Source: Sify News
PATNA, INDIA, November 3, 2002: Having a son or daughter with a nonresident Indian status is a source of pride and joy for most Indian parents, who usually have encouraged them to study or settle abroad. But having family abroad often causes mental and physical trauma for many mothers and fathers, whose children’s handouts make them feel compelled to travel vast distances to see their grandchildren. Priti Singh, 58, of Bihar, flew to New York in response to a request from her daughter-in-law. She took the journey despite poor health and against the advice of her doctor. Singh, who left her husband at their home in Patna, said she simply could not refuse her daughter-in-law. “They have given me name, fame and money. In return, they want me and my husband to be at their beck and call every time,” she said. Another problem faced by the parents of NRIs is social isolation. Financial aid from overseas does not go unnoticed in close-knit communities and parents of high-earning expatriates often find themselves discriminated against by jealous relatives. “We were a middle-class family and were on good terms with our relatives. However, ever since my daughter went to the USA and because of the money she sends us, we now have a higher class lifestyle. Now our relatives keep their distance,” said Pushpa Saxena.