The year is 1980. My first semester of graduate studies in the United States has just ended. My only friend and classmate, Brad O'Keefe, makes an offer. "Ram, I am visiting my parents in Jackson; on the way, am stopping by my grandma's place in Beaumont. Want to share a ride with me?

Next day, we leave to Jackson and at Beaumont, Brad's Grandma is happy to see her grandson. Brad introduces me, "Grandma! Meet my Indian friend Ram." "You an Indian?" Grandma asks suspiciously. "Cherokee or Apache?" I turn to Brad with a quizzical expression. Shaking his head, Brad interjects. "Grandma! He's not a native. He is from India." "India, Where's that?"

Trying not to sound rude I reply, "Madam. India is South of China." Her furrowed brow shows that I made no sense. Grandma persists, "You live in a reservation? I met an Injun down in Oklahoma once."

"No Madam. I live in an apartment," I reply, agitated by this line of questioning. Brad turns to me, "Ram. Grandma is 75; has lived all her life in Beaumont. Just play along; we'll leave soon." Brad's grandma reminds me of my own grandmother – proud of her pre-conceived notions. Dress her up in a 9-yard sari and she would pass for my grandmother. A few minutes later, Brad and I leave to Jackson. Five hours later, we stop at a gas station near Lafayette, a very small town. As Brad is filling up the car, I go inside to get coffee. A very tall American, about sixty years, greets me from the cash counter. "Howdy! Everything OK?" "Yes; thanks. Need some coffee." Handing over the coffee, he asks, "You from India? Doctor?" Taken aback, I reply, "Yes; from India. No. Not a doctor." "Engineer?" "No." "Well, then you are a professor?" I smile. "No; graduate student at Houston." "Well. Must be getting a PhD?" "No. Not really; returning home after MBA." I was a little curious of his questions. "When I said I am from India, what made you ask whether I was a doctor, an engineer, or a professor?" "Simple; Every Indian I meet is a doctor, an engineer, or a professor. You guys are smart; good in Math and Science and work your way up. You go get a Ph.D. Make your country proud." I walk out of the store with my head held high. I am not a Cherokee or an Apache; but, I am proud to be called an Indian.