Kamal Ghorui
“Narendra Modi, this is for you. My name is Gabhruji and I want an Aadhaar Card.” The video going viral on Instagram begins with this statement which almost sounds like a joke. But what follows next is a heartfelt tribute to India from an American traveller known as Gabe. The man is clearly in love with India and says he loves every little thing about this country, from chaos and culture to food and diversity and above all, its people.Gabe, aka Gabhruji on Instagram, is a US-based content creator who keeps documenting his Indian adventures and shares online. In this particularly widely shared clip, Gabe passionately shouts “Hindustaaannn!” and calls Indians “the dopest people in the entire world.” For many Indians watching online, the video has touched an emotional chord. An American who is more Indian It is a fact that Gabe is not the first traveller from America or any foreign land who has been impressed by India’s beauty, culture and diversity. However, his words feel unusually raw and from the heart. Riding on the back of a bike, on busy Indian streets, he looks more Indian than actual Indians.“You have all these religions and different cultures and different foods,” he says in the video. “But the real best part about India is its people. Next level.” At one point, he excitedly shouts “Ami tomake bhalo bashi” in Bengali meaning “I love you” — at two men on another bike, riding next to him. The video beautifully captures the playfulness.Aadhaar Card requestHis request for an Aadhaar Card (India’s unique identification document) from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more symbolic and reflects his feelings for India. A number of foreign travellers have a similar experience after spending a few months in the country.Why India has such an impact on foreign visitorsIndia is an intense country full of emotions, and offering overwhelming experiences. Travellers arrive with the Taj Mahal view, and get mesmerised by the ghats of Varanasi and the beaches of Goa and the warm human interactions.They remember a conversation with a chai seller who refuses extra money or what stays with them is the memory of a family asking a stranger to join them for dinner. Train conversations last hours and locals go beyond to help lost visitors.But the country’s contradictions also fascinate repeat visitors. Dozens of languages are spoken across regions and food preference changes every few hundred kilometres dramatically. For first time foreign travellers, everyday spent in India comes with a story.“You have all these religions and different cultures and different foods but the real best part about India is it’s people. Next level,” he says further.Long staysOver the last few years, India has become a significant destination for foreign travel creators documenting local culture through a more personal lens. Today, creators explore ordinary Indian life instead of staying at luxury properties. Gabe’s social media persona also revolves around the same concept, embracing Indian culture.For Gabe, the emotions are raw and attachment is real.“India I love you, Modi thank you in advance for Adhaar Card,” he says at the end of the clip.
