Demystifying India
Written by Divya Badri, with inputs from Shruti Rao
If you want to do business in India, then you need to understand India. Knowing India becomes important because it is a complex nation. It is therefore vital to develop your culture quotient when approaching India.
Indian culture is possibly around 10,000 years old and it is incredibly diverse and well known for this diversity. This incredible diversity could come as a surprise to many. The culture becomes a part of everyday interaction, whether it is for personal communication or building businesses. The diversity of Indian food, language, lifestyle, all changes not only from state to state but also from different regions within the states. All these make India seem mysterious for those coming from conformist and homogenised societies. Doing business in India means being able to understand not only the urban and globalized citizens of the country, but also the many others who live on the subcontinent outside the urban cities. All of these myriad Indians together carry forward ancient traditions and culture of the land.
Watch: Doing Business in India
An Emerging India
India is an important emerging market and this ancient civilization has fast become a global IT hub. The country’s economy is rapidly developing. This growth has propelled many multi-national companies to invest and establish themselves in the Indian market. At the core of their success or failure has been their ability to connect with the Indian market. On the other hand, Indian companies are reaching out to global markets and whether you are in India or not, chances are you must have engaged with Indians abroad for work. Being armed with information on Indian culture, Indian business practices and just being able to understand India, in general, will go a long way in nurturing strong relationships.
Read: Culture Quotient
Experiencing India
Alan Rosling, Author of ‘Boom Country: The New Wave of Indian Enterprise’ once advised a forum, “Go to somewhere, where there is going to change. And, what more change could there be than the biggest, fastest-growing emerging market in the world (India)”. He could not be more right! If you are planning on doing business in India, then pick up an online course to understand India. Courses on India should be able to give you information about not only the culture of India but also how multi-national companies customize their products for the Indian market.
It is important that you not only pick up courses in India but also find experiences or events which will enable you to understand India deeply. Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-chief, The Print once said, “If you want to know more about diversity, democracy and have a few healthy arguments with of course great food and great places to see, come to India”. His advice was spot on! You also need to be able to live experiences or attend events to get a more holistic view of what it means to work in India.
Read: What it means to understand a country like India?
Mastering India’s Culture
Understanding the culture of India should be one of the key elements while deciding business strategies for foreign and domestic companies in India. Whether you are a foreign organization trying to do business in this country or a domestic organization trying to start a business in another region, India should not be a mystery to you. Mastering India – a blended learning hub for all things India is here to simplify the process. We will arm you with the knowledge on how to approach India for business not only through online courses but also through events and experiences! Events and experiences will help you gain a more holistic understanding of the subject matter at hand. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry and sign up with Mastering India today!
Watch: Emerging Markets
- Published in Blogs
Culture Quotient
Written by Divya Badri with inputs from Shruti Rao
You have heard of IQ and EQ, but have you heard of CQ? Culture quotient or CQ is increasingly becoming important to have in today’s day. If you want to set up a business in India it is advised to beef up your culture quotient to avoid any culture shock in India.
What is culture quotient?
We live in a globalized world and that makes work more dynamic and complex. Doing business in any country without a culture quotient makes businesses miss out on opportunities. Culture quotient has 3 major components – cultural knowledge, cross-cultural skills, and cultural mindfulness. These mean:
- Cultural knowledge – this is the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of someone’s culture.
- Cross-cultural skills – these are skills that demonstrate one’s cultural quotient. Skills such as being empathetic, tolerant, adaptable, and so on
- Cultural mindfulness – this is the process of being aware of the cultural context or being aware of the different cultural context and responding accordingly
Read More: What it means to understand a country like India?
What having a culture quotient means when in India?
How do you prepare yourself before travelling overseas? You learn about the land, its people and its culture. Many businesses or individuals who come to work to India from conformist and homogenous societies find the Indian societies intriguing due to the incredible diversity. Like all cultures and societies around the world, Indian culture is woven intricately in the everyday life and interactions of Indians. It gives you a glimpse into the thought processes of Indians. In a Eurocentric world, it is easy to learn about the dominant european culture, languages and ways. However, what if you want to learn about other parts of the world? India is an important emerging market and it is necessary to demonstrate one’s cultural quotient when in India.
