Versatile visa interview for Bharat

Free Thinker *

Day before yesterday I received a recording of a mock visa-interview of two foreigners’ seemingly Englishmen by the Indian High Commission, perhaps in London. They wanted to visit Bharat on a tourist visa. The question answer session of the interviewer and interviewees was really thrilling. So, I want to share a recreated version of the interview with the readers in black and white.

The Immigration officer asked many questions to the intended tourists for issuing the visa. For entering India, you have to reply to some simple questions. They agreed. The question answers session started - Where do you think that most of the tourists in India spend time? Reply – in the toilet. Correct answer.

Next question followed, what are three main religions in India? Reply – Hindu, Moslem and Cricket. Officer said, Correct. When did British rule in India ended? Reply, 1947 . Right. Next question, when did Indian rule Britain begin? Reply- just a few months ago (when Sunak took over as PM ).

Question answer session continued. India has a history of non-violence and passive resistance protest - what does it also have? Reply- 160 nuclear warheads . Correct. What do tourists often find when visiting India? Reply – themselves. Where do you go to get finger food in India? Reply- anywhere. Correct.

Where in India would you go to see a portrayal of an idealized vision of Indian life – full of overacting and dramatic fight scenes? Reply – the Parliament. Yap, correct . Name one of India’s greatest treasures. Reply – the English Crown Jewel. Yes, Yes.

How are actors in Bollywood movies selected? The caste system .Yaah, indeed. What poses the greatest challenge in India today? Probably, the lotus pose. Yes , it is very hard to ‘tuck the feet in’(yoga pose).

Which famous board game played on a grid and invented in India has captivated the world’s greatest minds for centuries? Reply – Snakes and Ladders. Absolutely, correct. Name the disputed region between India and Pakistan that causes riots and fatalities every year ? Reply ,– the Wicket. Ha hum. And finally, who brought Chicken Tikka Masala ? Reply–Scotland . Yaah . Okay Congratulations Gentlemen and welcome to India.

Next candidate (applicant) who came to the Indian Embassy for a visa interview was an American. Who is more popular, Indian PM or the US President ? Reply – obviously your PM. Okay . What is the most disturbed state from the tourist point of view? Reply – state of stomach upset. Yes.

Next question. Where do you want to stay in India and why? I want to stay in the hotel because the weather outside remains inclement most of the time. Right. Question follows, do you believe that India will become a developed nation by 2047? No, I don’t think so, it will become a developed country much before that. Immigration official blurted - gentleman, you are cleared; you can stay in India as long as you want.

Another brief interview was held for an Indian visa. A Chinese-Tibetan wanted to visit the Buddhist circuits in India, on a pilgrimage. Question . Why do you want to come to India ? Reply - to visit the Buddhist sites in India.

Are you a Buddhists? Yes, I am. Question – continues, What do you think about India, China and America ? Reply – they are the Trishakti today . Wow , great . Anything which can improve the Sino-India relation? Reply – the Momos. You are through Ma’am! Welcome to India.

It is an obvious fact that when you want to enter a foreign country you need permission (visa) from the country you intend to visit. But there are countries where you don’t need to take the visa as the destination- country allows you as you are (as citizen of a friendly or prominent country).

You see, Bharat citizens don’t require a visa to visit Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives (not sure now). And in 62 countries around the world you can just enter as an Indian citizen with a valid passport (visa free but conditional in some cases).

Now-a-days India’s position is quite strong as compared to its passport position earlier. Some few years back our passport standing was not good enough. According to the latest diplomatic report Indian passport now stands at 82 in the comity of nations comprising about 250 countries.

The most powerful passport in the world today is that of Singapore, much stronger than that of the Big five and the US. A Singapore passport holder can visit nearly 195 countries in the world – visa-free or on relaxed visa norms.

Thailand is a country where everyone is welcomed without much restriction. Almost all the citizens of the world - of all the countries - are permitted to come to Thailand, mostly on the basis of ‘visa on arrival’, to see and taste the beauties of their country.

For Bharatiyas including Manipuris the offer of free-visa trip to Thailand has been extended till 11 November, 2024. I think this is a combo offer for Diwali, Bhai Dooj & Ningol Chakkouba. Grab the opportunity and fly to Bangkok – strictly only for nature tourism.