Final Reflections

One climbs a small hill only to see a huge mountain range ahead...

This sentiment applies to the many challenges of learning, in that the more you learn, the more you realize how little you know. This saying is relevant to most subject matters, but I find it especially applicable to the vast nation of India. Though I learned so much in preparation for our trip and even more while on the road, I find myself leaving the country with so many new thoughts and unanswered questions.

One undeniable truth regarding India’s culture: their hospitality can’t be beat. The kind, patient nature of almost everyone I met is something that will stay with me for years to come. The incorporation of these traits into everyday life – especially in the business world – has the potential to open doors and enable you to reach the things you strive for in life.

My last day in India involved a trip to DHL to ship some items home to California. After hearing the total cost, we realized we needed more cash. My husband walked down the street to the nearest ATM while I waited at the DHL office. In the 10 minutes that my husband was gone, the shopkeeper and I had shared tea, he had showed me pictures and videos on his computer of his wife and son and we had discussed my MBA program and future travel plans. I can’t imagine any business in the US, much less a sterile multinational shipping corporation, offering such hospitality to their patrons while they wait. As I sat behind his desk with him to look at his screen he said something to me that will stick with me as I pursue business endeavors in the future – “You are not just a customer, you are my friend.” This strategy can backfire for those that are obviously faking that emotion, but when it is genuine, that hospitality and kindness is an invaluable type of corporate diversification.

The trip to India was a great culmination of everything learned throughout the year long program at Cal Poly. One of my main takeaways from the MBA program was learning the language of business. The two weeks in India involved presentation after presentation that I found myself able to understand and engage in with my newly acquired vocabulary and understanding of core business concepts. For example, the Maruti Suzuki plant tour put all of the Lean terminology and concepts learned in our Operations course in perspective. Rolling a new car out the door every 14 minutes is an amazing feat and their level of organization was superb. I think that the currently flailing American car companies could learn a lot from the effectiveness and profitability of Maruti Suzuki. Imagine running a car corporation with no debt, as they currently do! Wow! After taking an Accounting class, I can actually envision that balance sheet and I am impressed!

Saatchi & Saatchi’s presentation on “Lovemarks” demonstrated the aspects required for a product to succeed in the market. Their marketing tips were invaluable. Creating the emotional aspect of love and the rational aspect of respect for a product is a delicate balance and the idea of marketing a product through the channels of intimacy, mystery and sensuality resonated with me. I will definitely keep those viewpoints in mind when developing marketing plans in the future.

As Saatchi & Saatchi stated during their presentation, everything changes about every 10-20km in India. It is a land of high diversity. Benetton highlighted their response to the varied cultures with their varied product line by region. One example of this is how they cater the color of their clothing products in relation to the varied skin tones by region. Puravankara’s explanation of how people of different regions invest differently also highlights the variations amongst regions – some citizens prefer to invest in gold while others choose stocks or real estate.

Future Group explained the rationale behind India’s citizens’ habit of crowding: space is a precious commodity – don’t waste it! Understanding this mindset helped me to tolerate the elbowing and hip checks in every line and crowd situation.

Matt Smith at Cisco described his boss’ leadership philosophy as, “My opinions may be strong, but they aren’t decisions.” He also described their product development approach as “Cannibalize yourself before someone else does.” Both of these quotes are relevant wherever you are doing business – the US, India – anywhere – and in any industry.

When we met with Google’s representatives, they compared India to a “slow moving elephant.” This metaphor clearly illustrates the magnitude and pace of India’s growth. Slow and steady wins the race… I wonder how the elephant will do against the tortoise and the hare? I am anxious to watch India’s growth and development to see how the elephant fares. Recently, India has seen vast changes in the population’s income, life expectancy, telephony and unemployment rates. No one can know how these changes will play out over the next generation. Getting to spend time in the country and learn from different local companies allowed for a taste of the nation’s current status and provides for a great vantage point to watch it evolve (or possibly participate in its evolution!) over the years to come.

I found the Google staff’s comment relating to the success of Google Maps in India amusing, but highly accurate. They said that the platform hasn’t caught on locally because nobody needs maps. The argument was that there was always someone nearby to ask who is eager to help you find wherever you need to go, so why would anyone need a map? I experienced this hospitality first-hand at a bus station in Hospet. I was looking for the bathroom and kind gentleman not only walked me to the corner of the parking lot to show me the bathroom, he also paid the two rupee entry fee for me. No map could provide me with that level of involvement or friendliness.