You could demonstrate cultural knowledge in India by understanding the culture and heritage of India. You could attempt to understand the history or significance of the traditions, practices, monuments, etc. India has a treasure of cultural practices, various art forms, ancient heritage which differ from region to region. Learning more about the significance and history behind these aspects or even the basic differences, would help you demonstrate cultural knowledge in India.
You could demonstrate cross-cultural skills by approaching the Indian lifestyle or the culture and traditions of India with empathy and adaptability. Everyone loves it when the outsider shows appreciation for the home culture. In the same way, when a visitor to India makes an effort to interact and understand with India, it demonstrates a very strong cross-cultural skill. Infact, what makes it even easier for the visitor to India to pick up this skill is that inherently, most Indians believe in Atithi Devo Bhava ethos- that a guest is always welcome.
Be culturally mindful. As mentioned before, Indian culture is woven into the everyday life and interactions of Indians. Being observant of their calendar, which may differ from the Gregorian calendar, touchless greetings, and your own behavior in different cultural settings in India will demonstrate cultural mindfulness.
Watch: Business in India
How do you develop a culture quotient in India?
The best way to develop a strong culture quotient vis-à-vis India is by either learning about Indian culture or experiencing the Indian culture and heritage in person. Mastering India – a learning hub for all things India is the perfect platform for you to learn about India.
Mastering India will help you understand India not only as an emerging market but also as the cultural diversity hotspot it is. On Mastering India, people from across the sectors in India come together to share their knowledge about India with you. It is a blended learning platform which means you can not only take courses on India and Indian culture online but also be part of events, experiences and workshops which will let you experience India and demystify India for you.
Mastering India is a platform not only for people who are unfamiliar with India but also for Indians who want to re-connect with Indian culture. So sign up with Mastering India today and start sharpening your culture quotient!
Watch: India Bootcamp
- Published in Blogs
What It Means to Understand a Country Like India
Written by Divya Badri with inputs from Shruti Rao
You are trying to understand a country like India, but you do not know where to begin. There is no one way to understand India. The two popular options that come to mind is either travel in India or do business in India or take up a job in India. Are these effective to improve an understanding of India, the subcontinent? Yes. Are these your only option? No! India is an intricate web of societies and cultures. Every aspect of the country is unique and requires a niche understanding.
Watch: Business In India
Here are some of my suggestions on how to begin learning about India
Learn an Indian language
India is famously known to be the home to one of the oldest languages in the world – Sanskrit. However, another fascinating feature of India is that it is home to more than 800 languages. Anyone who travels to India realizes that knowledge of any one Indian language is seldom sufficient. Only 60% of the Indian population speaks Hindi. The rest 40% speak different languages which have their own historical and cultural significance. If you decide to do business in India or simply travel in India, learning a couple of Indian languages is a very good idea. Quite similar to , if you decide to do business in Europe or work in Europe, learning a few European languages always helps. You could either learn an India language by immersion or online. A good blended learning platform will help you gain knowledge using both techniques.
Learn about Indian culture
Indian culture is one of the oldest cultures which is in practice today. Understanding Indian culture will help you understand the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviours, and artefacts that the Indian people use to communicate with each other and the world. It is important to learn about Indian culture as it is present in every interaction you will have when you travel to India or look for opportunities in India. Usually, when people talk about the Indian culture, it involves a lot of preconceived notions. When travelling to India or doing business in India you will realize that Indian culture is not static, but dynamic. You will need to understand that Indian culture is much larger than the more visible features like music, food, etc.
Learn the country’s business practices
India is a diverse and populous and thus, it becomes difficult to generalize Indian culture and practices. Doing business in India will require you to learn about the nitty-gritties, starting from greetings and business communications, to business relationships and business culture. Like anywhere in the world, businesses are also influenced by the policy decisions by the government and it is important to understand the Indian policy landscape. India has had a stable policy landscape and has worked a lot on policy reform and has improved its ranking in the World Bank ease of doing business.
Watch: Indo-Swiss Innovation and Investment Forum
Learn about the local cuisine
When one thinks about Indian food the first two things that come to mind are – curry, cumin and chickpeas. This is because this is the prevailing Indian food that is available in western nations, adapted to western audiences. This assumption will restrict you from enjoying the whole palette of sophisticated flavours of Indian cuisine, because real Indian food is quite different. Whether you intend to travel to India, look for opportunities in India or simply want to try your hand at something new, you will find Indian cuisine to be easy and healthy to indulge. Learning about Indian cuisine will enrich you in more ways than one.
