Desi Dialogues

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When I was called to India for a family emergency last month the first thought that crossed my mind was how fast can I get my Indian visa, a must for all Canadian citizens.

I was worried because being a Canadian citizen of South Asian origin, I have experienced delays getting a visa at the Indian consulate in Toronto. Often, one has to take almost a day off to get a visa, especially if you want an urgent one (last time I waited for several hours and only received it in the evening).

So my worries were compounded when I heard the consulate now only accepts applications via the mail. (The consulate only gives urgent visas, but in the past you had to come to the consulate in person).

So I warily sent my papers, including my passport via the post, thinking it would be a while until I received it; imagine my surprise when I received my visa in three days.

The quick turnaround is, in my opinion, almost a sign that Indian government procedures, or the bureaucracy of Indian administrations, is fast changing.

And in a global world where India is now considered as the one of the fastest growing economies of the world along with China, it has understood that if it wants to be a global player it can no longer be as laid back as it used to be. (Growing up in India, I know the headaches one faced to get even small administrative work accomplished.)

India's progress is here to stay, and can be seen all around you when you land in India.

For instance, when I wished to see my friends who live in Pune, almost 160 kilometres from Mumbai, India 's financial capital, I was told, I did not need to prepare for reserved tickets.

"Just land on the bus station, take a ticket and off you go," was what I was told.

Earlier, visiting Pune would have taken at least four to five hours. But thanks to the huge Bombay Pune express highway, I reached Pune in half that time. The service was amazing. The bus left almost on time, there were no unnecessary delays on the way - just one small stop - and every passenger was greeted with a complementary bottle of water and a morning newspaper with their ticket.

Times have changed in Pune. From a small town often for retirees, it's now buzzing with huge malls, sporting top international brands.

In fact my friend, Kainaz, was ordering Minute Maid orange juice, Kraft cheese and other well-known brands over the phone for delivery at no extra charge. From Chinese food to Indian food, to imported wines and drinks, it was all delivered to her door. Even bank representatives come to your house if you want to open an account. That's what I really call pampering.

The traffic and the infrastructure, however, is getting worse but people aren't really bothered it seemed. Salaries have risen along with lifestyles and services is a phone call away - delivered to you right at your door.