NRI = Never Returning Indian

Whenever NRIs who have migrated abroad complain that life abroad is tougher than in India – or – whenever I meet an NRI with a “guilty conscience” who says he feels homesick about India – I remember this article I had written a few years ago.

FAKE HOMESICKNESS

The NON RESIDENT INDIAN (NRI) WITH A GUILTY CONSCIENCE

A Conversation

By

VIKRAM KARVE

A few days ago I met an NRI.

You know what NRI means – don’t you...?

Of course you do – NRI means NON RESIDENT INDIAN.

Of course – there is a “RESIDENT INDIAN” Friend of mine – who jokingly says – that NRI means: “NEVER TO RETURN TO INDIA”. 

In a nutshell – my Resident Indian Friend defines NRI as:

NRI = Never Returning Indian

What my Resident Indian friend says has a ring of truth about it – none of my classmates who went abroad (mostly to the USA) for higher studies returned home to India. 

They all settled down in America. 

I think almost all of them are American Citizens now. 

So since they have relinquished Indian Citizenship and taken up citizenship of their chosen land – and now they consciously and willingly pledge allegiance to their chosen country and not India – it may be apt to call them American Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) rather than NRI.

I met one such PIO the other day. 

I was surprised that after enjoying the fruits of living abroad (in the land of opportunity and prosperity) for more than 30 years – he still seemed to have a guilty conscience about leaving India (and “abandoning” his parents and loved ones – leaving them behind to fend for themselves).

I asked him a simple question: “Why don’t you come back...?”

He gave me all sorts of excuses which were far from convincing (in his heart I think even he knew it).

To cheer him up – I told him the following:

1. No one forced you to go abroad (like the indentured labour sent by the British from India to other colonies when thousands of Indians were transported to various colonies of European powers to provide labour for the sugar plantations). 

You migrated to the USA by your own free will. 

Like so many others you went to the land of opportunity – USA – to realize your “American Dream”.

2. In fact – when we were studying engineering in the 1970s – it was you who was desperate to go to America for higher studies – and you were running from pillar to post to get admission to a good university in the USA and arranging finances (scholarship and loan) despite the fact that you were getting a good job in India in campus placement.

Even if you wanted to study more and do your postgraduation – you could have easily got admission to the best of IITs in India. 

On the other hand – persons like me stayed back in India – despite having an excellent opportunity to go abroad to America – you know that.

3. Obviously – you felt that America is a better place than India to live in. 

Otherwise – you wouldn’t have gone through all the trouble of migrating in the first place. 

If you had really wanted to – you could have come back to India on completion of your studies. 

With your qualifications – I am sure you would have got a good job here in India. 

But – you continued staying there – you relinquished Indian Citizenship – and – you acquired American Citizenship.

4. Till now you have prospered in your adopted country and enjoyed the fruits of living in America. 

The main reason you left India and migrated for “greener” pastures abroad was to have a “better” life since you felt that you could achieve that “better” life by migrating abroad rather than staying back in India. You have achieved your life’s aim. 

So – in hindsight – what are you feeling guilty about?

5. There is no need to have a guilty conscience about leaving India (and your near and dear one’s) for a better life abroad. 

Forget about us. 

Stop feeling guilty and enjoy the “better life” out there (the very reason for which you migrated).

6. And – if you truly love India so much – then –  just pack your bags and come back forever. 

But – remember one thing. 

Come back because you really love India and only if you honestly want to come back and serve your motherland. 

Do not come back for some selfish reasons of your own (materialistic, economic, career ambition, “greener pastures” etc) 

My NRI friend smiled like a Cheshire Cat. 

I knew he was never going to come back. 

He was just faking homesickness.

He was just trying to put on a false pretence of guilty conscience for our consumption. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This is a revised repost of my article posted online a number of times earlier at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/01/nri-with-guilty-conscience.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/08/fake-homesickness-nri-with-guilty.html and https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/12/foreign-indian-versus-resident-indian.html etc

Humor in Uniform – “Duty Watch” in Action

Humor in Uniform

“DUTY WATCH” IN ACTION 

Hilarious “Memoir” from My Wonderful Navy Days

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

Way back in the 1970’s – when we were trainees at the Naval Academy Cochin (Kochi) – we used to go for our drill practice to the neighbouring Gunnery School Drill Square.

There would be GI’s (Gunnery Instructors) lurking everywhere – prowling at every nook and corner – waiting to yell at us for the smallest of infractions in parade drill.

