[MUSIC] >> The people of India are generally extremely hospitable and respectful to guests, and even more so if they're from another country. People across all social and economic strata interacted with the students, treating them respectfully. It is time for food. A wholesome variety of food is spread out. Tangy, hot, or spicy is the order of the day. Our students tried all kinds of Indian food: breakfast items, staple lunches of roti, sabji, rice, and dal. By and large, they seem to have enjoyed Indian food. They're on their way, riding across the city. It's quite noticeable that there are strange letters of the language they cannot read or understand. Tamil was the first Indian language that they encountered. They were accompanied by an interpreter at all times. Yet there were situations when people spoke to the students directly, and even while speaking in Tamil. It was a pleasant surprise to see many students adapting to Indian clothes, particularly Punjabi tops and kurtis with ubiquitous jeans. The students were prepared well in advance that no shorts, tank tops, or spaghetti straps would be allowed on the trip, as it would come across as being in bad taste. Dressing is also characteristic of the respect one shows the host country. It was heartening to these inspired students, intending to do good for those with the lowest incomes. Although poor, they were generous with what they had, and received the students with warmth. In turn, the students completely empathized with them. Food is vital to traditional cultures. And here, a country with cuisines dating back in time, it is a pleasure to watch the women cook. The flavors, smells, and textures of the food compliment the effortless care with which women cook. Students looked on with surprise at kitchen arrangements and utensils, as women interacted with each other with customary ease. What kind of treatment would you suppose is meted out to foreign students when they visit homes in the slums, or in the not so well-off areas? Even small, congested, or one-roomed houses had warmth of their own. It was a pleasure for the students to experience this hospitality. Everyone seemed comfortable and happy. The hosts were dignified and welcoming, despite their lack of material possessions, but rich in ways that money can't buy. Religion is central and all-pervading in India's culture, and a temple visit was an important item in the tour schedule. Walk into the temple, and the students find it a heady mix of culture, religious tradition, architecture, and ancient customs that have been handed down through centuries. The customs of the temple were carefully adhered to by all the students. There was much to experience through the rituals in an environment of absolute sanctity. They were thrilled to wear garlands and Vibhuti on their foreheads, presented to them by the priests. Temple architecture ranks high among the numerous heritage sites that is India's pride. Students were very curious to understand the history and the mythology represented by the intricately carved temples at Mahabalipuram. The women wear flowers in their hair, and flower garlands adorn every occasion. Flowers always have a special place. The students immediately clicked away with their cameras, as they saw flower shops with women threading garlands. If you want to see the effects of globalization halfway across the globe, then come to India. In the business process outsourcing centers, the students were amused to find the employees managing their dual identities with panache. >> Hello, my name is Sandra, Sandra Thomas. That's my pseudo-name. My Indian name is Jesse, but you guys can call me Sandra. >> Even as they cater to Western clients with Western names, they feel very much their own Indian selves in other ways. Barring corporate executives or IT professionals, one could say that India is not a country in a hurry. People's willingness and dedication to spare time with students was a pleasant surprise, and there were no expectations in return. How do you interact with women in a more conservative milieu than in the West? Would the women openly answer their questions, or is it going to be shy withdrawal? Maintaining a respectful distance when interacting is important in this context. In all the interactions that the students had, they were treated as guests. There were not so much culture shocks, but rather heart-to-heart exchange between people living a world across from each other. [MUSIC]
