didn't work".

I was told that they needed to check something about my passport and I missed the 11 AM deadline for same-day pick up of the new passport. While I was waiting for the checking to be done and pay the passport fees, a guy approached me and asked in broken punjabi about the procedure. He did not speak any English or Hindi. When I tried to explain it to him in either language, I just got a blank stare as reply. Although it wasn't his turn (#935) he quickly went to an open window, which prompted the next guy in line to inquire about #935. I told him, "He doesn't seem to understand the procedure, I explained it to him and I don't think he got it". Quickly came the retort, "Why can't I cut the line?". I told him #935 doesn't seem to be a literate and he doesn't have an idea of how to do it.. He deadpanned, "So?".

When I paid the fees and was told that, since I missed the 11 AM, i either have to come back the next day to pick it up or have it mailed. I told the person at the window that I am from out of town and I can't come back the next day and I needed the passport ASAP to get my other paperwork such as I-20 and I-9 taken care of. She said she can't do much about the deadline but however, I could have the passport mailed to me overnight for $15 more. As I was paying the extra money, another person who overheard part of the conversation, assumed that I was giving a bribe or something and goes on to comment "Oh yeah! Money talks", loud enough to be heard by me and as well as the person behind the window. I was thoroughly appalled with his questioning of both our integrities... I gave him the most disgusted look and told him that I was just paying the extra fee for overnight mail. He moves away without the slightest apology for having questioned the intergrity of two people. I mean, COME ON. I know there is corruption in a lot of places, but just plain assuming without any real basis???