Once – when the “guard” was being marched in for morning Divisions – a Chief GI bellowed at the top of his voice: 

“Is that the Guard – or – is it the bloody “Duty Watch”…? March smartly – not like the ‘duty watch’…”

He implied that instead of marching smartly like a “guard” – we were walking in a rather slovenly manner like a “duty watch”.

While sailing – and in harbour too – the ship’s company is organized in “watches” to operate a ship 24/7.  Earlier it was the “2 Watch System” (1-in-2) – where half the sailors would be on duty – and the other half would take rest – but now – it is mostly a “3 Watch System” (1-in-3) – where one-third of the crew are on duty and the remainder 2/3^rd are off-duty and take rest.

The “watch” on duty is called the “Duty Watch”.

When a ship returns to harbour – everyone wants to rush ashore – the married sailors want to meet their families – and the bachelors want to have a good time and paint the town red.

But – sadly – the “Duty Watch” has to remain on board ship – and – obviously – the sailors in the “Duty Watch” are quite demoralized – and this is reflected in their bearing – as they move around in a rather dispirited manner. This is what the Chief GI was implying when he yelled at us: “March smartly – not like the ‘duty watch’…”

Now – I must tell you a rather amusing “Duty Watch” story which happened around 37 years ago – in the late 1970’s.

“DUTY WATCH” IN ACTION

Once we joined the Navy – we realized that the slogan “Join the Navy and See the World” applied to the Merchant Navy and not the Indian Navy.

In fact – due to ‘austerity measures’ – even the so-called “cruises” to nearby countries had been curtailed.

We were – therefore – delighted when our ship was sent on a “cruise” to an island nation – an archipelago – in the Indian Ocean.

The sea was quite rough – but then – as we approached the Equator – the sea became calm.

Soon – we crossed the Equator – and had the customary “Crossing the Line Ceremony” – which transformed us from “Pollywogs” into “Shellbacks”.

In due course – we reached our destination – and – the moment land was sighted – the first person to surface was the Ship’s Doctor – who had dived below into the sick-bay the moment we had left our base port Mumbai (then called Bombay).

Now – our Doctor was a “sea sick type” – and he used to hit the bunk the moment the sailing order was received.

But now – he was dressed in the best of “civvies” – a bright red T-Shirt – looking out for his “girlfriend” (his medical college classmate) – who was settled here – and was waiting for him on the jetty.

The moment we came alongside at 10 in the morning – the magnanimous Captain announced a “modified routine” – and “liberty” was piped – and soon – everyone was “ashore” – except the unlucky “Duty Watch” – who haplessly watched their shipmates proceed ashore to have a good time.

Of course – since it was ‘modified routine’ – rather than hold back 1/3^rd of the sailors – besides the OOD (Officer of the Day) – a reduced ‘Duty Watch’ was held back on board – in order to let maximum sailors enjoy the ‘liberty’.

By noon – the officers and sailors – were spread all over the island – on the beaches, in the bars and pubs – enjoying themselves to the hilt.

The Captain was enjoying himself in the Yacht Club – where he had been invited for Lunch – by the crème de la crème of society.

At around 3:30 in the afternoon – after plenty of beer and a sumptuous lunch – the satiated Captain was contemplating going back to his ship for a “siesta” – but he was reminded that he was required to proceed to the sports stadium as the “Chief Guest” for the “friendly” football match between the visiting “ship’s company” and local club which was to begin at 4 o’clock in the evening.

“Oh, Yes…” he said –  vaguely remembering the invitation for the football match – the message had been delivered to him the moment the ship had come alongside – and he had marked it down to his XO (Executive Officer) for “necessary action”.

The Captain then went ashore – to the Yacht Club – and within seconds – his XO followed him out – and soon – he was swimming away on the best beach – trying to woo the beauties in bikinis.

Everyone had gone ashore – the “Duty Watch” was hanging around morosely – and the OOD (Officer of the Day) was drowning his sorrows in the Wardroom.

At around 3 in the afternoon – a bus arrived on the jetty.

A ‘Liaison Officer’ alighted from the bus – walked up the gangway from the jetty to the ship – and informed the gangway duty quartermaster that he had come to pick-up the ‘football team’.

The Duty Quartermaster called up the Wardroom to inform the OOD.

“What bloody ‘football team’…?” the OOD muttered annoyingly.

“I don’t know, Sir…” the quartermaster said.

“Okay – I am coming up…” the OOD said – and he downed the remains of his beer – put on his cap – and walked up to the gangway.

