India Culture, Customs & Business Etiquette For Western Expats
Present day, 'India culture' – the result of 5000 years of evolution – blissfully remains unique, despite the changes brought about by globalization.
With the huge job and business opportunities that globalization has generated in India, traveling, living, working and even retiring here has never been more popular, as current migration patterns show.
India is a land of contrasts and contradictions where…
Foreigners are welcomed as guests despite the huge cultural divide
People are prejudiced against the West yet obsessed with it
There's drought in one part of the country while there are floods in another
People are spiritual yet materialistic
The rich minority flaunts wealth and flouts rules while the poor majority stoically believes in karma
Bovine traffic enjoys right of way while luxury cars totter over potholes
The names of streets, stations and airports and even cities are prone to change triggered by changes in the ruling party making signboards obsolete before the paint dries…
All signs of the times… 'India Shining' reflects all this and shines on!
There's something about India...
Adjusting to a different environment and culture in any foreign country can be a traumatic and stressful experience, and saying that India culture is no exception is an understatement!
When you move to a foreign country, you’ll need to adapt to a new environment and the challenges of a new job, a new home and a totally new physical environment, which can be overwhelming. In your home country you may have left a job where you were the boss, felt in total control and knew everyone. As an expat, you may be virtually a trainee and not know any of your new colleagues.
You need to adapt to new customs and traditions and discover the Indian way of doing things.
It’s best to begin by socializing…
Sharing the afternoon chai and samosa with neighbors
Toasting a work colleague’s success with Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL)
Deciphering Hinglish (Indian English)
Dancing the Dandya Ras
Performing a graceful Namaste
But before that, you can gain India culture wisdom by…
Uncovering historical events that made India what it is today
Exploring its geographical features
Learning about its people
Discovering business opportunities
Sourcing accommodation
Identifying the best options for your child’s education
Locating health facilities
Deciding your mode of transportation
Getting information on immigration & visa
And while at that, you’ll learn that Indians play as hard as they work. They love…
Cricket
Bollywood
Festivals – they're in the hundreds!
Shopping
Indian food – you’ll love it too!
Of all the guarantees you’ll be offered during your stay in India, I guarantee this guarantee – your experience of 'Incredible India' will be unique.
Come, take your first step on the journey to discovering Indian culture – begin by clicking open any one of the ‘doorways’ on the left…
Oops! Sorry about that – these signs really work! That’s the first lesson about the contradictions lying underfoot, as you wade through the mazes of India culture☺
Swagatam! (Welcome!)
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