Cat's India Blog

Final Reflections

2010-07-17T08:33:00.001-07:00

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"

2010-06-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

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"

2010-06-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

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"

2010-06-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

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!"

2010-06-04T10:52:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

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).

Winter Quarter Book Review - "Billions of Entrepreneurs"

2010-03-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

Catherine Kristensen
3/19/10
Winter Quarter Book Review
Tarun Khanna: “Billions of Entrepreneurs"
ISBN # 978-1-4224-0383-8

OVERVIEW

Tarun Khanna’s book, “Billions of Entrepreneurs” is a great resource for facts relating to many of our world’s industries. Each of his fourteen chapters highlights a different realm, from medicine, to entertainment, to science and finance. He makes strong comparisons between India and China and carefully illustrates how they fill in the holes of each others’ societies. He explains how they serve as the yin and yang to each other in today’s developing world. I find his writing style easy to read and he has a plethora of real-life examples. The topics are so varied and thorough, it is obvious that he put much time into research for this book.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Anyone looking to learn more about the history and current status of India and China world would be fascinated by the varied topics Khanna covers in this book. I was very impressed by the wide array of topics that he covered and will highlight a few of the topics in the paragraphs below.

On the medical side of things, he has great hopes for China and India’s abilities to contribute to cures and new ways of handling patient care. His expectations for new developments in service innovations stem from the sheer volume of people in these countries. He envisions a future world, in 2030 to be exact, with 300 million diabetics. 100 million (roughly a third) will be inhabitants of China or India – these societies will have to develop streamlined care to manage this type of volume.

A similar hope for streamlined care in a growing society was discussed in the chapter about Dr. Devi Shetty. His virtual cardio-care hospitals are doing wonders for a society with patients located in remote regions. I think that the US could learn a lot from these low-cost, high-tech ideas and further develop our patient care standards.

I found the development and marketing of India’s new tractors, M&M, very intriguing. Their “Deere John” ad parodying the phrase and their major competitor’s brand name fascinated me. I was shocked to learn that the female segment of the tractor market is so big.

STRENGTHS

Khanna is very clever with his metaphors. I especially liked his phrasing relating to Jawaharlal Nehru’s reign as India’s first prime minister. The statement that Nehru “acted as midwife to India’s birth” creates an image of the newness of India’s statehood and Nehru’s commitment to that rebirth.

Khanna also did an excellent job of portraying controversial issues in a very neutral light. It is hard to imagine living with the internet censorship in China; his description of the internet-police cartoon characters that are visible on-screen during internet surfing, “Jing” and “Cha,” was delivered in an almost natural and playful way. He did not insult China’s censorship policy and spoke of their practices in a very matter-of-fact manner.

His description of the bay of Mumbai was great. It excited me to read about such a place and know that I will be visiting there soon. The juxtaposition of the wealthy and the poor fisherman in such a compact area intrigues me. Ramnath, a member of the informal sector whom Khanna interviewed, described the region as having “the best view in the city.” It is difficult to imagine the severe poverty of the fishing village surrounded by premiere real estate – I will have to see it to believe it! The root of the name of this fishing tribe, the Koli, is very interesting to me as well. Developed from the Marathi word for spider and fisherman, it is interesting to acknowledge that they both capture their prey with nets.

The innovation for allowing Indian citizens to make donations via ATM was very entrepreneurial. The “Anytime Blessings” seem to be a novel way to donate money. For those who are unable to make the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi to make their donations, the ATM access to Manoraths or Rajbhogs allows for virtual hundis. The technological advances in society make these old-time habits more accessible in a modern culture.

After learning about accounting and the GAAP this year in my accounting course, I found it very interesting that Infosys was the first Indian company to adopt GAAP accounting practices. This standardization has served them well, making their financial statements more transparent and accessible to American and other international investors.

Khanna did an excellent job of incorporating relevant quotes into chapter headings. These delightful snippets helped to set the stage as an introduction of new topics. I especially like the Wu Kegang quote found in the chapter on Infosys. “As entrepreneurs we are condemned either to being the concubines of state enterprises or the mistresses of multinationals,” is an excellent lead-in to Chinese government business oversight and intervention. This quote, along with the traditional Chinese saying, “To steal a book is an elegant offense,” really help to illustrate the issues the Bill Gates had with the Chinese government relating to his Windows and Microsoft software.

The terms “soft power” and “hard power” are used quite often in today’s global society. His explanation of soft power as "the ability to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payments" was one of the clearest definitions I have ever read. His explanation of societies’ use of soft power was also excellent.

Khanna is bold with his choice of examples. I truly enjoyed the section on Cobra Beer. It helped to illustrate the issues of bureaucracy that an entrepreneur in India faces. The fact that he was better able to develop his business in the UK shows the struggle that an entrepreneur faces in India. I find it ironic that he now brews in the UK and exports to India, which is a complete 180 from his original starting point of brewing in India for export to the UK.

WEAKNESSES

I was disappointed in the limited scope of entrepreneurship that Khanna covered. The title gives you the impression that this is a book about entrepreneurs. In reality, this book seems to focus on the social and existing business aspects of India and China’s societies. He does speak of successful business models developed in these countries, but he seems to focus more on the government policies, the hardships and futures we can expect to see in these two countries.

Throughout the book, Khanna discusses various themes. I found the ending of the book very abrupt. The last chapter just kind of ended, with no conclusion tying the previous chapters together. He had a very well developed introduction and I was surprised to see his book lacking a similar conclusion

Khanna’s thesis statement is very clearly positioned early on in his book, though I did not see it very thoroughly developed in his book. He states that “entrepreneurship in developing countries occurs in far more encompassing and far-reaching ways that in more developed settings.” I find this perspective to be very interesting, but his chapters to do not always help to solidify his stated main point.

One complaint I have for his writing style is the repetitive nature of certain metaphors. There were multiple references to being as “rich as Croesus” – could he not conjure up any other descriptions of wealth?

I also feel that the book was poorly edited. There were a number of glaring errors – shouldn’t these typos be found before the book hits the press? Hopefully they will be caught and fixed before prior editions are published.

