Off To India

Off To India

After one of the greatest send offs a person could ask for (family & friends), I made my way to Newark, New Jersey in preparation for my international flight to New Delhi.  This would be my first visit to the region so my anticipation grew as I moved closer to departure.  I arrived at Newark International Airport and quickly b-lined to the Continental check in.  As I stood in line glancing at the many faces of India staring back at me, I began to realize the magnitude of this journey and the significance of my presence in India and her presence in me.

The flight was smooth from take off; the plane calmly disappearing into the blanketed night. As I located the faces of classmates familiar to me, we began to indulge our imaginations along with our curiosities in defining our purpose for making the trip to this land of culture and history.  India was within our reach and for a time, we would belong to her.

As the plane descended upon the sleeping city, my nostrils were filled with a heavy smoky scent.  I began to absorb my surroundings.  So many faces filled our view as we were channeled through the airport eventually graduating from customs and immigration.  We were greeted by Professor Gupta, our team lead and instructor on this academic tour.  There were smiles and handshakes as we were ushered to our awaiting bus.  We left the airport, as it lay still in the fog of the eve.

My thoughts reflected back to a conversation I had on the plane with a fellow passenger named Mandy.  She was American  and relocated to New Delhi to teach, and provide education consulting services to institutions within India.  I asked her for several places where I could purchase gift items.  She rolled off the list as if she were accustomed to answering this sort of question. 

“Laj Pat Nagar Central Market” she said, where there was local shopping, bangles, household goods and also a great place to meet up with others.  For clothing, toys, silver, and even a Cricket bat (Cricket is the most popular sport in India), she suggested Khan Market which she said catered to foreigners.  The Turtle Café, Big Chill (the pie is said to be amazing), and Side Wok were just a few of the other places I was directed to explore.  As I thanked Mandy I remembered that this was a business education trip.  I hoped I would have the time to visit all the grand places.  Little did I know that I would be carried to more great sites and businesses in two weeks in India, than some folks visit in a lifetime.

We made our way through the cool of the city, and I observed the many construction projects under way.  We passed several schools, one of which the Professor attended as a young man; Springdales. We were able to just make out the buildings on the south campus of Delhi University. We were almost at our hotel.  As the sand man was almost upon us, we too would join the masses of New Delhi, in that place of rest called sleep.

India Experience 1

India Experience 1

• Friday (8^th January): American Center Orientation in morning, Parliament Museum in afternoon. Sit-down Lunch (Regional Indian cuisine), Evening Reception at hotel. 

India by foot is probably one of the best ways to see the city and feel the vibe that moves life here. There is plenty of activity and movement as we navigate our way to the American Center, which is part of the U.S. Embassy, our first stop of many.  We met Diane Brandt, Cultural Affairs Officer, North India Programs, a wife and mother of two who came to New Delhi after working in Saudi Arabia. She shared with our group her experience in coordinating public events, and her input in government to government relations.  Her office recently arranged a U.S. jazz band to visit and play at the U.S. Center for an evening event they were hosting.  She introduced us to her colleague, Sarah Harriger, Political Officer, U.S. Department of State.  Sarah, an avid chess player shared her interest in everything political.  She assisted Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her visit to India and described the five pillar agenda set up by India and America; Strategic Cooperation, Economic Cooperation, Education and Development, Science and Technology, Energy and Climate Change.  She stressed the importance of strategic dialogue between America and India and articulated the significance of a solid framework of communication, which must continue due to the intricately tied interests of both countries.  I found the time spent at the American Center both informative and thought invoking. 

A grand tour of India’s Parliament Museum provided a glimpse into India’s rich cultural history and fight for independence from British rule.  As I walked with the group I was alone in my thoughts, replaying the history of my people in America and our many victories over injustice and evil.  It feels good walking on the wings of courage and honor.  I thought of the many names in the Parliament building, names that I may never hear again in America, and as I matched their victories with their challenges I realized that there is true greatness in all.  I thanked my Lord for those past and present, who fought for my life to be one of peace and promise.  They knew I was here at this place in time as I felt them smile in my heart. 

After a visit to one of the largest Sikh temples in the region, lunch, and a quick visit to a street bazaar (street market) it was time to retire to the hotel.  What a day!  One can find something quite valuable here… largely within oneself.

India Experience 2

India Experience 2

• Saturday (9^th January): Auto Expo Day (visit the India International Automobile Exhibition). Early Sit-down Dinner (Regional Indian cuisine). 

