And for a Friday …. returning after a short vacation from Bangkok amidst the huge commotion on H1B US visas …… some thoughts …. some musings……
It was a unique opportunity to be part of the visiting Malayali family to attend a 28th day naming ceremony of a Global baby in Bangkok -Adi Kalra Nair …..: born to a Mallu father working out of UN Organisation, a Punjabi ( Sardarni) Mother … who are now third generation Thais from Punjab settled in Bangkok … the baby ….- a Global child had a naming ceremony which beautifully blended Kerala Hindu traditions plus Punjabi Khalsa rituals …. a splendid example of “Vasudeva. Kuttumbum” ……. the baby truly symbolises Global children of the coming Generations who will transcend all Religion & country boundaries to live in love …peace & harmony ……..what better place than Bangkok a city of 11 million people …. but reputed as the World’s most visited city by international Tourists ….receiving on average 32 million Tourists annually …. to enjoy the city’s hospitality ……famous for its vibrant Night Life , Michelin Star Chefs, Street foods , cultural heritage , popular landmarks , Night clubs , Live Music Concerts & various Party styles ….. a city working 24×7 …. A City that never sleeps …..
Last weekend most upper Middle class families in urban India were at their wits end …… US HIB visa mandated paying 85 lakhs per year , confused Employers sent out S.O.S to all Employees holidaying in India & travelling out of the country to return to US before Monday 22 nd to avoid paying 85 lakhs or risk visa cancellation …… there were hectic phone calls……. Understand an Emirates flight to India via the Gulf was delayed for four hours at Dallas as families were torn apart…… some had to alight from the flight on fear of their H1B being cancelled …. the White House clarification in the weekend that the new rules were only for new applicants came as a HUGE relief to almost most upper Middle class families in India who have somebody dear … relative or others in the US ….. such is the close bonding between some Indian families & US life …….: in the end all is well that ends well ….. new H1B visa is not a major problem …Germany, France & EU countries are welcoming Professionals from India ……current year companies had applied for 14056 visas & have received only 2144 visas till date ….. so no panic …..:: so far so good ….
These are globally volatile times ….. two continuous wars …. trade & business models facing upheavals …. let us all support our country to navigate these tough times …. the United way …… the Globally sustainable way ….. the SEEGOS way.