Understanding India

For past few days I am somehow obsessed with India. I have never been there, though I have met many Indians all around the world, made friendships with some of them and seen a bit of Indian culture, food and lifestyle in South East Asia.

Just now I finished watching the film "Gandhi" about Mohandas Gandhi, spiritual leader of Indian nation, "Bapu"("Father") as they called him. Or "Mahatma", the Great Soul. Indeed, he was very influential the way he approached to fight the discrimination and dominance of British Empire through nonviolent protests, through pushing the truth with firm attitude and through winning the hearts of his nation by his courage, simplicity and wisdom. The film also pictures the eruption of violence between Hindus and Muslims after they fought together against British rule. Highly recommended for everyone who is curious about India and Gandhi. It is an old movie (1982) and won 8 Oscars then. Ben Kingsley plays as Gandhi.

Besides its mythical and cultural side, nowadays it interests me as an emerging economic giant and as a leading country for IT off-shoring. Currently I am reading a book called "Doing Business in 21st Century India" by Gunjan Bagla. This book mainly helps to understand both past and current situations and business environments in India. It also mentions about foreign companies that have successfully launched their business in India and about the biggest local companies. And it's more about different businesses rather than IT. Moreover, it helps to understand more about Indians and their way of working, how cross cultural communication is done, about finance and related matters that would give first hand brief introduction for anyone who wants to know more about doing business in India or working with Indians. Though it is not a guide to succeed in India, but rather just high level overview. For more about IT offshoring to this country, you should read Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat" book. That provides deeper look into this matter and gives lots of insights.

Said that, it's not that I am planning to open a business in India or move there for career options. But one big reality that we should accept, I believe, is the fact that it is very important to understand India's position in global economy and IT industry in the coming years. Thus it is important to learn how to work and cooperate with Indians as well.

Finally, I dream about visiting this country. And not just a short visit, but living there and feeling it.

Photo of Indian family in traditional clothes. I took it during Deepavali, Indian holy festival, in Singapore.

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