I also feel that this book was a little lengthy and seemed to try to address too many issues. The large volume of topics could have easily been into split two books. Some of the topics didn’t seem to flow together well, and it was a weird shift to be discussing entertainment and Bollywood in Chapter 12 just moments after discussing medicine and medical tourism in Chapter 10.

SUMMARY

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I found it to be a quick read with lots of great facts and figures. There was nothing earth-shatteringly new presented in the book, but it was a great collection of anecdotes and stories that Khanna obviously spent years collecting.

Khanna did a great job of exposing strengths and weaknesses in both cultures. Fortunately, he did not try to mirror one country after another and spoke of specifics relating to each culture’s individual position. He presented an unbiased perspective of these two cultures in an educated and entertaining fashion. This objective book introduces a variety of topics that serve as a springboard for anyone looking to learn more about the growth we have seen, and can expect to continue to see, in China and India.

Comment on "More Equally Represented Global Entertainment Culture?"

2010-03-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/chindication-and-indification-or-the-possible-emergence-of-a-more-equally-represented-global-entertainment-culture/

I think that this chart from Business Week highlights one of the main reasons behind the small scope of the Bollywood industry outside of India. If you compare the average Hollywood marketing budget with the Bollywood marketing budget, you will see that Hollywood spends over 50 TIMES more money per film. This huge budget enables them to promote their film around the world and reap revenues from this worldwide distribution.

Unfortunately, not many American theaters are showing Indian blockbusters. As internet video streaming becomes more popular with faster internet connections, we can hope to see more of these films from our own homes. bollywood.tv is an interesting site providing this service, with popular films streaming online for small fees.

Comment on "What Do You Know About India?"

2010-03-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/what-do-you-know-about-india/

I did not learn about India in school, but I did learn a bit about India as a child because of my parents' extensive travels there in the 1970s. I grew up always wanting to see India's cultures firsthand and am grateful that the day of reckoning is soon upon us!

I have learned a lot about India through our lectures with Professor Singh and through this blog. To follow Amy's lead, I did little research on Indian history and culture.

Some of the topics that I found interesting are listed below:

- India invented Chess

- India invented the number system, including zero and pi

- the official Sanskrit name for India is Bharat

- India has the most post offices in the world

- the India Railway is the largest employer in the world (over 1M!)

- Beyond Bollywood, there are also film industries referred to as Tollywood and Kollywood

- India's national bird is the peacock

Comment on "India Leadership"

2010-03-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/india-leadership

40 political parties seems like a lot! Until you realize that this number just reflects the number of recognized political parties. According to Wikipedia, there are an additional 730 registered unrecognized parties. Political gridlock is right! What a great metaphor, Kirk.

In America, our two primary political parties are visually representing by a donkey and an elephant. I find it interesting that each of the recognized political parties in India also have their own symbol. Not surprisingly, the elephant is the symbol for one of their parties as well (Bahujan Samaj Party). Many of the symbols are animals, following the American tradition, such as the lion or cock.

But some of some of the other symbols are a little obscure, including:
- mango
- umbrella
- conch
- bicycle
- chair
- ladder
- lightbulb
- spectacles

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_recognised_political_parties_in_India)

Comment on "Cheap Cars in India"

2010-03-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/india/cheap-cars-in-india-part-i-and-ii-by-mssrs-michael-and-tripp

This video is from 2006 - how many cars and motorcycles have been added to India’s roads since then? I suspect roads are at more of a standstill (a la 405 in LA) nowadays. To combat the volume, India has already started to make changes. In 2007, the government increased the speed limit from 80kmph to 100kmph. I am sure this increased accidents and fatalities, but at least it got people moving through the roads faster!

A recent article from the Economic Times (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/NHAIs-new-bid-norms-may-speed-up-road-projects/articleshow/5678094.cms) highlights the increased highway projects currently pursued in India. The government has “set a target of 7,000 km of new roads per year.” Contracts are in constant negotiation and competition to build India’s infrastructure. Roads impact agriculture, trade and industry. We are likely to see each great increases in each of these realms as the infrastructure of India improves.

Comment on "Two-Wheelers in India and Market Strategy"

2010-03-12T13:25:00.001-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/india/two-wheelers-in-india

I came across this link, just posted today, that may be of interest to those following the motorcycle craze in India:

http://motorsportsnewswire.wordpress.com/2010/03/12/2010-honda-honda-motorcycles-and-scooters-india-corporate-tv-commercial-0312102/

Honda India has just released this Bollywood style commercial, complete with singing and dancing. The use of “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” sung in a thick Indian accent, combined with images of BOTH men and women riding bikes through the streets of India is Honda’s newest encouragement to consumers poised for purchase.

Also of interest this week, Honda announced (http://www.honda2wheelersindia.com/showpress.asp?typ=company&pressId=48) that they have plans to build a second motorcycle production plant to meet increasing demand in the rapidly growing motorcycle market in India. India is the world’s second largest motorcycle market (behind China). Looks like motorcycles are quickly becoming the wave of the future in the country of India.

Any of you planning to rent a motorcycle for your post-GSB-563 sight-seeing?

Comment on "Business Schools Forgetting Their Missions?"

2010-03-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2007/china/business-schools-forgetting-their-missions/

What a difference a few years makes....

This article focused on the MBA program's mission of yesteryear to "produce far-sighted leaders who can help the economy run better." In 2007, before the signs of the recession took hold, that seemed like a valid goal. I am grateful to be slightly removed from the era of heavy emphasis on investment banking and consulting with (as Lindsay's links showed) a new focus on social entrepreneurship.

I am enjoying York's (first quarter taught at Cal Poly) entrepreneurship course and wish I could take more courses like it. Lancaster's sustainability focus is interesting, but, frankly, should be its own course instead of an accounting tag-along. What will the academic electives of 2012 look like? I have to say that I look forward to seeing the curriculum change with the times.

I almost feel like I am getting my MBA a little too early, as I would love to see what the future holds... I should be so lucky to have my MBA degree require lifelong continuing education (paid for by my future employer, of course!) with new courses in SEO, Sustainability, IPO Preparation, Software Development, Financial Crisis Management, or whatever else proves to be relevant as the times change!

Comment on "The Rising Sun Shines On…India?"

2010-03-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/the-rising-sun-shines-onindia/

This bilateral EPA that was announced in January 2007 led to 2007's declaration as "Japan-India Friendship Year." Has the US ever had a "Friendship Year" with anyone? My Google searches on this topic were fruitless...

