I watched the unfolding war in Ukraine with horror, much like a significant majority of the world. I had no problem with Russia’s war crimes, obviously, because the government of India had already said it was okay to not be appalled by Putin, so the dismay I experienced was reserved for Indian students stuck in that country with no means of getting home. Those feelings were quickly replaced by annoyance as video footage of them arriving at Indian airports began trickling in. Where was the gratitude, I wondered? Where was the joy at touching down on Indian shores? Why were they not weeping with happiness and shouting patriotic slogans as they walked through immigration?

One video that did the rounds online had a minister greeting students with folded hands. She had taken the trouble of standing for a few minutes at just the right time, smiling at students who barely glanced in her direction. I was appalled. Another minister had taken it upon himself to hand out Indian flags, most of which were ignored by students trooping past him. What saddened me was how both ministers had taken the trouble of making sure there were cameras documenting their efforts. They had taken time from their obviously busy schedules to stand at the airport for a few minutes and were simply rebuffed by students who were more concerned about getting home than stopping and thanking these elected representatives. Was there no decency left?