After speaking to the ‘Liaison Officer’ – the OOD asked the Quartermaster: “Do you know anything about this…?”

“No, Sir...” he said.

“Okay – call the ‘Duty Signalman’…” the OOD ordered.

The ‘Duty Signalman’ was duly piped for – and he arrived within a minute.

“Yes, Sir…” the ‘Duty Signalman’ said, “there was a message regarding a ‘football match’ – the Captain marked it down to the XO – so I left it on the XO’s table…”

“Bloody Hell – did the XO see the message…?” the OOD asked the ‘Duty Signalman’.

“Sir – I don’t know….”

“You buggers are great – now – go on the double and get the message…” the OOD shouted.

The OOD read the message.

The friendly football match was scheduled at 4 PM.

The time now was 3:15 PM – just 45 minutes to go for the match.

The OOD did some quick thinking.

Recalling the ship’s company was not feasible – the sailors would be all over the island – enjoying themselves – on beaches, in bars and on the streets.

So – the OOD told the Quartermaster: 

“I want the ‘Duty Watch’ assembled here immediately.”

The Quartermaster piped “Duty Watch Fall-in on Gangway” – and within minutes – the ‘Duty Watch’ had fallen-in on the gangway.

The OOD asked the Quartermaster and the Duty Engine Room Sailor to fall-out.

Around 15 ‘Duty Watch’ sailors remained on deck.

The OOD told the rest of the ‘Duty Watch’ sailors: 

“You are proceeding to play a football match – 11 of you will play – the rest of you will be ‘substitutes’ and sit on the bench – now change into sports rig – and – do your best…”

With the ‘Duty Watch’ playing the Football Match against a talented local team – you can well imagine the result of the match – thankfully – the referee blew the whistle before the score could reach double figures.

The embarrassed Captain was the only one cheering his Ship’s Team – while his Officers and Sailors were painting the town red.

EPILOGUE

Next morning – the ‘Master-At-Arms’ informed the XO about the Football Match Fiasco and then he asked the XO: “Sir – about liberty today…?”

The XO – who had come back to the ship in a most ‘happy’ state in the wee hours of the morning – and was nursing a terrible hangover – said: “Bloody Hell – after yesterday’s fiasco – the Captain is sure to stop ‘liberty’ today – do one thing – why don’t you ask the Captain directly…?”

“Sir – I was told by the Quartermaster that the Captain has already gone ashore…” the Master-at-Arms said.

“Okay – that means that he hasn’t stopped ‘liberty’ – so announce ‘liberty’ as usual…” the XO said happily.

Later – we met the Captain sunbathing on a beach.

We expected a tongue-lashing.

But the Captain did not utter a single word about the ‘Duty Watch’ Football Match Fiasco.

The Captain just said that he was happy the officers and ship’s sailors were enjoying themselves.

As far as the ‘Duty Watch’ Football Match Fiasco was concerned – we realized that the Captain’s silence was the most effective reprimand.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This is a repost of my story DUTY WATCH posted by me Vikram Karve online earlier in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/01/humor-in-uniform-duty-watch.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/humor-in-uniform-duty-watch.html

SECURITY CONSCIOUSNESS

SECURITY CONSCIOUSNESS

Security is Everyone’s Business

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

When we were in the Navy we were taught that safety and security was everyone’s business. 

If we found anything amiss, anywhere on the ship, we intervened immediately to redress the issue. 

We did not adopt a “chalta hai” lackadaisical attitude nor did we indulge in “jurisdictional” quibbling saying it is not my part of ship so it is none of my business or why should I poke my nose into someone else’s affairs.

On a Ship, Safety and Security was everybody’s business because if there was a lapse we would all “sink” together to the Davy Jones’s Locker at the bottom of the sea.

In today’s environment the same dictum holds true for you and me in the civilian world as well – security is your business, security is my business, security is everyone’s business.

In the distant past, security was the business of the security forces. 

The defence forces were responsible for “external” security and it was the job of the police to maintain internal law and order.

If you lived in a “safe” civilian place you were quite secure and it was the security forces who faced the dangers fighting the adversaries.

Recent events, over the past few years, have shown that this is no longer true and each one of us is vulnerable.

So it is high time each one of us became security conscious because in today’s environment security is everyone’s business.

There are two weak spots (or Achilles’ Heels) that undermine security consciousness:

1. “Chalta Hai”  Casual Attitude

2. Corruption

1. “CHALTA HAI” CASUAL ATTITUDE

Rules are in place but you don’t bother to follow them because of your “Chalta Hai” Casual Attitude

Let me give you an example.