In the years leading up to the EPA, the number of students studying Japanese in India nearly doubled between 2005 and 2006. According to Wikipedia, there are 100 jobs available for every 20 candidates that are capable of Japanese translation. Talk about shortages! If I were an Indian, I would jump at the chance to learn Japanese, as that would likely mean a guaranteed job for life!

I find this post particularly interesting given that we will be visiting Maruti Suzuki in Delhi. They are an Indian automaker with a Japanese majority stakeholder, exemplifying the blend of cultures highlighted in this post.

Comment on "Wall Street Journal Coverage on Travel in India"

2010-03-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/wall-street-journal-coverage-on-travel-in-india/

The article is very intriguing, but I personally will not be travelling like a Raja after GSB 563 ends. Or should I say I won't be travelling like a Rani (feminine). I intend to continue my travels East through Asia until the end of October and I won't accomplish that by staying at $400/night forts or palaces!

I have a friend who runs a Surf Retreat near Mangalore, in Karnataka that will be one of my first destinations. I am hoping to catch some waves between monsoons and will likely be earning my keep while staying there; I anticipate helping with the cooking/cleaning on Day 1. I am sure the tiny town that he is in will be drastically different from Mumbai. The USA has a varied landscape - Seattle is very different from Yosemite, just as Hawaii is very different from NYC. I am positive that the American "variety" in people, locale and culture pales in comparison to the huge spectrum that is India.

Tim's line is great - "Pay to tour India, get 99 extra countries free!" The varied culture of each region will likely be overwhelming. From the food, to the religion, to the language, to the physical appearance of the people, each region presents a new set of traits to accustom yourself to.

Comment on "Rural India, The New IT Place To Sell?"

2010-03-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/rural-india-the-new-it-place-to-sell/

Erika - that is a very interesting comment about people spending more time with friends and family during this economic downturn. The best things in life are free, right?

Following up on the "you shouldn't spend what you don't have theme," I wanted to point out a budgeting method that is said to have developed during the Great Depression of the 1930's. I don't know that I have the discipline to go this route, but a friend who is trying to budget her expenses recently told me about the "Envelope System." The envelope system is a popular method for visualizing and maintaining a budget. The idea is to store your cash for separate categories of expenses in physically separate envelopes. It is kind of scary because if you lose your envelopes, you lose all of your cash for the month! But the premise is that you cash your paycheck, put predetermined amounts in the categorized envelopes, and DON'T cheat.

Dave Ramsey, of Financial Peace University explains it best if you are interested in this topic:

http://www.daveramsey.com/article/dave-ramseys-envelope-system/lifeandmoney_budgeting/

Comment on "Aren’t We Forgetting Something?"

2010-03-08T17:53:00.001-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/arent-we-forgetting-something/

I was so excited to hear at our last India meeting that we will be visiting a Yoga Ashram while we are in Delhi. That had initially been mentioned as a "maybe" activity and I am glad to hear it has made it to our official itinerary. I am sure some of us will love it and and some will not, but I think it will be great exposure to the spiritual side that is so lacking in Western practices.

Danielle - your comment about the chick flick prevalence was too true! I had to laugh when a friend recently told me about a classmate TEXTING during Yoga class. Wrong venue! Yoga has almost become this buzz-word - like it's a new posh thing to do. There seems to be so much emphasis on what studio you go to, what you wear, who you see, who sees you, etc instead of the focus being on how you feel afterwards and how your poses improve over time. Very few people practice individually, which shows you how much of a social activity this is, rather than the reflective activity it should be.

I admit to being someone who was initially drawn to Yoga because of its emphasis on flexibility. I studied ballet from age 3-22 and Yoga was a great way for me to continue to maintain the flexibility I had developed over the decades. As I have been exposed to different teachers with different methods and emphases, I see how varied the yoga realm is. I have grown and now see the value in both the physical strength as well as the psychological/emotional calm it can bring.

Comment on "The Tata Nano: Small Car, Big Topic"

2010-03-08T17:26:00.001-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/india/the-tata-nano-small-car-big-topic/

I went to Wikipedia to check out the Tata Nano's stats and one figure in particular struck me - the car's weight. Weighing in at 1400 pounds, the Nano is set to admit defeat to any of the much heftier "holy cows" it encounters on the streets of Delhi.

Logan's math is amazing - I don't think we can imagine a world 435 years away in which India's car consumption reaches American levels. I hope for the ozone's sake that day that is never reached.

Does anyone else see a budding opportunity to develop a car insurance company in India? My first thought is yes, this is a sector poised for growth! If you could get the government to mandate car insurance (as we do here), you'd be raking in the premiums! Unfortunately, after reading that the manufacturer admits to the use of plastic and glue in place of welded steel, I worry about resulting medical bills from accident-related injuries and have to pass on that business venture idea...

Comment on "Hey Buddy, Can I Catch A Lift To India For My Health Care?"

2010-03-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/india/hey-buddy-can-i-catch-a-lift-to-india-for-my-health-care/

I found the article very interesting, but I was surprised to see that it left out a key industry - infertility. I worked in the infertility industry for 6 years and one of our biggest competitors was "medical tourism" - at least for our American clients. On the flip-side, "medical tourism" was one of our key revenue generators as citizens of countries with very strict guidelines traveled to the US to take advantage of our lax regulations.

Many clients opted to seek services abroad for a fraction of the cost. I am sure that the medical facility screening/monitoring fees and surgery costs are a lot lower, but I can't wrap my mind around the prescription costs. Drugs are one of the largest expenses during fertility treatments (i.e. IVF) and I don't understand how foreign countries are able to keep those expenses down - are they using knock-off FSH injections? Is the HCG legit? Or are Americans bringing their own drugs abroad with them?

Beyond the reduced cost, I think one of the main appeals of "reproductive tourism" (as its called) is the guaranteed confidentiality. Many patients are very private about their fertility needs and know that confidentiality can be maintained when there are no chances of running into their foreign nurse, doctor or egg donor at the grocery store! I assume this mindset would likely carry over to those receiving liposuction and breast enhancements as well...

Comment on "Do you want to be a cowboy in Delhi?"

