VERSATILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

India has this strength. From a call centre in Bangalore, an Indian can talk about the English weather and football - and is happy to make that conversation and connect. For Bollywood actors to do ballroom dancing or rap is nothing strange, yet we never see a Hollywood actor even trying to do an Indian dance. There is a tendency to see and embrace whatever is good in others without restraint, fear or insecurity. These are the very qualities which will lead to success in the twenty-first century as the world becomes more connected and fast-changing. Adaptability requires one to be innocent and hungry even at an old age. It demands creativity and persistence. And often, Indians do it with a big smile on their face. In London, there are Indian owned restaurants which serve international food - from Chinese, to Mexican, to Italian - without any fanfare - as if it was easy to learn and cook these dishes and adapt them to an Indian style. There are few other countries or cultures where the cooks would be so versatile. Openness, respect and flexibility are the keys to the new world.

DIVERSITY

Air travel, migration and technology have created a moving planet, forcing cultures, peoples and languages to come together. This has led to tensions and accusations of racism and legislation to protect minority rights. Diversity is becoming an increasing issue in the developed world. But who is an expert on Diversity? Who is qualified to speak for multiple cultures and viewpoints? Who is capable of building bridges and resolving disputes? Personally, I am an Indian born in Kenya and living in Britain for the last twenty-five years. Indian culture (specifically my Jain upbringing) has equipped me to be open and respectful of others from day one. Remember, Jains even respect insects, so there is no question of abuse of size, power or authority. It has allowed me to assimilate with different groups of people without any barriers or inhibitions. This enables me to be an expert on Diversity - as it is in my DNA. What do you think?

LOW-TECH INDIA

Culture and values are the software of humanity. Just as India is experiencing a hi-tech boom, it has in the past had significant cultural highs which can easily be forgotten in a world of materialism. This blog tries to unravel this ancient software and connect it to the 21st century for students of wisdom and ethics all over the world. Among the topics covered will be yoga, meditation, food, health, lifestyle, arts, business ethics, sustainability, diaspora,pensions and much more. Remember, India has a long tradition of invention and creativity which few know about in the modern world. This blog will unravel it and give readers a personal connection to the past, encouraging them to continue the discovery.
Welcome.