Thats what I heard many times in India.

But unlike the American Indians,which developed their social belief system isolated from the 'old' world, Indians from India don't mix a flesh and blood guest with a mythical celestial being.

In rural India, this belief takes form as a total responsibility for the well being of the guest. Egoless and with no account book open.

Many time I was not an expected guest. I would just end up in this or that village or town. Still, whom ever I would happen to be curious about me would take this responsibility. It seemed this was a right rather then an obligation. There was much festivity about it although with sensitivity to my peace and privacy too.

Here, I was visiting and hosted by my friend Rais' Muslim family in a village in Rajasthan.

His brother had a new home just built and so I was offered to stay there.

One night I was feeling a little sick. Khan, Rais brother, had called not 1 but 2 doctors to come and see me.

Obviously a doctor visit in a village is not just a business appointment. They all know each other personally and sometimes there is also a family relationship amongst them.