Future Group’s presentation included a quote that will stick with me throughout my business career – “I can’t overstate that culture affects business.” He also mentioned the idea of a “demographic dividend,” a concept that is applicable regardless of the scope of the demographics – whether they are as broad as India or the whole world or as narrow as the San Luis Obispo community, they are relevant. That is one of the best bits of advice from this trip is to acknowledge culture and its place in the business realm.

We were informed that India is a land of patience, tolerance and diversity and after my time visiting, I couldn’t agree with those statements more. Seeing the varied business approaches within another culture was an invaluable experience that I will treasure for years to come. Even within our own country, there are varying cultures. Having the ability to recognize, accept and adapt to varying cultures is a highly valuable trait in the business world and I am grateful to have been exposed to such practices.

Spring Quarter Book Review - “Culture Smart! India: A Quick Guide to Customs & Etiquette"

Catherine Kristensen
6/9/10
Spring Quarter Book Review
Nicki Grihault: “Culture Smart! India: A Quick Guide to Customs & Etiquette"
ISBN # 978-1558687059

OVERVIEW

Nicki Grihault’s book, “Culture Smart! India: A Quick Guide to Customs & Etiquette” is a great resource for anyone traveling to India. Frankly, I think this book should have been a required read for all trip participants, as it is loaded with helpful information. Each of the nine chapters highlights a different aspect of culture in India. The book has many great maps, charts and images. It is organized in a thoughtful way, which makes it a great resource on the road as well. I plan to take this book with me on our trip, as its abundance of phrases and real life applications are superb.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Anyone looking to learn more about the history and current status of India would be fascinated by the topics covered in this book. There is a chapter on business, so this is a great find for business travelers. There is also a chapter on religion which is one of the best resources for attempting to decipher India’s varied religious systems. I was very impressed by the wide array of topics that were covered and will highlight a few of the topics in the paragraphs below.

The “Time In” chapter helps to understand life in India. It goes into great detail explaining births, deaths, marriage, housing and home life (including toilets!). I found reading about the term izzat (saving face) quite interesting, as it is an important part of India’s society.

The “Time Out” chapter does a great job preparing would-be travelers for their pending lack of privacy and personal space. It also explains how tipping is customarily done on the front end to help make things happen. This is a useful tidbit of knowledge in case you are having trouble getting what you need while traveling. It was interesting to read about the approach of ignoring beggars and how that practice is ingrained with karma. Grihault made a great suggestion to avoid giving money to beggars and instead give small snacks or fruit.

This book also educated readers about the fact that it is illegal to take rupees out of India. This clarifies why you are unable to obtain rupees in America in preparation for your trip. We will all be changing our dollars at the airport, as your arrival serves as the first opportunity to obtain rupees. Encashment receipts are needed to exchange your leftover funds at departures, so it is important to hold on to those.

STRENGTHS

The concise nature of this book is one of its main appeals. Small enough to carry around with you, it makes a great travel companion. It elegantly provides a surface overview of many of the topics that travelers often wonder about and don’t have a resource for. The book is written in simple languages and includes lots of clip art, which is very helpful for image association when learning new terms.

WEAKNESSES

I think that this book would be even more valuable if it had a small set of standard phrases as a glossary in the back. The Hindi words are interspersed throughout the book, so unfortunately, there is no easy way to go back and find the exact word or phrase you are looking for. Such a change would obviously make the book a little bit thicker, but that would be handier than having to purchase and carry around a second book.

The section on religion was great, but it would have been better if it had perhaps a concise chart comparing the various aspects of each of the religions discussed. There are so many dimensions relating to India’s religions that it would be helpful to be able to at a glance compare the main aspects of some of the key beliefs.

CONCLUSION

India is a land of diversity and contrast. This book helps to the reader to sort through the varied experiences that await them in Bhārat. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I found it to be a quick read with lots of great facts and figures. I will definitely keep the “Culture Smart!” series in mind for any future international travels, as it has served me well for preparation for this trip.

Arriving to a new, foreign land with knowledge and information about your destination is the best way to travel. That is not to say that there won’t be surprises along the way, but being informed can enable you to engage more with locals and avoid stress and confusion along the way.

Say What!