There is a rule that when you rent out your house you are required to get police verification of antecedents of your tenants and proper registration of the rent deed or lease agreement done in the prescribed manner.

When we insisted that this rule be scrupulously followed in our residential society there was a deluge of protests from the non-resident owners.

These non-resident owners were real estate investors who have purchased flats for renting out.

Now-a-days non-resident “investors” heavily outnumber resident “end-user” owners in most new housing societies, at least in Pune.

They protested that this “unnecessary harassment” of tenants was affecting rental rates in our society.

When we explained to them that this was a mandatory security requirement they scoffed at us saying that we were being “dogmatic” and they scornfully told us that generally no one followed this rule.

Because of such casual attitudes towards security, it is no wonder that it is so easy for undesirable persons to rent a house and find a place to stay from where they can plan and conduct their nefarious activities.

Do you insist on police verification of antecedents of the people you employ at home, in your workplace and in your neighbourhood or residential society?

If you find a suspicious vehicle parked near your house or workplace or you see something irregular, a suspicious new structure or encroachment or an unknown person appearing suddenly, will you report it or will you look the other way saying it is none of your business and it is the job of the police.

Of course, the police are doing their job but haven’t you too got some responsibility towards security.

Remember, God forbid, if something bad happens, it can be you or your near and dear ones who may be casualties.

2. CORRUPTION

One of the main reasons why India is considered a “Soft State” and easy target is the rampant corruption prevalent at all levels.

If you pay a bribe anything is possible.

Conversely, if you do not pay a bribe then it is difficult to get things done.

You may have seen news reports of how easy it is for illegal immigrants from foreign countries to obtain various identity documents and residential proof documents like PAN Card, Aadhaar UID Card, Voter ID Card, Ration Card, Driving Licence etc by paying bribes.

It is cruel irony that whereas genuine honest bonafide citizens have to struggle to get these documents made, persons who are not citizens of this country manage to get them by paying bribes. 

Earlier it was a mystery to me as to how foreigners can so easily enter our country and comfortably settle down here and carry on their activities, but now the reason seems to be quite clear – Corruption.

Wherever you are, whatever post you hold, remember that when you take a bribe you may be compromising security.

And each time you give a bribe (as mamool or speed-money) you are establishing a Corrupt Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which can be detrimental to security.

Security Consciousness entails eradication of corruption and unless corruption is contained we cannot become secure and safe.

Security is everyone’s business so we must do our bit to eliminate the two weak spots (or Achilles’ Heels) that undermine security consciousness – let us get rid of our “Chalta Hai” Casual Attitude towards Security and let us strive to eradicate Corruption.

Like they say, drops make the ocean, and I think in the matter of security too, a bottom-up approach involving everyone may be more effective than the top-down approach being presently adopted.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this book review. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

NB:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013 all rights reserved

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

IMMIGRATION and THE FLOCK THEORY OF MIGRATION

IMMIGRATION and THE FLOCK THEORY OF MIGRATION
Musings
By
VIKRAM KARVE

From my Blog Archives:

Is Migration good? 

Or is it bad? 

What are the consequences of migration for the host country? 

When the number of immigrants becomes large, then in a democracy, the immigrants can influence the outcome of elections by becoming a “vote bank”. 

Immigration can be legal and illegal.
I have observed that for many bright youngsters in India, their cardinal objective in life is to migrate to America, get a Green Card, followed by US Citizenship and permanently live there all their lives and realize their American Dream. 

People from less developed countries migrate to better developed countries, legally and illegally. 

A few years ago I had written an article on The Flock Theory of Migration

I am posting this article below for you to read. 

FLOCK THEORY OF MIGRATION

Food for Thought

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Long back, me and my friend, a Bird-Watcher, a self-styled ornithologist, were observing birds 

(I am referring to the “winged” variety of birds)

We saw a huge a flock of migratory birds flying in the sky.

It was a fascinating sight to see the flock of birds flying in perfect formation.

I mentioned this to my friend who then told me about the “flock theory” of migration.

He told me that sometimes different kinds of birds that do not belong to the original flock also join the flock and fly along.

The birds in the flock allow these “outsider” birds to fly along with the flock as long as they do not disturb the pattern, movement, flight speed and direction (course) of the flock.

When the number of “immigrant” birds is small, these “outsider” birds quietly assimilate themselves into the flock, obey the rules of the flock and do not disturb the harmony of the flock.