2010-03-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/do-you-want-to-be-a-cowboy-in-delhi

This was a great explanation of India's history with cows. The analysis of the cow as an asset with each attribute associated with a task/value was very interesting as well. I never knew butter was burned to create light!

I am also intrigued by the fact that Delhi has so many urban cowboys responsible for the mass quantity of urban cows. The NYT article conjures up images of Spanish bullfighters and Texas rodeo clowns - though the description of the angry Hindus criticizing their cow-herding behavior and the "Milk Mafia" perhaps leaves me more frightful!

I must say that I was somewhat surprised that this post did not discuss the topic of leather. In my India research, I have read about camel-hide leather products from India as well as buffalo-hide products, but (foolishly) assumed that Indian leather did not come from cows. I recently learned that India is one of the world's biggest leather producers, a fact that seems to contradict the country's "holy cow" mantra. PETA's website discusses India's horrific leather industry and mentions that cows are sometimes "skinned and dismembered while still conscious."

http://www.petaindia.com/feat/f-leathertrade.asp

I can't help but be confused by the paradox that exists in this country - how can India ban the slaughter of cows throughout most of the country, yet also be criticized for their slaughter practices?

Comment on "China and India: The Power of Two"

2010-02-22T20:58:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2007/china/china-and-india-the-power-of-two

It is very interesting to contrast these two sets of neighbors (Mexico/US & China/India). Collaboration, trade and resources are the first few factors that come to mind when I think of how neighboring countries can be analyzed.

When countries are more like peers and on level-playing fields, it seems that there is more potential for collaboration. I see this as the possibility for China and India. They are both in a phase of major growth and that commonality lends itself well to developing policies designed for the collective.

Mexico and the US, on the other hand, are not likely to be viewed as peers. We’ve got the Pacific Ocean in common, but that is about where the threads of similarity end. When one government is providing resources, especially education or health care, to their citizens, outsiders are willing to take major risks, however illegal, including human smuggling, to take part in those activities.

What a different situation this would be if the Mexicans that wanted to be in the US had similarity to the “tens of thousands of technically sophisticated, English-speaking graduates” of India. I think the emphasis on a wall dividing Mexico and the US would change drastically if that was the case…

Comment on "Customer Service, How Can I Help You?"

2010-02-22T20:05:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/customer-service-how-can-i-help-you

Phil - you have always struck me as a very patient person and after reading about your call center history, I feel like I can understand where some of that stems from.

I have to agree with Danielle - I am always annoyed by the time I get on the phone with someone and when they shuffle me around from department to department my annoyance continues to build!

I like the Will/John chit-chat approach and may have to try that next time I find myself on the phone with a Bangalore call center. I am going to assume that the conversations such as these are very rare; they probably don’t eat into their workday productivity too much and provide a much-needed pick-me-up! Who knows, maybe the chit-chat will result in some great tips for our upcoming trip!

Comment on "Indian Thursday Nights on NBC"

2010-02-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/indian-thursday-nights-on-nbc

This is an awesome analysis, Phil! But wow, it makes me realize how little TV I've watched since starting Business School. I don't really recognize any of the characters except for Kelly...

I looked up "Nevermind Nirvana" and after sifting through all of the Kurt Cobain references (the band name/album title combo gets a lot of the hits!), I finally found some references to this show. With David Schwimmer as the director, I can imagine that it will have a very "Friends" feel to it. I looked on fox.com and there wasn't a listing yet, so I would guess the show isn't out yet...

I'll be interested to watch the show when it comes out. The 'first-generation-Indian in America' perspective reminds me a bit of "The Namesake" (a great book if you haven't read it!). So much of American TV revolves around Caucasians, which really isn't representative of the cultural makeup of our country. The Cosby Show and Family Matters brought some diversity, as did The George Lopez Show, but beyond that, there haven't been any other representations of other family cultures on television. I hope that "Nevermind Nirvana" helps to bridge that gap. I like that the Indian main character is dating a Caucasian - not since Lucy and Ricky have we seen a multi-cultural pair share the silver screen.

Comment on "Indian Railways Making Olympic Dreams Come True"

2010-02-18T16:40:00.001-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2010/india/indian-railways-making-olympic-dreams-come-true/

I find it amusing how much mention Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart get on our blog - I see where our priorities are!

This is a great article, Danielle. It is interesting that Indian Olympic-hopeful athletes often work for the railroad or for the police or military. Might as well pay the bills with a job where you get to flex some muscles instead of sitting in a cubicle or customer service call center!

I think Jason Silver, our budding sports manager, might like to visit GoSports (http://www.gosports.in) while we are in Bangalore! As we see more emphasis on athletes in India, it is likely that sports managers and endorsements in India become more common. The article mentioned Limca, the soda company, and their sponsorship of athletes. As we learned last week, they were acquired by Coca-Cola; I wonder if we will see more US-owned companies that have a presence in India providing sponsorships to Indian athletes...

The Indian Olympic Association has stated that Delhi will bid for the 2020 Olympic Games. I think that a home Olympic event will drastically change the presence of Indian athletes. With reduced travel costs, many athletes will likely take advantage of the opportunity to train and prepare for the local games. The pride in earning the bid to host would likely lead to an increased drive to earn medals in 2020.

I'm a 27th Generation Blacksmith!

2010-02-10T17:20:00.000-08:00

Well, not really...

I just decided it would be fun to follow Dr. Carr's lead with the preposterous blog titling.

I received my February issue of National Geographic in the mail (proud subscriber!) and was excited to read about 27th generation blacksmiths – they actually do exist! This month's feature on India shined a light on yet another one of India's subcultures – the "Lost Nomads."

As always, the pictures are my favorite part. If you aren't going to read the article (http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/02/nomads/lancaster-text), I recommend you at least take a look at the brilliant photography (http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/02/nomads/mccurry-photography).

The nomadic groups highlighted in this article take the idea that each person is born into their own destiny one step further - you are born into both your profession and your nomadic lifestyle. The Gadulia Lohar (literally “cart blacksmith”) built weapons for royalty in the 16th century. Flash-forward 500 years and their iron-working skills are irrelevant and have been outsourced (to China, likely). Nowadays, they travel and sell spoons for 65 cents.