As I prepare for our trip, I reflect on the language barriers that await us. We’re lucky that English happens to be one of India’s many official languages, but I still expect to face challenges in communicating. I recently flipped through an Indian phrase book that included “Hinglish” slang, Hindi words and phrases and many other examples (i.e. Urdu, Tamil, Tulu, etc). It is amazing how many of the words that we use in our everyday language have Indian roots. Some of the best examples of our shared expressions are catamaran, thug, bungalow, dinghy, veranda, bandana. Ok, so maybe you don’t use all of those words everyday, but I bet you wish you lived in a beautiful bungalow with a shady veranda and a stunning catamaran out at your dock!

I want to share some of the more relevant words and phrases I came across in an effort to expand our vocabulary. I hope you enjoy!

From the first adaab (hello), to the last chalta hoon (goodbye; literally “I’ll walk”), this is going to be a memorable trip. I anticipate these few weeks of traveling will end with some great stories and solid friendships between us Cal Poly yaars (buddies). One of the best aspects of yatra (travel) is getting to fill your pet (stomach) with amazing food. I can already envision the group of us walking down the marg (road) eyeing the vendors with their curries and chutneys and mangos and teas and coffees. When drinking tea or coffee, it is important to remember to leave a baaki (remnant/last of drink) in your cup. After our long days, I am sure we will be more than ready to kick off our chappals (sandals) and climb into bistar (bed)… except maybe on June 26. That Saturday night is purnima (full moon). We all know what craziness can ensue when the chand (moon) is full. The 26^th will be our last day of company visits, so I am guessing there will be some celebrating as our trip begins to wind down. Luckily the next day, June 27, is a day of sight-seeing. Hopefully this trip is a memorable learning experience that boosts our world business knowledge, confidence, and overall odds of finding a job… cause none of us want to come home and be vela (unemployed)!

Comment on "The Solution to World Hunger"

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-solution-to-world-hunger/

The dialog on this blog topic is one of my favorites so far this year. Seeing each of your varied reactions to this topic is enlightening. Frankly, I could care less if he has really gone 70 years without food or water. Fourteen days is amazing enough to me!

This topic intrigued me enough to do a little research and I found this video:

http://www.rabihdagher.com/blog/2010/05/prahlad-jani-mataji-the-indian-hermit-with-no-food-or-water-for-more-than-70-years/

BBC is no National Enquirer - they are a pretty reputable source and seeing their take on this issue was interesting. Watching Prahlad Jani Mataji in action (though 'action' is a strong word in his case) helps to show how small and frail he is and how limited his motions are. It makes his claim seem more believable, though I still have my doubts...

Comment on "Dentistry in India"

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/dentistry-in-india/

Wow, that video made me cringe! I just got a filling at the dentist this week, so my mouth is still a little sensitive and watching that video may have just put me over the edge...

Seeing the flies hovering over the pliers shows the reality of street dentistry. Our standards are so different, with each piece of dental equipment individually sealed in plastic and opened just before use.

I am curious how dental school education (admission requirements, length of program, tuition costs, etc) in India compares to the US? It sounds like it is a growing field in India. I read this statistic (from 2006) on http://www.dentalindia.com that is very intriguing:

"The dentist population ratio of 1:300,000 in the 1960s stands at 1:22,000 today, demonstrating the vitality of the profession."

Jay, be sure to let us know if you decide to set up shop in Bangalore after you finish DDS school!

Comment on "The Tabla Drum Master!"

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/the-tabla-drum-master/

The tabla is an intriguing instrument. My husband (who is a drummer) says it is one of the hardest instruments to play. The word tabla sounds almost Spanish or Italian. I was interested to learn that the word tabla comes from the Arabic word, tabl, which means drum.

I read about the construction of these instruments. They are typically made with goat or cow skins, which is common of most drums - hence the euphemism for drumming: "playing the skins." The more interesting part of the construction of these instruments is the Syahi. The Syahi is a tuning paste made of water, flour and iron filings that is applied to the head of the drum. That is the black dot you can see on the top of the drum in pictures of tablas. The precise construction and shaping of this paste causes the drum's natural overtones. The variety of tonal possibilities unique to this instrument are a result of the Syahi. There is an amazing amount of skill required to properly construct a Syahi, which can result in the high costs associated with purchasing them.