Watch: India Bootcamp
There are many Indias within India, however, you only need one platform to learn about all of them. The platform for all things India is Mastering India. You could enrol in a college class or look up videos on YouTube to understand the above topics. However, if you choose to enrol yourself on Mastering India, then you can access all these courses and a lot more in just a click. Mastering India is a platform to learn about India, seen through new eyes. Learning various aspects of India on Mastering India will make working or doing business in India more fruitful.
Mastering India is a platform where you will learn about an emerging market like India from Indians and people who are closely acquainted with Indian practices. Mastering India is a blended learning platform on which you can take assessments to test your knowledge. You can even connect and collaborate with likeminded people on Mastering India. The platform helps you learn different topics through micro-learning courses, but also through events and experiences. Experiences enable enhanced learning by immersing you into the culture and you gain a more holistic understanding of the topic. So sign up today and start – Mastering India!
- Published in Blogs
3 Differences Between World Heritage Sites in Europe and India
When I Visited World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Day is an international day for monuments and sites. I have visited many world heritage sites. I visited these sites in different geographies. Museum Island in Berlin, Duomo Cathedral in Milan, San Marco Venice, Jungfrau mountain Switzerland, Old town of Bern, Switzerland, Swiss Vineyards of Lavaux, Statue of Liberty New York, Eiffel Tower Paris and Tower of London are just some of them.
Travel is a great experience for those who have the privilege. I get to enjoy time with my family, and it is a learning–filled experience for my family members. On World Heritage Day, I look up the list of world heritage sites. India is one of the world’s last surviving most ancient cultures and has many heritage sites. If you look at the criteria UNESCO uses, these are what they are. There are six of them:
- Represents a masterpiece of human creative genius.
- Exhibits an important interchange of human values.
- Bears a unique testimony to a cultural tradition of civilization.
- Is an outstanding example of an architectural or technological ensemble throughout history.
- Is an outstanding example of traditional human settlement or interaction with the environment.
- Is tangibly associated with traditions, ideas, beliefs, and works of universal significance.
I noticed three differences in the heritage sites I visited in Western Europe versus the ones I visited in India.
- The number: Western Europe has more sites attributed to heritage and culture by UNESCO than the Indian subcontinent has. (See screenshot of UNESCO map)
- The diversity: While landscaping and architecture are very eye–catching in the heritage sites of Western Europe, heritage sites showcase a diversity of art-forms going beyond physical architecture alone, spanning across the whole of the Indian subcontinent, that is simply unmatchable.
- The focus on sustainability: The Western European heritage sites show the world the dominion of Man. In India, visits to all the cultural and natural heritage sites showcase a peaceful co-existence of all life forms, flora, fauna included; of life on land and in the water included.
Personally, I have had the good fortune of visiting these UNESCO World Heritage sites in India: Amer fort Rajasthan, Taj Mahal Agra, Big Temple Tanjavur (Brihadeeshwara Temple), Bharatpur Bird sanctuary, Airawateshwara Kumbakonam, Fatehpur Sikhri Agra, Meenakshi Ammal Madurai, and Qutab Minar Delhi. Let me then explain each of these three points further.
The Number
Apart from these sites which are on the list of UNESCO Heritage sites, there is a lot more to see in India. At the time of writing this article, many examples of Indian heritage aren’t yet listed by UNESCO. These unlisted places form a very important part of Indian culture and heritage. Numbers then become a subjective quantification. If you look at the list of sites available on the UNESCO website, Europe has almost double the number of sites than India has.
India is a much older civilization than Europe. Isn’t it curious that Europe would then have more sites? A big reason for this is the process that goes behind the World Heritage Site certification granted by UNESCO. It costs a particular culture significant money, time and resources for cleaning and conservation, and then invite a UNESCO team to visit a site to ascertain its heritage status. It is only obvious that countries with larger budgets at their disposal for conservation of their heritage will have more tangible UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Diversity of Art
To give you an example of the diversity of heritage present in India, from the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh in North India to the Great Living Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu in Southern India, I stood speechless. It is not just the impressive continuity of civilization one gets to witness. Indian art forms are diverse and many. My team and I made this short video that shares some of the classical arts that can still be seen alive and well in India. Some of these I have grown up watching, imbibing and even enjoying by doing! They range from temple frescos, rock–cut sculptures, saris, rangoli, jewelry, and paintings.
