Wife Aruna livid after Viswanathan Anand is asked if he is Indian

The issue about whether Viswanathan Anand is Indian is strange. It is like asking an obvious question. For example, 'Is your name Anand?'

The issue about whether Viswanathan Anand is Indian is strange. It is like asking an obvious question. For example, 'Is your name Anand?'

All this began in July when we were asked to furnish details of his passport.

I found it strange then too. After all, a few months ago, Anand had won the World Championship in Sofia and was hailed as one of India's greatest sportspersons. Haven't we read reports which start with lines like ufffd India's Viswanathan Anand claimed the World Championships?

However, we accepted the request for details as part of procedure and sent them.

When I read yesterday's newspaper, I discovered that the issue had not been put to rest; only
dragged on.

It made us feel irritated.
I put the latest issue down to some bureaucratic misinterpretation on somebody's part. I can't really pinpoint where the problem is because I don't know what the communication was between the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the International Conference on Maths.

Everyone is aware thatu00a0 we have made Madrid our second home, but over the last three years, we have spent most of our time in India. Yes, we love it here too.

Anand is a very proud Indian and it is a pleasure to talk about our country when we meet foreigners.u00a0

India is always in the news for several reasons.

We talk about our IT revolution and our booming economy thanks to our consumers.

India shining
Slowly, sports is making it big too with Anand's achievements. Now, we have Saina Nehwal who is making waves on the badminton scene.

Indians are breaking away from the mould and reaching great heights and this makes us very proud especially when we are in another land.

People now talk about global citizenship, but I don't think it is a challenge to retain your roots. Of course, we assimilate the foreign culture when we are abroad, but that does not mean we give up our values.

When will Anand accept the doctorate depends on his schedule. In the meantime, let me reiterate that my husband is a very proud Indian.

So am I!

As told to Clayton Murzello