The Story of India

Kerala

5. Boat building was an important part of India’s history. These boats enabled India’s trade. The Indians learned to make the boats by eye, without a sketch. They followed the Greek and Roman methods from 2000 years ago. They built the skin first, so the boats were tight and strong. It is thought that the Indians could have built ships for Alexander the Great.

Language

1. The connection between Sanskrit and other Indo-European languages imply that they sprung from a common source. Sanskrit is believed to have been brought to India by the Aryans. In the 18^th century, Sir William Jones, a language scholar and judge theorized that Sanskrit was linguistically linked to Greek and Latin. Jones’ research helped to increase European knowledge and awareness of India.

3. By limiting the repetitions of the sacred utterances, known as mantras, to the Brahmin priests, the caste system is perpetuated indefinitely. Members of this caste, known as the ritual specialists, are said to repeat the mantras as accurately as a recording. The oral preservation tradition continues even today. The 1000 hymns, which have been preserved since 1500 BC, continue to be exact in wording, intonation and pronunciation.

Indus Valley

1. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro societies left archaeological clues highlighting the modernity of their civilization. Their grid-like street systems were ahead of their time, as were their indoor plumbing and waste management systems. They also had highly developed drainage systems. Their advanced writing system and social and economic systems were also the first of their kind.

2. Monsoon winds bring the much needed rain to meet agricultural needs, while also providing the wind needed to move ships across the Arabian Sea. Unfortunately, heavy monsoon rains can cause problems such as flooding or landslides when the volume exceeds the needs or capacity of certain regions. This can lead to the destruction of crops and villages. Indian society is reliant on the monsoon season and can face serious drought and devastation in years that the monsoon fails to deliver the much-needed rains.

3. Climate change caused ancient Indus Valley cities to be abandoned. Modern climate changes could have similar effects in today’s societies as well. A recent multi-national debate over the ownership of a small island, New Moore Island in the Bay of Bengal, suddenly dissipated as water levels rose and caused the island to disappear back into the ocean. Coastal regions have the possibility to disappear as water levels rise, forcing abandonment similar to that of ancient Indus Valley cities.

Tamil Nadu

1. The British found this region to be very valuable because of the fertility of the land. It was the most fertile region of the British Empire, with three harvests per year. The rich soil and extensive irrigation system of this region allowed the British to harvest rich bounties of a variety of crops, from rice, to coconuts, mangos, bananas, coffee and sugarcane.

2. The Romans traded gold with the Tamil Nadu. The Indians had an insatiable desire for gold. The gold they received was generally in the form of coins and was turned into jewelry. The Romans also provided the Tamil Nadu region with their signature items of olive oil and wine. In exchange, the Romans received pepper, spices, pearls and textiles.

Agriculture

1. India’s society is strongly supported by agriculture. Monsoon winds bring the much needed rain to meet agricultural needs. It is believed that as much as 80% of India’s rain is supplied by the monsoons. The location of these rainfalls influenced the location of societies. The people needed the rain to survive; if the rain no longer fell, societies often had to uproot themselves to follow the rain. Indian society is reliant on the monsoon season and can face serious drought and devastation in years that the monsoon fails to deliver the much-needed rains.

2. The Anicut Dam provided much needed water to facilitate agricultural growth for a developing population. The 1000+ ft long structure diverted water to the delta and prevented water from flowing out to the sea. The Cholan Empire’s development of this dam was progressive and ingenious. They were an advanced society, well ahead of their time. This structure also showed a commitment to long-term population growth, showing that the Cholan Empire was poised to plan for the future. The booming population of India needed agriculture to survive and this dam provided hope and resources not only to the society under the Cholan rule, but for generations to come, as this dam is still in use.

Trade

1. India has been an important center of trade because of its prime central location and its resources. India served as the connection between such dominant empires as China and the Romans. They were the link between China’s silk, via the Silk Road, and the Romans’ gold, via the Arabian Sea. Overland and sea travel routes through and to India enabled their strong trade capabilities. The spices that grew like weeds in India were in such high demand that India became the fulcrum for the exchange of goods. Pepper and cinnamon were among the most common and desired of India’s spices. Culture and religion were also traded along this high traffic route, as is evidenced by the prevalence of India’s Buddhism throughout China.

