"Inspirations from India" India by Tijavi

India Travel Guide: 31,396 reviews and 73,104 photos

(From Akshardham Souvenir Pamphlet) - India

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...

Cultural pride and diversity

Bombay is a melting pot of cultures

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.

Resilience, resourcefulness and ingenuity

Daily struggle for survival in coastal rural India

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.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:A profoundly rich experience

Last visit to India: Jul 2004
Intro Updated Mar 26, 2007
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Comments (14)

SLLiew Dec 2, 2008 at 2:19 PM Report Abuse

I have yet to visit India. Wow.. insightful tips of this ancient diverse country. Enjoyed your descriptions. SL :)
thedouglas Jan 25, 2008 at 5:25 PM Report Abuse

Nice page - India is on my radar!
toonsarah Jul 23, 2007 at 4:21 AM Report Abuse

A perceptive overview of a complex country - thank you for sharing :)
evona Jun 26, 2006 at 11:47 AM Report Abuse

Very nice page with great pics. Greetings from Poland :)
DaDrifter Sep 16, 2005 at 9:49 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyed your frank and honest introduction, TV ... you have a way of putting things in the right perspective.
deecat Aug 18, 2005 at 8:38 AM Report Abuse

Always a joy to read and reread your outstanding pages. A fountain of information presented in an organized, intelligent, interesting format. You have great insights, TV. Some very good photos to help paint a vivid image in the reader's "mind's eye".
Wild_Orchid May 4, 2005 at 12:53 AM Report Abuse

a nice updated picture! thanks for being kind about my Brunei page. :))
matthieuxjames Apr 28, 2005 at 2:08 PM Report Abuse

Your page on India is both enjoyable and educational. The photos make it all the better. Great writing style. I think perhaps you've done some professional work...if not, you should. Take care.
Orkaena Nov 9, 2004 at 4:29 AM Report Abuse

Hi TV, yesss, Santa Cruz is a huge, inhospitable weather, lonely province, but plenty of beauty and surprises. Well, the baby isn't anymore...:-) Thanks for your words
shelnlin Oct 15, 2004 at 12:52 AM Report Abuse

I had a great time reading this page, I bet you that if you enjoy Indian icecream you will most certainly enjoy New Zealand icecream as well verrrrrryyyyyyyy creeeeeeaaaaaaammmy :+P Thank you for sharing this page with me.