| Page Views: 7,408 Last Visit to India: July, 2004 I Visit Here Frequently | Inspirations from India by Tijavi - last update: Mar 26, 2007 |
| (From Akshardham Souvenir Pamphlet) |
Work has brought me to this fascinating country three times, thus far. Although I have experienced this country for more than 60 days, cumulatively, I am ashamed to admit that I have barely scratched India's rich culture and deep heritage.
There is so much to see, to explore, to experience in this country of more than a billion souls, 14 languages (officially, at least), 35 federal states and Union territories spanning 3.3 million square kilometers, and a highly diverse mix of religious faiths and political persuasions.
Despite my tight schedule and very limited opportunity to discover India, I have managed to catch a few glimpses of the remarkable character of India and its people - traits that delight and annoy, dismay and inspire.
Some traits do stand out... |
| Bombay is a melting pot of cultures |
|  | Cultural pride and diversity Indians are exceptionally proud of their rich culture, whether they be from the backwaters of Kerala to the deserts of Rajasthan and the fertile plains of Punjab. In fact, one survey suggests that Indians are the most proud people in the world in terms of cultural tradition, beating the French and Americans, among others.
This is not so surprising considering the country's rich heritage that has defied not only the test of time but also subjugation from invaders. This is particularly strong in southern India, where the people are said to be more traditional in their ways.
But to say that only the southern Indians are the only traditional Indians belies the fact that the country has very diverse cultural traditions, to a degree that no specific ethnic or language group could individually represent India. It is the combination of these cultures and peoples - the Kashmiris, the Punjabis, the northern Indians in the Hindu heartland, the Bengalis, the Maratis, the southern Indians - that rightly define the true Indian character.
India is a very large country with so many cultural traditions. To soak in everything in one visit would be impossible. Instead, sample its richness in smaller portions and relish every bite. But, be forewarned: India could be addicting. |
| Daily struggle for survival in coastal rural India |
| | Resilience, resourcefulness and ingenuity As in any developing economy, the disparity between rich and poor in India is so huge that it sometimes approximates obscenity. Picture this: Delhi's well-heeled set garbed in the latest European fashion, chauffeur-driven in their latest model Benz vis-a-vis Mumbai's large swathes of slums, where starvation, and death, and disease are but daily rituals.
Between these two, our weak human nature and sometimes dubious values system would sway us towards the glitter that is characteristic of Delhi's high-society. It is easy to be blinded by their their spanking new cars, shimmering gems and even by their pearly white, expensively maintained teeth :-), unmindful how all these wealth came about.
But India's real wealth is its millions of hardworking citizens, who day in and out, toil to make an honest living. They are the millions who use their talents, their skills, their brains, their brawn not just to provide for their families but also to take India to its rightful place in the global economic map. Without them, India would not be an exciting investment destination that it is now, and perhaps, no lavish parties for Delhi's high society. |
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| In A Nutshell: | "A profoundly rich experience" |
Tijavi's India Travel Tips
 Comments for Tijavi about India | | | | |
SLLiew Tue Dec 2, 2008 22:19 UTC
I have yet to visit India. Wow.. insightful tips of this ancient diverse country. Enjoyed your descriptions. SL :) | thedouglas Sat Jan 26, 2008 01:25 UTC
Nice page - India is on my radar! | toonsarah Mon Jul 23, 2007 12:21 UTC
A perceptive overview of a complex country - thank you for sharing :) | evona Mon Jun 26, 2006 19:47 UTC
Very nice page with great pics. Greetings from Poland :) |
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