After my recent article, “Why Do We Watch Other People Play?“, a reader wrote in with another curious question. “Can you ask Vermajee why the Prime Minister attracts thousands of people, why Modi the Prime Minister draws crowds abroad, while you don’t see the same kind of public enthusiasm in India?”
It sounded exactly like the kind of question that deserved tea, two samosas and Vermajee’s classic deep contemplation.
“So, Vermajee, what’s your take on this?” I asked, sipping Society Masala tea.
Vermajee smiled. “You are comparing Aam with Aam ka Achaar.”
Seeing my confusion, he elaborated.
“First, you must understand psychology. Indians living abroad don’t merely see the Prime Minister. They see India arriving. Distance turns geography into emotion. A Hindi song sounds sweeter, a homemade Achaar always tastes better, and every event linked with the nation becomes deeply personal.”
“So it isn’t just about Modi?”
“It is about identity,” said Vermajee. “The Prime Minister becomes the EVENT around which the community celebrates itself.”
He continued.
“Many in the Indian diaspora left decades ago, when India was far more regulated and restrictive. They built successful lives abroad while carrying memories of the country they left behind. Today, they see a leader who has made difficult decisions, has remained in office for over a decade, and whose tenure has made India far more visible in global geopolitical conversations. Whether one agrees with every policy or not, many overseas Indians see a transformed India, and naturally they are curious to witness the person leading it.”
“That sounds like branding.”
“Exactly. Every successful brand benefits from scarcity.”
“If your favourite singer performs once in three years, you’ll drive six hours. If he performs every Sunday outside your apartment, you’ll simply close the window.”
“What about India?”
“In India, the Prime Minister is part of everyday life. Citizens see him inaugurating projects, addressing rallies, reviewing programmes, speaking in Parliament, appearing in news bulletins and memes, in government campaigns, and in newspaper advertisements. Over time, curiosity naturally reduces. He is a familiar face. Most people believe they already know him well enough.”
That made sense. “But those massive overseas crowds?”
“They are organised. Community associations plan for weeks. Families travel together. Friends reunite. Children wear Indian clothes. Someone carries the tricolour. The event becomes a celebration of Indian identity as much as a welcome to the Prime Minister.”
Then Vermajee lowered his voice. “There is another reason.”
“What?”
“Many people in India prefer keeping their political preferences private.”
I looked puzzled.
“Attend one political event, someone uploads your photograph, and suddenly social media decides your ideology. Some fear being branded an ‘Andh Bhakt’. Others worry about unnecessary debates with friends, clients or colleagues.”
“So people stay away?”
“Some do.”
“But not you?”
Vermajee laughed.
“I have no hesitation in saying I am inclined towards the BJP and believe in the philosophy of the RSS.”
I waited.
“But despite saying that publicly, I have never gone to see the Prime Minister. In fact, if I know he is visiting, I often avoid that route.”
“Why?”
“Because this is India.”
I waited for something profound.
“We are wonderfully enthusiastic… and magnificently chaotic.”
He counted on his fingers.
“Traffic diversions. Security barricades. Parking nightmares. Crowds coming from every direction. Half the people don’t know which gate to use. The other half believe gates are merely suggestions.”
“So you avoid the chaos.”
“I avoid unnecessary adventure.”
He smiled again.
“There is also simple human behaviour. People value what is rare. Overseas, a Prime Minister’s visit may occur only once every few years. In India, people know there will be another speech, another inauguration, another televised address.”
“So the mystery isn’t political?”
“Not really.”
“It is behavioural.”
“Exactly.”
He finished his tea.
“People don’t gather only because a leader arrives. They gather because the moment feels rare, meaningful and worth remembering.”
“And in India?”
“In India,” smiled Vermajee, “we don’t lack enthusiasm. We merely have less curiosity, far more familiarity, and considerably more traffic.”
“The mystery of why Modi draws crowds abroad isn’t really political,” Vermajee picked up the last samosa, took a large bite and said, “If your readers have another tricky question, ask them to write in”.
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Image used is AI-generated (ChatGPT)
