I never really had any close friends in India, and I felt a terrible loneliness and isolation for many years. Westernized Indians don't like my books and I tend not to like westernized Indians - so we're quits.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I'm a first-generation American, so I had friends from several cultures while growing up, including Indian and Iranian friends.
The building of friendship, family, community and love is complicated. We are so isolated in this country, no longer supported by tribes and villages.
Ultimately, my connection to my Indian-ness comes back to my mom and dad. They would all tell me and my siblings stories about their life in India, so it was very close to my two brothers and my sister and I.
There is a huge sense of loneliness as people leave villages and move to cities. It's hard to find that human connection as you move away from where you started.
Moving to India was challenging being a foreigner. I don't have any family here. I didn't have anyone to guide me. But I never felt for a second that I am not welcome here.
I don't have many friends; I'm very much a loner. As a child I was very isolated, and I've never been really close to anyone.
I grew up in a small town in India, but through books I knew the world.
Members of India's diaspora, living in distant lands of the world, my good wishes to all of you. You may be far away from India, but you are always close to our hearts.
Indians have a big problem with alcohol and drugs. I grew up with an admiration for their culture and was sensitive to their problems.
I was raised by the Indian community, and those families are still very close to us. We used to go to each others' houses one Sunday a month, so we got to know everyone well. Also, we love Indian food and can't get enough of it.