When we started working on this site, the first thing that we did was collecting feedback and suggestions from our Indian friends. Surprisingly, or should we say NOT surprisingly, we met with a lot of resistance and discouragement. Following are excerpts from the actual correspondence and conversations: (Our replies are in RED color text)

 “Why are you worried about your country ? “

 My country? It is your country too. Remember, you were born and brought up in India. If I don’t worry and you don’t care who else is going to bother?

“Changing India is an IMPOSSIBLE task.”

 It is difficult but definitely not impossible. Any task is ONLY as difficult as you make it out to be.

“India will never change,because Indians will never change”

 You got me there!! India will never change unless and until people like you change first.

 “Take care of your family first” 

 I can take care of my family and do something for the country at the same time. Didn’t anyone tell you that the two things ARE NOT Mutually Exclusive?

“What? You spend 25 dollars per month for maintaining this site? You must be crazy. 25 dollars translates to 1200 rupees in India. Save money for your future.” 

 Haven’t you heard “Give and thou shall receive”? It is because of this tendency of always putting themselves ahead of the country that Indians are rich but not India. I am not saying go bankrupt for your country but every paisa counts. We all do have our own capacity of giving back to the country – it could be 50s for a middle class person while 1000s it might be for a richer person. All that you have to do is give back according to your own capacity.

My family will advise me against taking all these risks and tell me not to waste my time in all these community activities.

 Then changing the mindset of your family must be your first step. We are trying to do the same with ours. You don’t stand much chance of convincing a friend or a total stranger unless you convince your family first. Charity is not the only thing that begins at home!