At home away from home

By Anand and Selva

New Delhi: Subamo and Albiniou are Nigerians presently in Delhi for some medical treatment. They say they will go to the Commonwealth Games and cheer for the players from their country who are participating in many events.

We met the tall and hugely built brothers as they were proceeding to a restaurant to have their lunch on the Noida Road. Both are here for the second time.

Reluctant to speak in the beginning, they stood hesitantly as we greeted them. We gained their confidence by showing our college identity cards. On being asked what brought them to India, they said: “It’s our second visit and we are here for some medical purpose”. The younger of them was sick and was admitted to the Metro Hospital for some days.

“What is so special about India when people are going to America, Australia or UK for treatment?” The elder one replied that he found the treatment here cheaper. On being asked about the Indian food they said they had no problem in adjusting with the local food.

Speaking about the Commonwealth Games, they looked enthusiastic. They were very excited about watching their players performing in some of the events. “We will go to support them sometime,” they said expectantly.

Even as they are happy about their stay in the Capital, they have tales of bitter experiences too. One day they wanted to enter a café and the owner asked for their passport. They showed their passport but still they were not allowed access to the service. They felt humiliated. They also had some complaints against auto drivers who were smart in over-charging especially from foreigners.

Our enquiry as to how long their passports were valid angered the younger of the two. He got agitated and wanted to know whether we were security men. We immediately apologized for making a wrong poser. The elder brother was very patient and told us that he was enjoying our conversation.

Asked about their impression on incidents of violence, they said: “Such incidents are nothing new. This is happening everywhere. We find no security threat here, for no country can guarantee 100 per cent security to its citizens”. On this note of reassurance we ended our lively conversation.