How long can these people continue on with their family's legacy? Is there a point at which they just decide to settle down? Or maybe are forced to settle down and "join" society? Because of their lack of mailing address, they aren’t provided with schooling, government welfare or any of the benefits that are being provided to the modern society.

As we begin the 2010 US Census this month, we are reminded of just how many citizens wander and have no address at which to be found. Nomads are seen in all cultures, but the 7% portion of nomadic population in India is staggering.

NatGeo writer John Lancaster concludes his article with the phrase “their forges had all gone cold.” Visually and metaphorically this is a statement that speaks volumes of the plights of these nomads and others like them.

Mumbai, Oh My!

2010-02-10T16:16:00.001-08:00

And I thought the Madrid Metro was huge when I lived there...

This map helps to illustrate just how HUGE Mumbai is!

Comment on "Soft Power Can Put A Smile On Your Face"

2010-02-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/soft-power-can-put-a-smile-on-your-face

Dr. Singh’s presentations are always full of statistics about India and so are the blogs and books we read in preparation for our trip. No matter how many stats I hear, I am always shocked by the staggering figures relating to India.

Some of my favorites from this video include:
- Mumbai has 1M new residents EVERY year
(a little quick math: that is almost 3k/day!)
- Bollywood releases 1200 movies year - which is double Hollywood’s releases!
(that is over 20 movies a week!)
- Victoria Train Station (scene of the dance scene finale in “Slumdog Millionaire”) has over 6M passengers/day!

I am glad to see that this video link is still live on abc.com almost one year later. GMA did a great job creating a mosaic of Mumbai in those 3 minutes - wow, I am getting excited for our trip! They refer to Mumbai as a city that is “alive and kickin’” - I can’t wait! The maps and visuals of this video really do a great job of summing up the staggering statistical figures relating to this city. The time elapsed videos also help to portray the bustle that awaits us in India’s largest city.

Comment on "1,000,000 Thumbs Up To Slumdog Millionaire"

2010-02-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/india/1000000-thumbs-up-to-slumdog-millionaire/

My husband and I saw this movie in early 2009 after taking the GMAT together. At that point, Business School in general - especially the potential Cal Poly trip to India - seemed very far off. I know I would watch this movie from a much different perspective today knowing that a trip to India is in my near future…

I haven’t decided if I will watch this movie again before our trip, but I can say that I look forward to seeing the movie again later this year after returning from India. You always notice new things when you see a movie for the 2nd (or 3rd, 4th, etc) time; I am sure after traveling in India I will catch so much more of this film. It is exciting to imagine that we will soon be at the Taj Mahal, site of one of my favorite “Slumdog” scenes, and will also visit the Mumbai train station (where the final dance scene was filmed).

I think that the decision to end this film with the upbeat, musical/dance scene was vital to its success (and I don’t just mean the song’s Billboard success and “Best Song” Oscar win). The happy nature of the ending allows you to walk away from the film on a good note, rather than with the dark final image of Salim, dead in a bathtub full of cash.

The themes of friendship, love and destiny prevail in this film, allowing you to focus on the good instead of the poverty, corruption and destitution.

Comment on "BRICs"

2010-02-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2006/china/brics-2/

I could not get the presentation to load, but I read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRIC, which l assume highlights similar information.

I remember Zakaria mentioning these countries when he discussed the “rise of the rest” in his book, “The Post American World,” but I hadn’t heard this acronym before. Clever.

Does anyone else find it intriguing that China hosted the 2008 Olympics (their first time), Russia is set to host the 2014 Olympics (also their first time*) and Brazil is slated to host the 2016 Olympics (surprise, their first time as well!)?

AND… drumroll please… YES, as you might have predicted, the last piece (brick?) of the BRIC puzzle could fall into place if Delhi hosts the 2020 Olympics. The Indian Olympic Association has stated that Delhi will bid for the 2020 Olympic Games, and frankly, they might have a chance given the fact that they will be hosting the upcoming 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The fact that these four countries may soon all share in the honor, pressure and privilege of hosting the Olympic Games provides excellent evidence of the potential for the BRICs pending growth and global domination.

*Moscow hosted the Olympics in 1980; 2014 will be the first hosting since the disintegration of the USSR in 1990.

Comment on "Jon Stewart is Still a God"

2010-02-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/jon-stewart-is-still-a-god

You’re right, Tim - Dr. Coget would be proud. Summed up simply, this all boils down to the fact that everyone has a different world view. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can begin to acknowledge and effectively analyze personal and cultural differences.

As you travel and get out into ‘the world,’ you really see the power of the word “world” in the term “world view”; it is not just about your personal view, but the way the whole world is shaped in your mind.

It is too bad that these video links don’t work… I find it ironic that the Exhibit A video references Summer ‘08 Olympics and we are about to start Winter ‘10 Olympics. The 2008 Olympics were in China, making them much more relevant to the topics of this course, but I am sure that Jon Stewart will make many poignant comments this month regarding our world relative to the Olympic Games.

As the world comes together to compete on an international level, we are given the opportunity to see the similarities and differences of people from many different countries. These varied characteristics should be embraced and not taken for granted.

Comment on "India’s Art, Booming and Shaking"

2010-02-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

http://dustinellison.blogspot.com/

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/indias-art-booming-and-shaking/

The rich landscape and culture of India provides awesome inspiration for one artistic medium in particular - photography.

The bright colors and beautiful people of this country provide amazing subjects for even the most amateur photographer. A day of snapping photos in any of India’s cities lends itself to the creation of many images that are framable (and likely sellable!).

I imagine that dealers and curators from all over the world are heading to India and choosing to pursue the work of those that have an eye and can capture the art and beauty of nature. Through the lens of a local, or a traveling photographer, the spirit of the Ganges is captured, or the playful nature of a child is captured. Photos as simple as those of the local fruits and spices create images that tell stories, leaving Westerners to long for that sort of color and variety in their own life.

Many view architecture as art, and photos that can capture the varied architecture of India are likely to be hits as well. The Taj Mahal, coastal sunsets, local plumerias in bloom or an elephant at a festival also make great subjects.

If one can’t travel to India, perhaps a photo on their office wall (ideally purchased at a premium to support a local Indian artist!) can help to spark mental images of the country’s rich and varied culture.

