I have no regrets whatsoever.
Inland migration in search of opportunity has created a new class of modern day girmitiyas (a euphemism for the migrant Bihari labourers who built Mauritius, Fiji and Surinam, so-called after the contracts of the indentured labourers, which they called GIRMIT or agreement). Today it comprises of both blue and white collar migrant workforce from the state. Of all the places it’s Gujarat which has adopted this class with far more openness and affection. While the ugly politics of regional identity often keeps intimidating the girmitiyas elsewhere off and on, Gujarat has ensured opportunity with security and dignity. Today, these modern girmitiyas are Gujarat’s most ardent spokespersons and brand ambassadors. They feel safe, secure and are not discriminated against on the basis of linguistic or cultural identity. Submergence of identity is not a precondition for allegiance in Gujarat. If you can’t speak Gujarati, it doesn’t matter. The conversation can still go on in Hindi and Gujarati. Interestingly, there may be occasions when your local maid or vegetable vendor would insist on Hindi even if you can converse in Gujarati. The much touted Gujarati Asmita (Gujarati pride) is not an assertion of any sub-national identity. Therefore, your ‘otherliness’ is not a source of misery for you; neither socially nor politically. So instead of feeling like a migrant, you feel like a naturalized citizen in the state; one who has a stake in its growth and development. After some time you realize as if your stake holding is more emotional than practical.
It’s a peculiar state. It thrives under crisis and possesses an uncanny tenacity to bounce back. The 1994 plague epidemic devastated Surat. But when it overcame the crisis the city transformed from a badsurat (filthy) to a khoobsurat (beautiful) city. In 2008-09 Surat was rated the best performing city and best mega city under Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) Sub-Mission of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The state rose from rubbles after the shattering earthquake of 2001 in a matter of few years. Those of us who survived this disaster, having seen buildings crumbling like a house of cards, never imagined the state would overcome this crisis and rebuild itself in such a way as if the calamity never happened. The 2002 riots were most unfortunate no doubt, but even worse was the endless outcry in media and ceaseless political onslaught on the image of Gujarat which didn’t allow an early reconciliation. The most traumatic was the experience of being branded communal the moment you uttered anything positive about Gujarat. Nevertheless, the state moved on and set an enviable track record of development.