Monday, June 28, 2010

Final Blog Reflections

Wow, what a journey! Up until the last moment this trip has been educational, challenging, and an absolute blast.

India is different and similar to how I imagined it all at the same time. This may not make sense, but if you spend sometime in India, you will understand that it actually does make sense. It is a place full of dichotomy and juxtapositions. Business and technology is growing by the minute, but there are still only 100,000 million internet users (out of 1.2 billion people). There is a growing middle class, but 75% of the country still lives in poverty. Expensive high rise apartments are built next to slums. I was expecting both rich and poor, but I didn't realize they would exist so close to each other.

Our business visits were extremely valuable and educational. We visited 14 companies and we learned something unique at every stop. From clothing manufacturing, to construction, to telecom, to marketing, every company and industry was growing, building, and excited. The offices were all clean, air-conditioned, and hospitable, much like you would expect from the offices of New York City (although I think Indian hospitality trumps American by far!). We were always greeted with warm smiles, tea and cookies, and thoughtful answers to our questions and queries.

I think there are a few things that Westerners can take from Indian business practice, and that I plan on taking away myself. The first is to be unconditionally hospitable. The friendliness, openness, and patience was really striking. In America it seems we move so quickly and are so busy, we may not make the time necessary to make connections. Second, is to realize that there is opportunity in everything. Indians are creating new and exciting businesses and markets everyday. Rather than look at their lower classes as a burden or a lost cause, they are creating products and shifting industry standards to cater to all people. The last business practice that the West could benefit from, is the amazing work ethic in India. From the people that seek out recycling in trash, to the top executives, all of them work hard. There is no laziness here. The city streets are in motion constantly.

There was an overwhelming vibe of growth and change, and pride about India and it's future. People want to talk about the change, share their personal experiences with India's growth, and encourage you to participate in it as well. All the companies we visited, and all the people we met, mentioned the changes that happening. And every single one was proud - the energy could be felt.

My journey with the Cal Poly program is complete, but my journey in India is not. I will continue to explore different areas of the country for the next 6 weeks. A classmate said in the meeting this morning, the more we learn about India, the less we realize we know. If this is the case, I hope that I come back to America feeling like I know less than I do now. Let the learning continue!

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