Are you from India?
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#BELONGANYWHERE
BELONG ANYWHERE
The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited India in AD 637 and wrote about his observation in his book “Si-yu-ki” (Record of the Western Countries). According to him the caste system was rigid but women would get an education and there was no purdah system, the common people were simple and honest. Though it had many religions, there was complete tolerance among people of all religious faiths.
Such cultural accounts are very important in today’s globalized world.
As Chief travelling Officers of our own life, we must take account and respect other cultures, especially when in other countries. Being in IT Industry, I have been privileged to travel across the world and meet people from different cultures and spheres of life. In this series, I am sharing a few stories based on my experiences while working with people across the world.
What is your story?
click here to read all stories of BELONG ANYWHERE https://www.storyberrys.com/category/series/belong-anywhere/
Story 4: Are you from India?
In the winter of 1999, I landed in the US. It was my first visit to any country outside India. I was young, bubbling to meet new people, learn about new cultures, and also prove myself.
During the first week at work, the VP of the division Krish visited my desk. Given his hierarchy, I was nervous and stood up from my chair and greeted him. He made me comfortable and enquired about my stay and my work. I felt very happy to see him concerned about my well-being. I was excited because Krish looked of Indian descent, though his accent was completely American. Seeing a familiar face at a foreign location always helps.
To save time, I used to take my lunch at my desk. One day during lunch time Krish passed by, and he saw me eating alone. He invited me to join him for the lunch at the cafeteria. I could not say NO to him! I hurriedly packed my food and joined him. On the way to the cafeteria, he asked a few more questions related to where I stay, how I commute, etc.
I was surprised as he stood in the queue to buy the food and enquired if I too wanted to buy something. I was overwhelmed to see a person of his hierarchy standing in the queue just like anybody else. I said No and waited for him at the table.
He had very simple food of salad and a caffeine drink. I thought he is not well, so I enquired. He was surprised why I thought so. I explained that salad means he wants to eat light for some health reason. He laughed. I was embarrassed, as to why I asked such a stupid question.
I am an introverted person. Normally I don’t talk much but I had a certain feeling that he was from India, hence a natural affinity came with him. I answered whatever he asked about me. I was curious to know about him as I was very sure he was from India. I asked him, from which part of India he came from. He was surprised and said, he was not from India.
I was again embarrassed and focused on my food.
Soon, we finished the food and said bye to each other. While returning to my desk, I kept thinking, that many times we presume about any person based on our preconceived notions about looks and behaviour which may not be the truth.
I smiled to myself and got back to work.
So, if you are beginning to work on a new project or new to the organization, then please do explore the cultural aspects of that region or organization. It will help prepare you well.
Dinesh Kumar Singh