Comment on "What do a Nightwatchman, a Duck, and a Maiden Have in Common???"

2010-02-06T15:59:00.001-08:00

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/what-do-a-nightwatchman-a-duck-and-a-maiden-have-in-common/

This post is a great intro to Cricket. Those of us who have attended a practice (or two) may have already become familiar with some of the basic Cricket terms, but there are so many phrases to learn - especially if you want to get into hazing!

I came across these terms - and hope to improve my game so I am never referred to as such!

A “rabbit” is the term for a player who is a poor batsman.
A “ferret” is the term for an even WORSE batsman.
A “pie thrower” is a bowler who… well… who really stinks.
It is important to stay focused, so you never miss a “dolly” (an easy catch).

On a more positive note, these are some phrases that are saved for the MVPs on the pitch:
A “jaffa” is the term for a delivery bowled so well by the bowler that it is unplayable by the batsman. This type of bowl can also be referred to as a “peach.”
A “Skipper” is the name used for the team captain.

A celebratory “Jai Ho” (a phrase made popular by the “Slumdog” themesong) is an appropriate rally cry as it translates to “be victorious.” That is a fun one to shout out as your teammate cracks the “cherry” (a term for the cricket ball, because of its red color) beyond the outfield.

(reference: http://www.abcofcricket.com/)

Fall Quarter Book Review - "The Post-American World"

2009-12-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

Catherine Kristensen
12/11/09
Fall Quarter Book Review
Fareed Zakaria: “The Post-American World”
ISBN # 978-0-393-06235-9

OVERVIEW

Fareed Zakaria’s book, “The Post-American World” is a great resource for both historical facts and future forecasts. I find his writing style easy to read and he has a plethora of real-life examples. It is obvious that he put much time into research for this book, the outcome is great!

Zakaria puts strong emphasis on developing the three eras in which we have seen power shifts. The first is described as the rise of the West (Europe during the Renaissance), the second as the rise of the US (beginning in the late 1800’s) and the last, where we are currently situated, as the “rise of the rest.” His rhyming pattern (West, US, the rest) makes this trilogy easy to remember. Much of the book is spent explaining how he views the rise of the rest, what this rise means for the US and how we can best deal with the situations that lie ahead.

Zakaria’s writing is ripe with examples. He has such an abundance of stories to help express each of his themes throughout the book. The explanation of globalization as it relates to the English language was very interesting. English is spoken by over 1.5 billion people (more than 25% of the world population), which is a staggering figure! One question he asks on this topic, which is virtually impossible to answer, is “Does a common language make people think in similar ways?” One amazing attribute of the English-language-dominance is the shared words we as a world use for newly developed items, such as “internet,” or “nuclear.”

Another example of recent globalization is the architecture of the world’s largest casino. No, it’s not in Las Vegas. It is in Macao, China. It is built as a replica of St. Mark’s square in Venice. The construction in Venice was heavily influenced by the Moors, giving it an Islamic design. The big question is how to classify this new casino – is it Chinese, Western (Italian), Moorish or modern? Zakaria states the answer to be “all of the above,” which is a great demonstration of the culture clashes that are all to commonly seen in today’s world.

The comparison between the youth of China and India is astounding. While China has limited its future growth by enacting the “one child” policy, the youth population of India soars. This is just one example of the contrasts between these two emerging powers. Though these countries have varied influences and attributes, they do have one major shared characteristic – impressive growth in recent years!

TARGET AUDIENCE

Fareed Zakaria’s following is largely supported by his CNN television persona. Any of his fans from his television appearances would be interested to read this book. I think it is safe to say that his view is neutral enough that this book could be enjoyed by readers from any position on the political spectrum – liberals and conservatives alike could enjoy this book.

I also think that anyone looking to learn more about the world would be fascinated by the topics he covers. Both the history buff and the novice historian alike can find many hidden gems of information in this book. I was very impressed with the wide array of history that he covered and will highlight a few of the topics in the paragraphs below.

I enjoyed his commentary regarding the Chinese sailing ships of the 15th century. I admit to never having heard of these monstrosities! The fact that one hundred acres of forest were required to build one ship demonstrates the magnitude of these vessels. The timing of the Chinese cessation in ocean exploration coincided with Columbus’ venture of 1492. This shift of Eastern oceanic expeditions for Western expeditions demonstrates how the Western world came to dominate during this era.

This section of the book also highlights the building of the Taj Mahal in 1631. This enormous undertaking occurred in a time when many civilizations were still very primitive, which shows what a powerhouse India was for that time. I had never thought of how history is dictated by “destiny,” as he puts it. The natural geography of certain land areas is a strong factor for what accomplishments the society is prone to reach. He eloquently compares the vast, glorious waterways of Europe to the limited coastline of Africa, which, combined with the shallow waterways limited their ability to build strong port cities. This perspective is something I had never considered, but it strongly helps to illustrate why Africa did not pursue oceanic explorations. This explanation of the African terrain also demonstrates a likely reason why so little of Africa was colonized.

I also enjoyed his commentary regarding attire. I was not aware of the fact that the business suit is a descendant of the European army officer’s outfit. It is amazing to see that such an outfit has become a global expression of business, with men from Lima to Tokyo to New Dehli wearing this typical attire.

STRENGTHS

Zakaria is very clever with his metaphors. I especially liked the varied section headers, including the header “The Eagle and the Dragon” (US and China) juxtaposed with “The Eagle and the Cow” (US and India).

Zakaria is bold with his choice of examples. He does not try to filter information or try to present America in a better light. This is illustrated on page 228 with his Sarkozy quote. Condeleeza Rice asked Sarkozy “What can I do for you?”, to which he responded, “Improve your [America’s] image in the world.” His statement regarding America’s unpopularity is a key example of the distaste many have for America. Zakaria’s inclusion of this statement is a bold reminder of the perspective many have of the US.

Zakaria does an excellent job of summing up his main points in his chapter entitled “American Purpose.” He covers such a variety of ideas throughout his book; it is very rewarding to see everything come together in a few concrete ideas for the future. In this section he outlines six guidelines for the US to follow in this new era. These guidelines are:

1. Choose
2. Build broad rules, not narrow interests
3. Be Bismarck, not Britain
4. Order a la carte
5. Think asymmetrically
6. Legitimacy is power

It will be interesting to see which of these ideas the US follows in the years to come and how that affects the pending power shifts.

