Why did Shah Rukh not return immediately?

Shah Rukh was subjected to humiliation at Newark airport. It is not the first instance and perhaps not the last one also, where such treatment was meted out to an Indian in US, and it will continue to happen unless we shun our colonial mindset

CJ: Om Prakash Yadav

Mon, Aug 17, 2009 10:40:44 IST

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Shahrukh Khan :

THE FRISKING of Shahrukh Khan at Newark airport in USA and humiliating treatment meted out to him by immigration authorities has triggered a debate in India as to why US authorities do such condemnable acts against Indians and many other non Americans and non Europeans. It is not the first instance and perhaps not the last one also. Many politicians including former President APJ Kalam and the veteran socialist leader and former Defence Minister George Fernandese and many others have so far been subjected to such humiliations in the past.

The question is not why the Americans do all such things, the more perturbing question is that why then we, the Indians, give preferential treatment to the Americans when they come to India. Our leaders, officials and stars go all the way to the apron to receive them on red carpet at airports. Remember, when Bill Clinton came to India, as then President of USA, we created media hype to such a magnitude that every newspaper and TV channels were flooded with news unconnected with his official programmes. We relish reading things like what Bill robe and ate, where and in which room he retires etc, the madness was such that some TV channels and newspapers published photographs of rooms, in which he stayed and the bed on which the couple slept even after his departure from India. The height of sycophancy is such that we start praising Americans on the issues we do understand. We start holding debates on their dress, food, etiquettes etc, without understanding their American background.

Security checking at airports for security reasons under prevailing condition is good and should be cooperated with but doing in a disproportionate magnitude is deplorable and condemnable. If USA and other western countries resort to such practices, why do we not adopt uniform and standard operating procedure (SOP) for such visits?

It, in a way, betrays our inferiority complex and colonial vestiges. After all, why Shahrukh Khan did not return back instantly in protest against what he called, humiliating treatment meted to him? He should have told the organisers after that it is due to this, what he called, unprofessional and inhuman attitude and behaviour of the American officials at airport, he decided to return back and not do perform before the audience. He did not do that and perhaps he would go again to US, if heavy amount is paid for any programme.

It is time, we ponder in a more professional and non emotional way. We can adopt similar professional approach towards them. It, however, does not mean that we humiliate or hurt them but we can make them understand that look, here is this country which can not tolerate humiliation of its citizens. It seems that our disrespect and utter neglect to our ideals and our heritage has allowed the situation to take such ugly shape, after all what explains that ‘Raj Ghat’ the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, our Bapu, was allowed to be inspected by American dogs to make it sanitised for the US President to pay homage.

We must learn to respect ourselves before seeking respect from others. Mind it, there is difference between hospitality and flattery.

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Posted comments (6)

	Many politicians and celebrities get away with anything in our country. They should be treated like ordinary citizens. Security should NOT be compromised because of a person's status. And Ambika Soni's comments were embarrassing and uncalled for. Chidambaran also should have kept his mouth shut.
	Arun \| 22 August 2009 Reply to Comment \| New Comment \| Report Abuse

	It is a normal procedure in US. There is a great cultural difference between US and India, In India we have a VIP culture where every third person tries to stand in VIP quota and get the advantage. This is not in US. Every one is common and has to abide by the rules. I do not understand why this issue is getting raised everywhere? Protection of a country is more important than any VIP treatment.
	Rohit Ranjan \| 19 August 2009 Reply to Comment \| New Comment \| Report Abuse

	Sharukh felt humiliated because he was treated in par with everyone else and given no special treatment. The US Border & Customs & TSA agents are doing their job, no matter who is entering the country or criss crossings across states. One has to adhere to the security regulations and random checks. It depends on how you handle and conduct yourself with the agent.
	Ben \| 19 August 2009 Reply to Comment \| New Comment \| Report Abuse