Watch: How Elegant is Indian Art?
India also has a very rich performing arts scene that has kept its ancient storytelling culture alive. Many of these performing arts are alive not only for entertaining the masses but also to pass on traditions of faith and spirituality that keeps India’s family values in place in society. Some of these traditions are so valuable that Sangeet Natya Akademi, India’s central body for performing arts, that is responsible for preserving Indian culture (and comes under Ministry of Culture), nominated the Durga Pooja for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage for 2020.
Durga Pooja is celebrated worldwide by the communities belonging to Bengal, the Eastern state of India, that was divided into West Bengal and Bangladesh. During Durga Pooja, the feminine divine is worshipped and celebrated by all genders in India, across all social divisions. In a significant role reversal, the woman is recognized as the creator, the one with the power to destroy and the power to sustain. She is recognized as the one with the power to give wealth and wisdom. It is a celebration that goes on for ten days. The same Goddess is revered in a traditon in Southern Indian state of Kerala called Mudiyeetu. Mudiyeetu is now a UNESCO world heritage as it is an intangible cultural ritual art form.
Watch this video, to get a glimpse of how various parts of India keep intangible cultural heritages alive, during just one of the many festivals that take place simultaneously across the land.
Here is a list of a few more examples of intangible cultural heritage of India that UNESCO has already recognized. However, there are many more examples of India’s intangible cultural heritage that does not have a UNESCO recognition. (more…)
Comment les sites du patrimoine mondial en Europe diffèrent de ceux en Inde?
Quand j’ai visité des sites du patrimoine mondial
Piazza San Marco Venise, Italie, Europe de l’Ouest
La Journée du patrimoine mondial est une journée internationale des monuments et des sites. J’ai visité de nombreux sites du patrimoine mondial. J’ai visité ces sites dans différentes zones géographiques. L’île aux musées de Berlin, la cathédrale Duomo de Milan, San Marco Venise, la montagne de la Jungfrau en Suisse, la vieille ville de Berne, la Suisse, les vignobles suisses de Lavaux, la statue de la Liberté de New York, la tour Eiffel Paris et la tour de Londres ne sont que quelques-uns d’entre eux.
Le voyage est une expérience formidable pour ceux qui en ont le privilège. Je peux passer du temps avec ma famille et c’est une expérience enrichissante pour les membres de ma famille. Le jour de la Journée du patrimoine mondial, je consulte la liste des sites du patrimoine mondial. L’Inde est l’une des dernières cultures les plus anciennes au monde et possède de nombreux sites patrimoniaux. Si vous regardez les critères utilisés par l’UNESCO, voici ce qu’ils sont. Il y en a six:
Représente un chef-d’œuvre du génie créatif humain.
Montre un échange important de valeurs humaines.
Porte un témoignage unique sur une tradition culturelle de civilisation.
Est un exemple exceptionnel d’un ensemble architectural ou technologique à travers l’histoire.
Est un exemple exceptionnel d’établissement humain traditionnel ou d’interaction avec l’environnement.
Est associé de manière tangible à des traditions, des idées, des croyances et des œuvres d’importance universelle.
J’ai remarqué trois différences dans les sites patrimoniaux que j’ai visités en Europe occidentale par rapport à ceux que j’ai visités en Inde.
Le nombre: l’Europe occidentale compte plus de sites attribués au patrimoine et à la culture par l’UNESCO que le sous-continent indien. (Voir capture d’écran de la carte de l’UNESCO)
La diversité: alors que l’aménagement paysager et l’architecture sont très accrocheurs dans les sites patrimoniaux d’Europe occidentale, les sites patrimoniaux présentent une diversité de formes d’art allant au-delà de la seule architecture physique, couvrant l’ensemble du sous-continent indien, ce qui est tout simplement inégalable.
L’accent mis sur la durabilité: les sites du patrimoine d’Europe occidentale montrent au monde la domination de l’homme. En Inde, les visites de tous les sites du patrimoine culturel et naturel montrent une coexistence pacifique de toutes les formes de vie, flore, faune comprises; de la vie sur terre et dans l’eau inclus.
