India's Greatest Gift - NAMASTE!

India compared to the world, can be attributed to a bagful of superlatives. If we ponder into the past, India was even the single largest contributor to the world's GDP. But what I believe is India's greatest gift to the world is something as old as thousands of years B.C.E. and something as simple as a gesture!

It's the famous NAMASTE!

This gesture ranks above any other in the world in my list. Handshakes have a thing above the strength of the hold. You will be judged by your grip strength. A pat on the back raises the issue of being inferior/superior. Hugs are ominous also. Some say people are close friends when they hug, some say it's a show. But knowingly or unknowingly, when people come to India and they reciprocate a NAMASTE with a NAMASTE, they actually bow down!

Yes! From the Premieres of various countries to a beggar on the street, everybody bows down for the NAMASTE. Two people bow down to each other at the same time, This is irrespective of who's rich/poor, superior/inferior, strong/weak. The ego factor is simply omitted! And that's the beauty of this gesture. Everybody is equal!

What more can I say for a country that has been preaching Equality for several 1000 years now! On the 69th Independence Day of India, I re-affirm my pride of being an Indian. What a country! I am indeed blessed to be born an Indian!

Jaya hai, Jaya hai, Jaya hai!
Victory forever to you!
Jai Hind!