As I sat here in Detroit, MI and missed "India", it brought up the interesting question - What is "India" and what is it that I miss?

Is it the people - the chatwallahs at the markets plying their tasty treats in markets, the young kids standing at the street corners waiting for their school buses, the random cyclewallahs who consitute the teeming mass of people on any Indian road, the young professionals with their ties in their Maruti Zens who are in a hurry to go places, the auntijis as they haggle with the local sabziwallah...

Is it the language - the beautiful songs about the beatiful seasons, the exquisite facets of various kinds of love, the mighty rivers, breath-taking valleys and powerful mountains that abound in my country, the architecturally stunning craftsmanship of my country's temples? The ability of the language to accurately depict these beautiful elements of my country and evoke such strong feelings in me...

Is it the food - the unique mouth-watering treats that the wizards across the country can conjure up from the same raw materials available all over the world. The sheer breadth of culinary delight that is available to the everyday Indian is simply stunning and overwhelming to the first-timer. From the casual chats and bhelpuris to the more involved Bisibelabaths and Kazhis, the array is mouth-watering to say the least...

Is it the Cricket - the exhileration when Tendulkar rocks back and pulls Shoaib Akhtar over mid-wicket for a six, the adrenalin rush when Pathan swings the ball through the defences of a batsman, the sheer awe when Rahul goes down on one knee to cut a ball past the covers. When Ganguly runs out onto the pitch with his hairy torso, I am not repulsed but very proud to be Indian...

It is my parents - my sweet, caring and loving mother who watches out for my every need and has taken care of me throughout my life; a person who's life has revolved around me and my brother for as long as I can remember; her unfailing worry whenever I set out to do anything; her unerring, positive advice and guidance in every single aspect of my life. My gentle hard-working father who set out to give me all the possible opportunities in life; my father who travelled the globe spending time away from his family so that his family could have time together; my father who always led by example - an exemplary son and human being...

I dont think there is a single aspect that I can pick and call it "India" but it is a combination of all these factors which make my India the best place in the world!!!