Literature

1. Indians preserved their literature and customs over the centuries through oral tradition. From the Brahmins’ mantras to cultural histories, it was all passed on through story-telling and verbal sharing. The faithful memorization of stories and phrases enabled sharing through the generations. Scribes also memorialized stories through palm-leaf manuscripts. Since the 19^th century development of the printing press, the practice of oral and hand-written preservation has all but diminished. Literature and customs are printed and are more easily shared and stored remotely. The 20^th century development has changed the preservation methods yet again. In our contemporary society, we generally type stories on computers and preserve written memoirs digitally. Hard drives, flash drives and servers now ensure preservation. Society has put emphasis on these strong storage mechanisms and weighs digital storage failure to be less common than human memory failure.

Peshawar

3. Khyber Pass served as the main route through the Hindu Kush mountain range. This trail along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan is believed to be an important portion of Aryan migration path and the Silk Road. The Kushan arrived via the Khyber Pass and caused havoc in Indian history. They overran India and ruled dominantly during the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd century AD. Their dominance stretched from the Aral Sea to the Bay of Bengal.

Fine Arts

2. The Romans arrived in India with high desires for spice. They traded gold coins for such items as pepper, saffron and cinnamon. Because of the Indians’ obsession with gold, any gold that entered the country never exited, resulting in a net importation of this precious metal. They did not use the gold as currency; instead, they used the gold to adorn themselves. The Indians were known for incorporating the gold into fabric for saris and for ornate jewelry. The use of gold is abundant, from toe rings to bracelets to earrings and necklaces. It is also an important aspect of the dowries used in marriage.

Science and Math

1. Yoga is a physical and spiritual discipline that appeals to humans everywhere. Around the world, people appreciate and enjoy the practice of yoga to better connect their spirit, mind and body. Today’s society is so fast-paced, yoga is a great way to slow down and meditate and take time to focus on yourself, your breath, your strength and alignment, and concentration abilities. Some of its popularity stems from the physical sensations and challenges that users face, ultimately ending in improved cardiovascular health and physique. There is a combined benefit to its practitioners with the improvements in mental and spiritual health as well. Yoga is exercise, for the body and soul, and can also be incorporated into life as a form of alternative medicine. It can provide great physical therapies and is a much preferred emotional support option to anti-depressants!

2. “Ayurveda,” the science of life, developed in India 3000 years ago. The concept of maintaining health through good living is alive and well in American society. One of the basics of Ayurvedic medicine that most citizens accept as a good habit is hygiene. Bathing and taking care of/cleaning your teeth, skin and eyes is something most Americans partake in. We also see the popular acts of yoga, massage and herbal remedies pervading our society. Diet also plays an important role in Ayurvedic remedies. Deepak Chopra is a best-selling author and renowned medical figure in the USA who has helped to spread the word of the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine.

3. Citizens of India made amazing accomplishments in the field of mathematics. Without their developments, much of modern math as it exists today would not be possible. One of the most important advancements was the integration of two important numbers into our number system – zero and pi. Indians are also responsible for the decimal system. Many of the aspects of math taught in schools today originated in India, including such fundamentals as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Taj Mahal

1. The Taj Mahal is a monument to love, built as a tomb for the empress Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Shah Jahan. It can be described as “heaven on earth.” It is a perfectly symmetrical structure, built to represent an earthly version of the Islamic garden of paradise. It is compared to a mystic map of a Sufi’s dream, with the pathways of the structure meant to represent the path to judgment day.

2. The main dome of the Taj Mahal is the most impressive architectural aspect. It is a symbol recognized around the world. The detail of the inverted lotus petals add to the magnificence of the sheer height of this onion-shaped dome. It is said that the circle of the dome represents perfection and unity. The patterns and textures of the pieces used to build the dome are eye-catching and gorgeous. It has been described as an architectural marvel “designed by giants and finished by jewelers.” This bulbous dome commands respect and symbolizes beauty.

Non-Violence

3. In order for the soul to break through the rebirth cycle and achieve Kaivalya, Jains must practice non-violence. Ahimsa, as it is known, requires that the Jains harm no living things. The smallest infraction can prevent Kaivalya. Extremes are taken to avoid harming living things such as wearing nets over their face to avoid the accidental inhalation of an insect. They also are known to sweep the streets with their clothes to avoid harming the smallest of creatures, including insects. There are four additional vows beyond ahimsa, including truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possession or non-attachment (aparigraha).