May 09, 2001 05:14 PM
1571 Views
India is the world's largest democracy with a very big population ! It has a rich, varied and ageless heritage. It is believed that every sixth human being in the world is an INDIAN ! You can imagine the population of India .
Now , after many years of Independence , India is slowly and steadily improving in it's economy. A new India is taking shape .It is industrialized , self-sufficient in food , self-reliant and dynamic . India is also dedicated to the quest for peace , freedom and International understanding .
I have lived in Saudi Arabia for many years , and now I am living in Canada . That doesn't keep me away from visiting my birth place . I keep visiting India whenever I get an opportunity . I am originally from India and I am really proud to be of Indian origin ! This kind of patriotic feeling , you will find among all Indians , in whichever part of the world you may find them .
I think , that is our great strength ! In India , there are many states and people living in different states have different culture . They speak different language , dress in a different way and even their cooking and eating styles are different . But, we have one thing in common ! That is , 'Unity in diversity '. We are all proud of our nation , regardless of whatever part of India we are from.
For instance , I am from South India from one of the major cities called 'Chennai'. It used to be called Madras earlier. Now they have changed the name to Chennai.My neighbours are from Gujarat , which is in North . Both our cooking was completely different and we learnt a lot from each other's valuable culture ! It was a nice experience ! We are still in touch with each other through email and telephone , though we are in different corners in the world. Regarding time, India is nine hours ahead of us .
Many Canadian friends here tell me that they would like to visit India atleast once in their lifetime . I am sure, there are many like them. India is an interesting place , with many interesting things to see and enjoy. One of the most important is Tajmahal , which is considered as one of the great wonders of the world ! It is in Agra in Delhi. I like the beach in Chennai. It is called 'Marina Beach' , a very beautiful beach , which is supposed to be the second big one in Asia.
India is a place with people who are very friendly . You will find that in hotels, restaurants and public transits . Some people will be very happy to go out of the way to help you . Common mode of greeting somebody is just shaking the hands or saying 'Namaskar ' with both the hands folded . This greeting also varies from state to state .
Indians don't believe in showing their emotions or feeling by kissing outwardly in public. This may be funny to a westener visiting India .It is very common in the States and Canada here to greet people with a fond kiss.
When you wish to go for sight seeing, it is preferable that you arrange with a touring service beforehand . They will take care of all your expenses on food and guide service . It will be good to carry your own mineral water everywhere. You cannot actually rely on corporation water you may get from the taps as they are prone to get polluted.
There is great amount of pollution due to autoexhaust , soot etc and hence it is advisable to carry your own water bottle . Ofcourse, if you are stuck up in any place , people will be only very happy to entertain you with good food . No need to worry ! Indians are known for their great hospitality .
One thing you have to be a bit careful , is with some pickpocketers at the bus stand . There are still some people like them who ruin the image of India. You have to keep your wallets safe .
At hotels , parks and other places you may need to tip people who serve you. You need to have extra change for all those purposes.
Don't forget to take a camera with you , when you are visiting different places like sanctuaries , museum, zoo etc. You cannot forget those wonderful experiences.
India is a wonderful place . People are nice and will give you a very warm welcome . Hope you will have an enjoyable journey and unforgettable experiences in India . Bon Voyage !
