The weather has finally become pleasant with days in the 80's and evenings dropping to the 70's.
I’m really looking forward to coming home. My tolerance levels to noises and crowds are diminishing. I have been dealing with the unpleasantries of living in New Delhi while making the best of the situation and now I am not trying.
Reminiscing of the
positives-walking to the market for a morning banana, fresh fruits and
vegetables, puppies, food – spices, diversity of the country, friends I have
made along the way and kindness and gentleness of the people. My senses are always stimulated when out –
eyes, ears, noise and smell. I feel very fortunate to have had this
opportunity.
Work has been a great
disappointment; the dysfunctional director, not going into the field to meet
the locals, sitting at the computer for 6 months and failure to accomplish
anything. On a positive note, I was away in a far away land, different culture with
new experiences for 6 months. In the past months I have adapted to the
extent that I feel comfortable with my surroundings, learned how to get along
with my fellows and how to get along with myself. Spending a lot of time
on my own has taught me to appreciate my friends, my need for companionship and
feeling part of. Nothing here is wonderful but can be comfortable.
People adapt to the point that they become oblivious to garbage, noise, street
dogs, traffic, smells, beggars, blackouts, flooding - it's the way of
life. It can be so much better if people took a stand and demanded the
government to improve life on the streets and take care of the people. I remind
myself that this is a developing country. Many of the same issues
occurred in America until the public requested/demanded a cleaner safer
society. It will take time in India and I have no doubt things will
improve.
Is India magical, exotic?
Definition of EXOTIC
2 : foreign, alien
3: strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual
Definition of MAGIC
1a : the use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces
2a : an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source
b : something that seems to cast a spell: enchantment
Yes India is definitely exotic and magical! People coexist and do it without violence or annoyance. Is this due to the spirituality of the Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs who pray and do the best they can? There is something magical about the calmness in the chaotic driving conditions, people take it in stride and don't appear angry. Rarely has anyone said anything negative or controversial.
India: with chaos there
is peace.
Definition of CULTURE
5a : the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations
b : the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also : the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life} shared by people in a place or time <popular culture> <southern culture>
c : the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization <a corporate culture focused on the bottom line>
d : the set of values, conventions, or social practices associated with a particular field, activity, or societal characteristic
I was going to say that I haven't experienced culture while vacationing in a foreign country but that’s not true. I spent one month in New Zealand and three months in Nepal/ Bhutan and did experience the culture. New Zealand culture is similar to US – developed and educated. Nepal and Bhutan culture appears to be based on religion, diversity and the equality of the people (or non-equality). The Buddhists in Nepal/Bhutan have a great influence on the culture.
Definition of CULTURE
5a : the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations
b : the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also : the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life} shared by people in a place or time <popular culture> <southern culture>
c : the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization <a corporate culture focused on the bottom line>
d : the set of values, conventions, or social practices associated with a particular field, activity, or societal characteristic
I was going to say that I haven't experienced culture while vacationing in a foreign country but that’s not true. I spent one month in New Zealand and three months in Nepal/ Bhutan and did experience the culture. New Zealand culture is similar to US – developed and educated. Nepal and Bhutan culture appears to be based on religion, diversity and the equality of the people (or non-equality). The Buddhists in Nepal/Bhutan have a great influence on the culture.
India has a very strong
culture based on diversity, religion and social hierarchy. Even with such variety people live peacefully.
The Sikhs I met on their pilgrimage to the Holy site Hemkund and Vishwa, an
office colleague and friend have helped me understand their religious beliefs
based on compassion, kindness and respect.
Pfizer requires all fellows to present their GHF experiences upon their return to work.
Below are my professional
and personal “learnings”
•
Professionally
–
Importance
of honest and open communication
–
Collaboration
–
Organization
–
Health
in relation to society - EDUCATION
–
Importance
of government in quality of health care
–
Work
outside the box
•
Personally
–
Flexibility
–
Persevere
–
Admit
defeat
•
Stop
struggling
–
What
is important to me:
•
Keep
positive attitude
•
Need
for productivity both personally and professionally
•
Living
and working environment
•
Relationships
•
Surroundings/Atmosphere
•
Family
•
Friends
–
Learn
to BE
•
Live
and enjoy the moment
•
Stop
planning the next…..
THE USA IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!