Un vieux Haveli conservé, Amer, Rajasthan, Inde du Nord
Personnellement, j’ai eu la chance de visiter ces sites du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO en Inde: Fort Amer Rajasthan, Taj Mahal Agra, Big Temple Tanjavur (Temple Brihadeeshwara), Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Airawateshwara Kumbakonam, Fatehpur Sikhri Agra, Meenakshi Ammal Madurai, et Qutab Minar Delhi. Permettez-moi ensuite d’expliquer chacun de ces trois points plus en détail.
Le nombre
En dehors de ces sites qui sont sur la liste des sites du patrimoine de l’UNESCO, il y a beaucoup plus à voir en Inde. Au moment de la rédaction de cet article, de nombreux exemples du patrimoine indien ne sont pas encore répertoriés par l’UNESCO. Ces lieux non répertoriés constituent une partie très importante de la culture et du patrimoine indiens. Les nombres deviennent alors une quantification subjective. Si vous regardez la liste des sites disponibles sur le site Web de l’UNESCO, l’Europe a presque le double du nombre de sites que l’Inde.
Capture d’écran Sites du patrimoine mondial certifiés par l’UNESCO
L’Inde est une civilisation beaucoup plus ancienne que l’Europe. N’est-il pas curieux que l’Europe ait alors plus de sites? Une des principales raisons à cela est le processus qui sous-tend la certification de site du patrimoine mondial accordée par l’UNESCO. Il en coûte à une culture particulière de l’argent, du temps et des ressources considérables pour le nettoyage et la conservation, puis inviter une équipe de l’UNESCO à visiter un site pour vérifier son statut de patrimoine. Il est évident que les pays disposant de budgets plus importants pour la conservation de leur patrimoine disposeront de sites plus tangibles du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO.
La diversité de l’art
Pour vous donner un exemple de la diversité du patrimoine présent en Inde, du Taj Mahal dans l’Uttar Pradesh dans le nord de l’Inde aux grands temples vivants de Chola au Tamil Nadu dans le sud de l’Inde, je suis resté sans voix. Ce n’est pas seulement l’impressionnante continuité de la civilisation dont on est témoin. Les formes d’art indien sont diverses et nombreuses. Mon équipe et moi avons réalisé cette courte vidéo qui partage certains des arts classiques que l’on peut encore voir bien vivants en Inde. J’ai grandi en regardant, en imbibant et même en appréciant certains de ceux-ci! Ils vont des fresques de temples, des sculptures taillées dans la roche, des saris, des rangoli, des bijoux et des peintures.
Regarder: Quelle est l’élégance de l’art indien?
L’Inde a également une scène des arts du spectacle très riche qui a gardé en vie son ancienne culture de la narration. Beaucoup de ces arts du spectacle sont vivants non seulement pour divertir les masses mais aussi pour transmettre les traditions de foi et de spiritualité qui maintiennent les valeurs familiales de l’Inde en place dans la société. Certaines de ces traditions sont si précieuses que Sangeet Natya Akademi, l’organe central indien des arts du spectacle, responsable de la préservation de la culture indienne (et qui relève du ministère de la Culture), a nommé le Durga Pooja pour la culture immatérielle de l’UNESCO.
3 Differences Between World Heritage Sites in Europe and India
When I Visited World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Day is an international day for monuments and sites. I have visited many world heritage sites. I visited these sites in different geographies. Museum Island in Berlin, Duomo Cathedral in Milan, San Marco Venice, Jungfrau mountain Switzerland, Old town of Bern, Switzerland, Swiss Vineyards of Lavaux, Statue of Liberty New York, Eiffel Tower Paris and Tower of London are just some of them.
Travel is a great experience for those who have the privilege. I get to enjoy time with my family, and it is a learning–filled experience for my family members. On World Heritage Day, I look up the list of world heritage sites. India is one of the world’s last surviving most ancient cultures and has many heritage sites. If you look at the criteria UNESCO uses, these are what they are. There are six of them:
- Represents a masterpiece of human creative genius.
- Exhibits an important interchange of human values.
- Bears a unique testimony to a cultural tradition of civilization.
- Is an outstanding example of an architectural or technological ensemble throughout history.
- Is an outstanding example of traditional human settlement or interaction with the environment.
- Is tangibly associated with traditions, ideas, beliefs, and works of universal significance.