WEAKNESSES

I was disappointed in the limited breadth of perspective he covered. Throughout the first chapter, he leads you to believe that this is going to be a book on many varied countries. Unfortunately, he tends to focus almost exclusively on India, China and the USA. The multiple mentions of Brazil, Indonesia, and Kenya in Chapter 1 gave me the impression that these emerging powers would also be discussed throughout the book, but they never really received more than a sentence here and there.

One complaint I have for his writing style is the simplicity and repetitive nature of certain examples. Sometimes he seems to explain things so thoroughly that I just feel like saying, “OK, I get the point already!” Zakaria also sometimes is guilty of cramming too many ideas into one paragraph. Some paragraphs extend on for more than a full page and have various ideas scattered throughout instead of focusing on one core concept.

SUMMARY

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I found it to be a quick read with lots of great facts and figures. He has so many figures dispersed throughout his writing; it would be interesting to see a table at the end that included the various statistics he quoted in his book.

I am not sure how unique his concepts are. They do not appear to be novel ideas, as there are others who share many his views; the great thing about this book is that all of these ideas are neatly summed up in one place. His perspective is one of open-mindedness and hopefulness. It is great that there is not a doomsday association with the pending power shift. There is heavy emphasis on the rise of other countries and cultures instead of emphasizing the US’ decrease. He seems to portray a shared power between cultures for now, and shows that the future is still up for grabs.

The Gold Rush of 2009

2009-12-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

November 2009 marks a new entry for the record books - we have just witnessed the largest gold purchase in history! India bought two hundred metric tons of gold from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). To help visualize the magnitude of this weight in gold, imagine 44 (yes, 44!) elephants! This US$6.7 billion sale is the largest of all time. This also marks the first time the IMF has sold gold in over 9 years. This huge purchase marks a departure from the US dollar and also highlights India’s strong cultural ties to this precious metal.

This large gold purchase illustrates the volatility of the US dollar. Gold has become a preferred investment as the dollar value fluctuates and shows signs of diminished value against other currencies. How does this make you feel about your US dollar savings account? Interested in buying some gold? Gold is valued at $1128/oz today (12/10/09), wow!

Besides being a wake-up call to the value of the US dollar and the large amounts of gold India now has in holding, this news also helps to illustrate the strong feelings India has for gold. Understanding India’s relationship with gold helps to put this news in perspective.

India is the world’s largest consumer of gold. This is in part due to their religious attachment to gold. In the Hindu religion, gold is linked to the incarnation of the "Creator" Brahma. Indians also see the metal as a symbol of prosperity, purity and good fortune. There is also a strong belief that golden ornaments should be worn for specific ceremonies and occasions.

This belief is evidenced by the very ornate Indian brides. The gold purchased for a wedding typically accounts for about half of the total cost of a wedding. Gold is a form of adornment that is also an investment that can be passed down through the generations. According to Wikipedia, India has “the longest continuous legacy of jewelry making anywhere” in the world, dating back more than 5,000 years!

Here in the US, we typically think of jewelry being in the form of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets. India’s plethora of adornments are almost overwhelming. Here is a list of types of accessories commonly worn by brides:

- Shringar Patti (tiara)
- Maang Tikka (smaller tiara)
- Nath (nose ring)
- Chudi (bangles)
- Hathphool (bracelet with rings)
- Anguthi (finger rings)
- Bichhua (toe ring)
- Payal (anklet)
- Mangal Sutra (necklace with black beads)
- Kamarband (waist band)
- Baaju Band (arm bands)

I don’t know about you all, but I personally look forward to seeing all of the gold creations that await us India. It is an amazing metal that stands the tests of time. I look forward to purchasing something nice for myself to serve as a reminder of our amazing journey in India…

RESPONSE TO: Hollywood versus Bollywood

2009-12-10T10:56:00.001-08:00

Original post: http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/hollywood-versus-bollywood

Jason, this was a great topic to choose.

It is staggering to see the financial figures associated with Hollywood films, especially the international numbers - wow, people LOVE movies!

I remember hearing about the potential Spielberg-Reliance merger, but hadn't heard the details on it going through. I look forward to the productions to come from the newly formed company.

My husband has quite an eclectic record collection, including one EP called "Bombay the Hard Way - Guns, Cars and Sitars." It was created by Dan the Automator and DJ Shadow in 1999. It is a combination of funky musical samples and dialog from Bollywood movies from the 1970s mixed with hip-hop beats. The dramatic rhythms, tones and dialog have always intrigued me, though I admit to never having watched any films of this genre/era. If anyone has any suggestions for classic '70s Bollywood films complete with leisure suits and mustaches, I would be interested to hear about them...

As for current times, it is great to hear that Bollywood is stepping up their game. Changing their perspective on how they look at profits and casting should result in some quality productions.

I saw "Slumdog Millionaire" and loved the plot, the scenery and the music. Though that was an American production, it definitely had a Bollywood feel, especially with the final dance scene. Are there any recent films that anyone can recommend? Maybe we could plan a movie night some time soon to get into the spirit for our upcoming trip...

Commenting on Blogs...

2009-12-03T14:01:00.000-08:00

So far my required comments on classmates' blogs have all been related to food...
Hmm, might be time to branch out a bit...

RESPONSE to "The Indian Spice"

2009-12-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

(photo of Dal - yum!)

Original Post:

http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/india/the-indian-spice/

Tim, this was a great post!

I am intrigued by the trumpet mushrooms - let us know if you find those ever again! I love the comprehensive list of spices - wow, it is almost overwhelming! Thanks for sharing the research you did on the various properties of all of the spices.

One dish I see you didn’t mention is Dal (also spelled Dahl). This is one of my favorite dishes. I grew up eating this dish all the time. My parents spent a lot of time in India in the 1970’s, (and in Vancouver, BC, a city full of Indian immigrants!) so they are quite into preparing and eating Indian food.

Dal is a lentil based spicy soup/stew that is often eaten with roti (a wheat-based flat bread) or rice. It is very filling and a great treat on a cold day.

