Theory Of Relativity

The cab driver was from Kerala. He had been only in the country for 8 months, and said that he had already decided he wanted to return home to his family and to his spare parts business.

He spoke understandable, if not perfect, English, sprinkled occasionally with words that made clear that he was quite educated. While I knew that people from Kerala were generally very educated, it was still to some surprise that I eventually found out he was a chartered accountant. The problem was that companies in India were apparently unwilling to employ people with no work experience. There were thousands of talented people like him in his hometown with education, credentials and ability. So, to make a living, he had to go abroad. He was 28, and had a wife and two young daughters to bring up.

The other Kerala Indians I have met here have practically worked here all their lives. They typically have lived and worked here for more than 20 years, never really assimilating, and living a life of hardship where they saw their loved ones for a month every year.

This particular cab driver was adamant that this sort of life was not for him. He said - with emphasis - that he was looking for "satisfaction" in his life. And that "life" - presumably family - was more important to him. He would rather be poor in India but spending time with his family, than working far away.

To him, it was a difficult choice, but the right one.