New Delhi witnessed a poignant reflection on India’s evolving global image as Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty shared contrasting experiences from her trips to America. Speaking during the debate on the Union Budget, Murty recounted her first visit in 1979, a time when immigration and customs officials eyed her with deep suspicion. Questions poured in about her purpose, her husband’s salary, return tickets, and plans to leave—queries that left the young 28-year-old feeling alienated.
The ordeal peaked at customs, where an officer scanned her sari-clad figure and quipped, ‘Lady, what are you wearing?’ Murty patiently explained it was a sari, only to face a bizarre follow-up: ‘Do snakes roam the streets in India?’ Her witty retort about few being magicians barely diffused the tension. Visa limits were curtly set to three months without explanation, highlighting the era’s prejudices.
Fast forward to recent years, and the script flipped dramatically. Officials now welcomed her with warmth, lavishing praise on India’s startup boom, IT prowess, Bengaluru’s vibrancy, and the diligence of its people. They celebrated Indian entrepreneurship, rule-following, and rich culture. ‘India has transformed,’ Murty noted, attributing this shift to stable governance, bold budgets, robust finances, and leadership proud of its heritage.
Murty lauded Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive budget, a milestone for women and the nation. She applauded provisions for culture, archaeology, and heritage, urging an international conference at sites like Puri or Konark under ‘Project Mausam’ to revive ancient trade ties with 39 nations. The ‘She-Markets’ initiative for women entrepreneurs earned praise, but she suggested self-sustaining setups with lighting, safety, breastfeeding areas, and prime locations.
District-level women’s hostels were hailed as game-changers for safe housing and sanitation. Despite challenges, Murty affirmed that visionary leadership and people-centric policies position India to conquer any goal. Her story underscores a nation’s remarkable journey from doubt to admiration on the world stage.