One of my good friends, Dustin Ellison, lives in India (I’m hoping to visit him after our trip next summer!). He recently self-published a vegetarian Indian cookbook (preview here - http://www.blurb.com/books/447164). I have a copy if anyone would like to check out the great recipes. We are getting spoiled eating Neetu’s great food at our meetings… maybe we could plan a ‘culinary night’ and try as a group to cook some delicious meals!

RESPONSE to "To Eat or Not to Eat..."

2009-11-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

Original post: http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/india/to-eat-or-not-to-eat-that-is-the-question/

Erika is right - reading your blog post made me hungry. And reading the full NY Times Anthony Bourdain article made me even hungrier!

Chase, you are right, too - staying away from the water is one way to help to prevent the “Montezuma’s Revenge” type stomach bug that is often caught in Mexico. I did a little Google research and found that the term in India we will likely become familiar with is “Delhi Belly” - that is such a clever name, I wish I came up with it myself!

I think that these new fast-food type restaurants are a great way to let us tourists sample a “cleaner” fare that our more timid stomachs can handle. The locals will likely still take the more adventurous (and cheaper!) approach. I think there is a way that both types of vendors can harmoniously stay in business in India’s growing economy.

We all know that the mature decision is to NOT eat on the streets … but, I sometimes wonder how much of the stomach troubles we face while traveling are actually bacterially linked … and how much of it is in our heads or linked to other things?

Travel can be stressful, and stress can cause serious digestive issues. Look at the typical jetlag/first day of travel - you lose some sleep after a day of flying, drink some strong coffee to get going in the AM, have some really spicy food, and maybe drink a few too many beers. That sounds like a day of indigestion in the making! I am not saying that we should just go for it and eat on the streets, but we should be realistic and acknowledge that even when you are careful you can get sick. Foreign spices, exhaustion, dehydration = these things can all add up and lead the most careful person to even get sick. All we can do is strive to be lucky! And pack Immodium AD!

No Toilet, No Bride!

2009-11-30T15:57:00.001-08:00

When I got married this summer, I don’t remember the need for a toilet ever crossing my mind. A man with a toilet has never been a marital prerequisite or anything I have ever really thought twice about. Indoor plumbing is something we take for granted in the USA; India is a very different place.

A few years ago, Haryana, a northern state in India, implemented a "No Toilet, No Bride" campaign in an effort to combat the lack of proper plumbing (see full Washington Post article here). Villages have walls with slogans painted in Hindi reading - "Na byahun beti us ghar mein jismein na ho shauchalaya." This is a lengthier version of the ‘no toilet, no bride’ comment literally translating to "If you don't have a proper lavatory in your house, don't even think about marrying my daughter." There are print ads and radio commercials including the popular radio jingle "No loo? No 'I do.'" There are even commercials on television and the new slogan has recently been incorporated into the plot of a popular soap opera. Ironically, there are more televisions than toilets in India, so this advertising medium works well to spread to word!

This campaign has come as an effort to combat health hazards and create a better environment for women. The health hazards relating to lack of sanitation are monumental – they can lead to the spread of diseases such as typhoid, malaria, polio, and diarrhea. According to the World Health Organization, child deaths from diarrhea outnumber those from AIDS, malaria and measles combined, making sanitation a big concern!

The slogan’s direct link to women (and their value as a bride) in India relate to their need for privacy. Women are modest and will tend to go to the bathroom outdoors during hours of darkness. This means they must get up in the pre-dawn hours to use the bathroom or wait until after the sun goes down. Being out at night alone can be dangerous for women. Also, limiting yourself to a strict schedule can lead to health problems. Ashok Gera, a local Haryana doctor, says that he sees many young women "who have prolonged urinary tract infections and kidney and liver problems because they don't have a safe place to go."

So far, this new campaign has proven to be successful! Over 1.4 million toilets have been built! Some have been built with government funds, but some have been funded by eager potential husbands. Harpal Sirshwa, a 22 year old bachelor says, "I will have to work hard to afford a toilet. We won't get any bride if we don't have one now."

I find this campaign to be a novel approach to an age old problem. Linking sanitation needs to courtship is a way to capture the attention of the decision-making men in India. Female foeticide has led to a distinct gender disproportion, with the population of India consisting of 8% more men than women. This means there are more eligible bachelors than available brides. This puts women in a position of leverage for pairing off for marriage, allowing them to request toilets in homes. Is the threat of being stuck as a single man enough to overhaul the country’s sanitation practices? What will the women of India use their marital leverage for next?

Cricket Practice!

2009-11-30T15:35:00.000-08:00

I attended my first MBA Cricket Practice last week. It was a blast! I admit to being a little sore afterwards - I used some muscles I forgot I had!

Thanks to fellow MBA classmate Hemanth for teaching me a new vocabulary, wow! There is a lot to learn!

Bowling, wickets, batsman, overs - I am slowly learning all the terms. I am looking forward to being a little less clueless at our next practice. :)

I made contact with the ball at least once while I was up to bat, and I am pretty sure I earned my team at least one point?? I mean one "run."

The timing of my first practice was great - just before going home for the holidays. I had fun talking with my Dad over Thanksgiving about Cricket (he used to play in Canada). He told me about a big game in which he had a 'hat-trick.' In Cricket, this means that, as the bowler, you dismiss three batsmen with consecutive deliveries. They are very rare and after the game he was given the ball as a memoir. I remember seeing the red ball at our house growing up... who knew that someday I would be be playing Cricket with my MBA classmates in preparation for our trip to India?

Blog Creation!

2009-11-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,
This is the blog I will be using for my GSB 563 International Business Class at Orfalea College of Business (Cal Poly University San Luis Obispo).

More updates coming soon...

Cheers!
Cat

Cat's India Blog

Final Reflections

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

Catherine Kristensen6/9/10Spring Quarter Book ReviewNicki Grihault: “Culture Smart! India: A Quick Guide to Customs & Etiquette"ISBN # 978-1558687059

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Fall Quarter Book Review - "The Post-American World"

The Gold Rush of 2009

RESPONSE TO: Hollywood versus Bollywood

Commenting on Blogs...

RESPONSE to "The Indian Spice"

RESPONSE to "To Eat or Not to Eat..."

No Toilet, No Bride!

Cricket Practice!

Blog Creation!

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