Today is Saturday January 9^th.  It is Auto Expo Day where we are visiting the India International Automobile Exhibition.  There are plenty of people and just as many vehicles to suit even the discriminate in taste.  We divided into groups to make our foray most effective.  Last year the Auto Expo unveiled the world’s most inexpensive car, the Tata Nano.  Tata Motors titles it “The Peoples Car”.  Heralded for its cheap price and excellent fuel economy, it took the small auto aficionados by storm.  This year however the Nano excitement was replaced by the luxury cars of the group.  As I toddled the section reserved for Jaguar and Range Rover, there was young and old alike, pushing feverishly ahead to get a peek at the vehicles designed for those of privileged circumstances. As cameras flashed across the metallic finish, I was swept up in the flurry of excitement.  I began to move my shoulders in sync with the rhythm of the crowd.  As I saw my reflection in one of the cars of distinction… the new Range Rover, I realized I had become a mob of one and my place was secured within the perimeter of “oohs” and “ahhs”.  Then I thought, “Wait a minute… I see these in the U.S. all the time.”  I politely bowed out of the full court press and continued on.  In addition to cars there were an abundance of motorcycles, of which I am quite the enthusiast (I ride a Yamaha R1 Sport bike).  I enjoyed this event and as I located my group members, or should I say they found me (by the motorcycles of course), I bid farewell to a couple I had met from Hyderabad.  He worked for Volkswagen Germany and she was a model from South Africa.  An unlikely couple I thought, however all is game on the international stage of life.

India Experience 3

India Experience 3

• Sunday (10^th January): Morning Free (optional programs), Leave for LPU-Jalandhar noon.

Today is the day we visit Lovely Professional University.  I have been in correspondence with my email buddy from Lovely before I even left America.  Each of us teamed with a student from the business college located in Punjab, and as we began to share our university experience as students in addition to our questions regarding life, relationships were formed.  These were the new associates and friends that we would spend two fun filled nights with, dancing around bonfires and eating delicious food to our heart’s content, all while celebrating our individual culture and newfound camaraderie.  But before we would find our way to Lovely Professional University, we left the hotel and sought out the magnificently old… Old Delhi.  What a gem this was.  It was like stepping back into the 1940’s, complete with narrow side streets and old looking antique bicycles, not to mention the electrical wires which hung low and deliberate from building to building.  

“I’ve seen her awaken, her beauty just within reach as she ascends and her activities begin…yes India”

                                                                                                                                                Chad

 

There was entrepreneurship and small business in full swing; the chicken vendor killing and cleaning chicken outside on the ground, while the caged chickens looked on, awaiting their turn of preparation.  There were the many sellers of used books along the street, whose salesman called out to passersby, myself included, offering the best price and all because I was their first customer of the day… Who would have thought?  My professor and I chanced an encounter with two gentlemen in an underground workshop preparing metal bearing casings.  The machinery was manually operated and over 40 years old but still quite effective.  The older of the two men shared with us that he had been doing this for over 15 years, and that the bearing casings were the result of sourcing work that they were lucky enough to have.  When asked if he ever considered going into business for himself his response was straight forward, “I cannot afford to purchase this machinery to start my own business.”  My thought… Oh the barriers to entry for the little guy trying to get ahead.  We thanked the two men for their time and as we quickly paced to catch up with the rest of the group who were oblivious to our disappearance, I observed goats in the street, an occasional cow in the road, and children playing cricket.  The Professor must have seen the sportsman in my eye as we passed the youth, and he asked me did I want to take a swing at the ball with the cricket bat.  Well, I come from a long line of sportsmen and competitors, so I followed my heart and quickly accepted the bat from my new opponent.  As he revved his arm in high gear and prepared to deliver a punishing fastball, my focus kicked in… SMACK!  I was met with success on the first try.  I took several more swings, making contact and began to fall for the sport that I had only watched in a confused like state on television a few times.  I had forgotten about my classmates walking ahead, forgotten about the trip to Lovely University, forgotten about this being a business and educational tour, and felt myself become a cricketer.

India Experience 4

India Experience 4 

• Monday (11^th January): Spend the day in Jalandhar. Visit tourist sites in Jalandhar. Cultural evening at LPU. 

Wow what a night last night.  When we arrived at Lovely Professional University we were met by all of our E-buddies along with faculty and directors of the institution.  They were quite gracious in their reception and I was taken with the extremely polite mannerisms that came across from both my group and the students hosting our stay in Jalandhar.  We danced and sang songs and it felt right, spending this time with those possibly not unlike myself; across the globe from home yet knowing I never really left because I belong to life.

This morning as I dressed I wondered if I had let the water stay on long enough to get warm.   I left it on for 10 minutes yet it was bone chilling cold.  Needless to say my time spent in the bathroom was quick… getting dressed was even quicker.  Then we made our way to the main reception hall where we ate breakfast.  After breakfast a tour of the campus warmed my bones and I was able to see the hard work Lovely University has completed, in order to offer my student comrades an excellent environment for research and learning. 

The title for today’s roundtable discussion… “Transferring India, Transforming India”...  Just a few facts:

1. India has the largest middle class in the world
2. Indians have high savings rate (35%), where Americans tend to use credit and loan sources
3. Rural India accounts for 65% of the total population

 

Lovely University began with 60 students in 2001 and 1 building.  The school has since grown to 25,000 students, 600 acres and 60 independent buildings.  When asked about why they have been successful, their response was simple yet clear, “We learn and we think”.  There are 2400 staff and faculty members and the campus is equipped with smart classrooms, and surveillance in each classroom.  Their goal is to continually add value to their institution through striving to be the best.  I found this a lofty goal but one that could be met if they continue pushing for excellence.  Time has a way of being friendly to those that are persistent, and perseverance is usually a close ally.

