“Do Indians value NRI achievers more than homegrown successes?”

Says who?? Indians in any field, resident Indian or NRIs, be it in sports, IT, Literature, Industry or politics, have always emanated the same kind of response from the ever vigilant Indian media and the ever hopeful Indian masses. Sachin Tendulkar is in no way valued less than Chanderpaul, nor is Tagore considered in any way lower to Rushdie. The fact is that the world always tends to categorize success into degrees, and it is generally true that NRIs achieve greater success due to greater exposure, and better facilities.

However, Indians have a tendency to stake claim to anybody of Indian origin, that makes it look as if foreigners (of Indian origin), and NRIs, are valued more than the poor achievers back home. Be it Dhorashu of the French soccer team, or V.S.Naipaul of the literary fame, Indians have always vouched for them as their own, though they themselves may not think so.

In case of Mittal, the adulation is beyond doubt justified by the position he has earned for himself, and the magnitude of Arcelor-Mittal Empire. Let the TATAs do the same, and we shall all give them a standing ovation too!!!