HOLDING ON TO NEW REALIZATIONS as much as possible, before they slip out into oblivion.
One of the biggest differences between living in USA and living in India is the presence/lack of personal, real-life conversation and this virtual conversation on social media. No matter how powerful your writing is and how real your feelings are, you simply cannot touch family and friends on Facebook and Twitter, or email or blog your smiles or tears.
Powerful USA, a country that takes pride in its individualistic lifestyle and keeps breaking down the real society in the name of democracy or freedom (which is so fake and superficial), has now colonized the privileged class in India, but it still has a very long way to go before it can take over the vast majority of poor Indians — Bengalis, Punjabis, Marathis, Tamils, Hindus, Muslims, atheists or tribals — and their life of togetherness.
And because I belong to that class, I feel so good to be in that environment of togetherness. It exudes love, care and respect, and you can feel it and touch it and smell it and eat it and drink it, in spite of the lovelessness and lack of care and disrespect and hurt that slowly sink in and destroy hope for humanity. It is not easy to describe it, and because my first language is not English, I have a hard time describe it, although I try.
I am writing my Bengali memoir now, and all of the above feelings come through, perhaps better illustrated there (and I’m looking for translators). But I translate my feelings constantly in English for the educated and privileged audience, who “matter more” with their economic, social and political powers.
I never use sexy language, and refuse to be a part of the corporate-media-driven, fake sensationalism and narcissism. I never “like” a post without reading it first. I never comment without thinking twice about it and its consequence.
I use social media in USA because there is no real-life society, except for my relatively small labor union and activism circles. If I had a real society like the one I just came back from, I would refuse Facebook altogether.
People tell me that I have made a difference in their lives and thinking process through my work, writing and teaching, and that’s blessing from some God I truly don’t know. But please know that this virtual medium is only stop gap for me.
I would rather be out there with you, holding your hand, looking in your eyes, and smiling together. Sharing together, knowing we’re actually listening. That is life. Do not destroy it, India. Do not destroy it, Bengal, Punjab. Do not let them destroy the society, America.
Individualism-only is not freedom or democracy. A real society is.
Hold on to it.
Sincerely Yours,
Partha
Back in Brooklyn, New York
Humanity College 
I have a lump in my throat as I write this, Dada. You spoke the words which were in the hearts of everyone who thinks, in India. For myself, though I started out being every bit as reactionary and elitist as you may have thought and though I was every bit as superficial as my comments showed me to be, two or three of your blog posts and Facebook comments and how you refuted my arguments, opened my eyes. I no longer watch the world cup of cricket without a certain cynicism about the money being made or the world cup of football without ruing what it did to the economy of Brasil. In a way you have opened my eyes. Let your words never cease. Guide us even when we are recalcitrant and reluctant, help us even when we are obdurate and teach us, even when we turn away.
Very touched. I just returned from Kolkata. Wish we had met. Maybe, next time. Do keep in touch. I believe every word of you.
Thank you, Partha, for your blog. For me, the internet is my window to the world, because I am not physically able to see it, and so I think it is wonderful, I enjoy seeing yours and others pictures on facebook, because it allows me to travel in a way However, I agree with you,,,a virtual hug is not the same as a hug, and a virtual smile is not the same as seeing a radiant smile on someone’s face..I think it is a matter of balance. We can and should have the option of having both.
True. The balance is disappearing.