I noticed three differences in the heritage sites I visited in Western Europe versus the ones I visited in India.
- The number: Western Europe has more sites attributed to heritage and culture by UNESCO than the Indian subcontinent has. (See screenshot of UNESCO map)
- The diversity: While landscaping and architecture are very eye–catching in the heritage sites of Western Europe, heritage sites showcase a diversity of art-forms going beyond physical architecture alone, spanning across the whole of the Indian subcontinent, that is simply unmatchable.
- The focus on sustainability: The Western European heritage sites show the world the dominion of Man. In India, visits to all the cultural and natural heritage sites showcase a peaceful co-existence of all life forms, flora, fauna included; of life on land and in the water included.
Personally, I have had the good fortune of visiting these UNESCO World Heritage sites in India: Amer fort Rajasthan, Taj Mahal Agra, Big Temple Tanjavur (Brihadeeshwara Temple), Bharatpur Bird sanctuary, Airawateshwara Kumbakonam, Fatehpur Sikhri Agra, Meenakshi Ammal Madurai, and Qutab Minar Delhi. Let me then explain each of these three points further.
The Number
Apart from these sites which are on the list of UNESCO Heritage sites, there is a lot more to see in India. At the time of writing this article, many examples of Indian heritage aren’t yet listed by UNESCO. These unlisted places form a very important part of Indian culture and heritage. Numbers then become a subjective quantification. If you look at the list of sites available on the UNESCO website, Europe has almost double the number of sites than India has.
India is a much older civilization than Europe. Isn’t it curious that Europe would then have more sites? A big reason for this is the process that goes behind the World Heritage Site certification granted by UNESCO. It costs a particular culture significant money, time and resources for cleaning and conservation, and then invite a UNESCO team to visit a site to ascertain its heritage status. It is only obvious that countries with larger budgets at their disposal for conservation of their heritage will have more tangible UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Diversity of Art
To give you an example of the diversity of heritage present in India, from the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh in North India to the Great Living Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu in Southern India, I stood speechless. It is not just the impressive continuity of civilization one gets to witness. Indian art forms are diverse and many. My team and I made this short video that shares some of the classical arts that can still be seen alive and well in India. Some of these I have grown up watching, imbibing and even enjoying by doing! They range from temple frescos, rock–cut sculptures, saris, rangoli, jewelry, and paintings.
Watch: How Elegant is Indian Art?
India also has a very rich performing arts scene that has kept its ancient storytelling culture alive. Many of these performing arts are alive not only for entertaining the masses but also to pass on traditions of faith and spirituality that keeps India’s family values in place in society. Some of these traditions are so valuable that Sangeet Natya Akademi, India’s central body for performing arts, that is responsible for preserving Indian culture (and comes under Ministry of Culture), nominated the Durga Pooja for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage for 2020.
Durga Pooja is celebrated worldwide by the communities belonging to Bengal, the Eastern state of India, that was divided into West Bengal and Bangladesh. During Durga Pooja, the feminine divine is worshipped and celebrated by all genders in India, across all social divisions. In a significant role reversal, the woman is recognized as the creator, the one with the power to destroy and the power to sustain. She is recognized as the one with the power to give wealth and wisdom. It is a celebration that goes on for ten days. The same Goddess is revered in a traditon in Southern Indian state of Kerala called Mudiyeetu. Mudiyeetu is now a UNESCO world heritage as it is an intangible cultural ritual art form.
Watch this video, to get a glimpse of how various parts of India keep intangible cultural heritages alive, during just one of the many festivals that take place simultaneously across the land.
Here is a list of a few more examples of intangible cultural heritage of India that UNESCO has already recognized. However, there are many more examples of India’s intangible cultural heritage that does not have a UNESCO recognition. (more…)
Holi: A Festival Of Spreading Love With Colors
by Himanshu Shukla and Divya Badri
Holi is a festival of spreading love. It usually takes place during the month of “Phalguna”. This is a month in the Hindu calendar and usually falls around February or March. During this festival, people meet and greet each other by gently applying color. The traditional colour is called Gulal, and applied on each other’s face during Holi.
What is the Story behind Holi?
The festival of Holi goes back to the story of Lord Krishna; venerated all over India mainly in “Sanatan Dharma” (also known as Hinduism)
Why Do People Play With Colors?