Sometimes the number of these “immigrant” birds increases to a sizeable proportion and they may disturb the harmony of the flock, if these “outsider” birds try to assert themselves.

These “foreigner” birds may even try to control the flock by trying to dominate and alter the flight pattern.

This disturbance in harmony and attempt at domination is not tolerated by the main flock of birds, and violent clashes break out as the main flock of birds tries to remove the “immigrant” birds from the flock and throw them out.

I think a similar hypothesis applies to human migration too.

When you migrate to another country (or when you relocate within your country to another state or city) you must remember this flock theory of migration.

Try to assimilate yourself into your new “host” country or city and acclimatize yourself to the way of life of your new place of residence.

You must mix around and interact with the local inhabitants and imbibe the indigenous culture of your new abode.

You must not “ghettoize” yourself by forming tightly-knit inward-looking groups of your own community but you must embrace the culture of your new land (after all, it is you who have chosen to migrate there).

Always remember that you are the foreigner in their land – you are the “guest” and they are your “hosts” – and a guest must never attempt to dominate the host and try to make the host a guest in his own country.

A large number of my relatives, classmates and friends have migrated to America and have lived there for many years.

However, I find that they mostly mingle among the Indian community (even language and state wise), as is evident from the photos they show us.

When I ask them why they do not have any American friends, they have no credible answer except saying that they do have such friendships, but at the workplace only.

However their children, born and brought up in the USA, have friendships, relationships and even marriages with resident Americans – in fact, Americans now comprise so many types and varieties of ethnicity 

Since over the years, so many persons from all parts of the world have migrated to the USA for a better life and now America has become the melting pot of diverse cultures.

The flock theory applies to all types of migration.

TYPES OF MIGRATION

Immigrants migrate due to a variety of reasons.

Some immigrants “choose” to migrate and willingly accept the majority culture of their host nation and are seamlessly assimilated and integrated into the existing society of their “hosts”.

Some immigrants are forced to migrate, due to a variety of reasons, including political and socioeconomic imperatives, for education, or for reasons of safety and security arising from instability or warlike conditions in their homeland. 

These forced migrants are like “refugees”.

These “forced migrants” are less amenable to assimilating themselves with the majority population.

It is these “forced immigrants” who ghettoize themselves into communities and try to maintain their own distinct identity by refusing the absorb the culture of their new land.

Sometimes the numbers of such “refugee” forced immigrants may increase to a point where the immigrants may alter the demographic balance and try to impose their will on their hosts.

It is then that the “flock theory” will apply and a conflict will start and there will be a struggle for dominance.

When migration takes place, both the “hosts” (natives) and the “guests” (migrants) must remember the Flock Theory and ensure that cultural harmony is maintained and the demographic balance is not upset.

THRESHOLD LIMITS FOR MIGRATION

My “bird-watcher” friend gave a ballpark figure of 30% when I asked him what was the flock theory threshold beyond which the harmony of the flock is disturbed.

Applying the same threshold to human migration, this tells us that the “hosts” must ensure that “guests” (immigrants) do not exceed 30% of the population.

If this is allowed to happen and the 30% barrier is broken, and the number of immigrants keeps on increasing in an unabated manner two things may happen:

1. The migrants will become a sizeable proportion of the population and alter the demographic balance (and become a “votebank”). In a democracy, this may give the migrants undue power in governance and this loss of power to “outsiders” will be resented by the original inhabitants.

2. The “cultural visibility” of the migrants will become starkly evident and the original local residents will feel threatened and become insecure in their own land. Owing to their dominance, the migrants may try to impose their own ways and try to change the original culture of the land and this cultural invasion will be resented by the original inhabitants.

The “flock theory” phenomenon is akin to the manner in which the harmony of the “flock” is disturbed and the original birds feel jeopardized and fear that their “flock” will be being taken over by “outsider” birds.

The flock theory of migration teaches us the lesson that if migration is not controlled within acceptable limits, due to clash of cultures and a sense of insecurity, a stage will come when the migrants will not be welcome anymore and this will create dissonance and discord in society. 

This is because no one likes to be dominated by “outsiders” who try to impose their culture on the local inhabitants.

Remember: No “host” likes to be turned into a “guest” in his own house

Dear Reader:

Do you agree with the “flock theory of migration”?

Please comment and let us know your views.

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

NB:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013. All Rights Reserved

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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramwamankarve@gmail.com

Twitter: @vikramkarve

      

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