India Experience 5

India Experience 5 

• Tuesday (12^th January): Leave for Chandigarh early morning (7A). Spend the day at Infosys company campus. Reception at Golf Club, Chandigarh hosted by Dean Upinder Dhillon. Leave for Delhi in the evening. Reach Delhi late night (about 11P).

Chandigarh here we come.  We departed Lovely University this morning bright and early to get a jump on the day and visit our host, Infosys, a provider in Information Technology Sourcing.  Like most large corporations security was a major issue.  Allowing 27 people into a place of business mid day where a large portion of clients have delicate information and data being processed required organization and structure.  I found both at Infosys, along with a wealth of knowledge pertaining to business operations, client size, international innovations in procedures and processes, and employee retention.  Our time was spent in business forum style meetings, and question and answer sessions.  Yes, the students of Binghamton University asked the questions that needed asking, and I was impressed as we went beyond the surface and carved our way into the core competencies the executives exercised in order to remain a leader in global service delivery systems.  We filled our notebook pages, and our minds with the rules that would be needed to build and develop our own enterprises.  The business campus was absolutely spectacular.  The architect designed a complex with the ocean as his inspiration.  Two of the  massive buildings appeared like gigantic ships coasting the open seas as glass covered both from bottom to top, allowing sunlight to crash against the contemporary décor found within.  The third building was formed with the rooftop shaped like the waves of the oceanic deep.  Mesmerizing was a word that came to mind.  The outdoor swimming pool at the complex interior seemed to spell a relief for employees, from blazingly hot summer seasons. Now however it is a mirror for the sun in the crisp January air.  Yes it is winter in India and it gets cold. 

I was fed well at Infosys and had the pleasure of having my Dean from the School of Management accompany my group on the tour of the facility.  Dean Dhillon is from the Chandigarh region and after departing the Infosys campus, he warmly invited us to join him with his family for a reception at the Chandigarh Golf Club.  The food was delicious, mostly vegetarian as most food is that I have been offered.  We talked, took pictures and I was able to unwind from a long day “at the office”.

India Experience 6

India Experience 6 

• Wednesday (13^th January): DSCL company visit, Dinner at VKG residence (including traditional Lohri celebrations).

Today’s visit to DSCL opened my eyes even more to how focused Indian companies are becoming as they set their sights on rural markets.  Again, the importance of the rural market was stressed as we met with company leaders in a closed business forum.  “Growth will happen in the rural sector” was the point being driven.  As I listened I considered what most of the business leaders have been saying in the companies that we have called upon.  The message is clear that India is growing, and expanding rapidly.  Our hosts offered their take on the emerging markets available within their respective industries, Agri Business and Energy. They shared their organizational advantages and disadvantages.  Specializing in fertilizers, bioseed and energy sectors have allowed them the capability to diversify their service offerings.  Trained man power was a key barrier to sustainable growth as they saw it.  They are currently exploring opportunities which will help meet that demand. They were very generous with their time and as I headed to my bus I remembered thinking back over a question I had fielded, regarding their carbon footprint.  They expressed their concern in minimizing their impact on the environment and detailed one way in which they are taking measures. The green revolution is having a global impact. As generations learn the importance of a healthy atmosphere, the demands on corporations to exercise environmentally friendly policies and practices will increase.  India, like the rest of the world will have to comply or die.

India Experience 7

India Experience 7

• Thursday (14^th January): PwC Office Visit, Quick trip to Shiv Murti tourist spot, light and sound show at Red Fort (7.30P), Late Dinner at Chor Bizzare.

Tonight was a night to remember!  The light and sound show at Delhi’s famous Red Fort was almost the most exciting part of the day.  Taking the subway at night with 26 Americans, navigating traffic in Old Delhi, escaping the grasps of the street vendor, dodging rickshaws and mopeds, and eventually running ½ mile in dress boots to get to the show on time… now that was exciting!  I felt for the women of the group, several wore heels. Lol

The Red Fort was built during the 17^th century and constructed by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan.  Until 1857 it was used as the capital of the Mughals.  After Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled by the British Indian government the British used it as a military camp. 

Fact:     1.         India became independent in 1947. 

                 2.         The Red Fort is now a popular tourist site

 The sound show accompanied by lights was quite interesting.  I was looking for actors and props and everything theatrical, however what I saw and heard became more interactive than many shows I have attended.  Surrounded by outdoor speakers which were strategically positioned around the airy promenade, I was afforded the pleasure of hearing horses approaching from the rear, and men at arms fighting in the distance as the Fort’s history came to life through amplification. The buildings became the stage, void of physical movement, but echoing the sound and voices of those passed on, yet written securely in the script designed for my understanding.  Although there were no people moving on stage, the resonance created them around us and the lights, as they reproduced the battles fought using color, the empty buildings quaked to life, encompassing us, giving birth to the visual. I saw the battle and felt the victory.  For a time, I experienced the sovereignty fought for.  Yes… India!

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