I decided to ask random questions of young Indians that I met in order to gain more insight into their thoughts about how they saw their lives and future.  Although I usually am more concerned with women’s lives and their challenges, this time I focused more on men. In no particular order this is what they had to say.

We met Shailin six years ago when we first stayed at The Metropole Hotel in Ahmedabad. He was working at the front desk and was unmarried. He is now married with two children and is an assistant manager.

What would you wish for to come true in the next five years?

For my whole family to be united. You see I have two children now and they are growing up without their cousins. My two brothers live in the US- Connecticut and Georgia, and we don’t get to see each other very often. That is my greatest wish. Getting money is something everyone will strive for and of course it’s necessary but I don’t care so much about that. It’s my family that’s most important.

Shirish was born in Mumbai and adopted as a three month old by a Belgian couple. He was a successful hip hop dancer and choreographer in Europe and gave that up to move to Ahmedabad to devote his life to teaching dance to the children at Manav Sadhna.

What brings you the greatest joy in your life?

Working with children, and seeing them grow and evolve.

Hardik was a guest at a Hindu wedding we attended recently. He is married and has a good job at The Bank of India. His wife also works in finance.

What is most important to you in your life?

Ashkardam Temple and my faith. I love the temple it is so beautiful. Have you visited it?

It is a sect of Hinduism dedicated to Swaminarayan, a yogi who died in 1830. The Delhi temple, believed to be his divine abode, is in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest Hindu Temple in the World.

On my flight from Kerala to Chennai, Fabane was my seatmate and we struck up a conversation. I asked him if he was a singer or musician because he was wearing earbuds and was listening to music intently while singing aloud joyously. With his good looks and winning smile I thought maybe he was a famous musician. He told me he was a professional cricketer and was on his way to a match. I don’t remember how it began, but we started talking about religion. He is Muslim.

D: Are you religious?

Fabane: Yes. I pray five times a day.

D: What do you like most about your religion?

His eyes lit up and he grinned.

Fabane: I love Allah.

These young women were staying at our hotel and were a diverse group of Hindu and Muslim students, both conservative and contemporary.

Will you all have arranged marriages?

(With lots of giggles and blushing) Yes.

Do you think your husbands will permit you to work after marriage?

(Enthusiastic response) Yes.

What about after having children?

Blank stares and no response.

I have been casually doing interviews with Indians that I have met over many years,on buses, trains,on the street, and I am struck by how open and willing they are to share their culture and deepest personal thoughts with me.