Legend has it that when Krishna was a baby, he was attacked by his power-hungry maternal uncle. He survived the attacks as a baby but this resulted in the colour of his skin turning blue. Pre-teen Krishna had a very good friend, a girl named Radha. He was worried whether Radha and her friends liked him or not, due to the colour of his skin being so different. So, he went to his mother and asked for advice. His mother casually advised him to playfully put color on Radha, so that no one could differentiate between his and others’ skin colors. The plan worked and the friends played a colourful Holi happily!
Such a beautiful idea! Imagine a world full of people who look Green, Blue, Red or Yellow or Purple. A simple idea, given by Krishna’s mother to him, remains valid. Once you playfully colour another in vibrant Holi colours, you become unrecognisable. Differences based on class, caste, colour, religion, creed, sect, disappear. On Holi, everyone plays together inclusively. It demonstrates –
how playing with a little coloured powder and some water during Holi, could make one very happy!
Watch our Video on Holi:
Preparation for Holi Celebration
Holi preparations begin at home, one or two weeks in advance. All start making papad and sweets and many more dishes depending upon famous dishes in that region. People clean their homes and all family members come together to celebrate this happy festival.
Playing the game
On the morning of Holi, once the delicacies are ready, people visit each other. They greet by applying colors on each other’s faces and hugging. One welcomes guests with homemade sweets and dishes. Celebrators gather together in open spaces and dance to music to their heart’s content. The atmosphere is that of togetherness, positivity, and equality. You wear old clothes while playing Holi. They will be later reused for cleaning as mops or dusting towels. Isn’t that a sustainable way of celebration?! This concept of reuse/reduce have been practiced as tradition by Indians over generations.
Gulal and other Holi colours
Remember we spoke of Gulal, the colour? Earlier, Holi colors were made at home with materials available at home. With the industrial revolution in India, the manufacturing of artificial Holi colors came into practice and the traditional gulal took a back seat. Here is how, you can bring back organic colours into your holi celebrations.
Advice for Holi: How can Organic Holi Colors Be Made At Home?
Organic Holi colors are not only safe for the skin but also sustainable for the environment. Before running off to play Holi, make it a point to apply some coconut or sunflower oil all over your body. This will help you get rid of the coloured marks later. You can make Gulal (powdered color) by using any flour present in your home (wheat/non-wheat) and mixing in the right amount of organic colouring. Different organic colors made at home from vegetables and flowers are coming back in use. For example, boiling roses in water give red, green is possible from spinach and yellow from other flowers. These colors mixed with different flours and dried give you the organic Holi colours.
When celebrating Holi, you wish each other “HAPPY HOLI”. Diversity and inclusion as some of their biggest challenges in some societies. Cultural differences could make it hard for some to understand how inclusivity and gender equality are achieved, even celebrated in India. This blog on Holi focusses on the positives of an old Indian tradition, that has been coming down since generations, and now finding its way into different corners of the planet.
Join our community by engaging with us. Follow us on our social media channels. You can also hit the bell button when you subscribe to YouTube. Like and share! Tell us your thoughts about inclusion!
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Inédit en Suisse : un CAS en négociation et valeurs interculturelles avec La Chine, Les États-Unis, L’Inde, Le Japon et La Russie
L’Université de Neuchâtel lance un nouveau CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) unique en Suisse à l’intention des entreprises ayant des contacts en Chine, aux Etats-Unis, en Inde, au Japon et en Russie. Cette formation, qui vise à améliorer les capacités de communication et de négociation, démarrera en janvier 2020. Délai d’inscription : le 15 novembre 2019.
L’environnement économique s’est globalisé et internationalisé lors de ces dernières décennies. Les entreprises ou administrations sont en contact continu avec une multitude de pays dont les coutumes, les mœurs, la manière de commercer, de communiquer et négocier, peuvent être très différentes de notre manière de fonctionner. Pour maximiser les opportunités d’entrer en contact avec d’autres partenaires, il est important de comprendre les différences et se préparer à ces rencontres et échanges.
Un CAS inédit
Le Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) en négociation et valeurs interculturelles vise à améliorer les capacités de communication et de négociation (simple et complexe) et permet de mieux appréhender les aspects interculturels. Tout en traitant les théories et les problématiques générales, juridiques et économiques, le programme se concentre sur le défi de négociation dans cinq contextes différents (Chine, Etats-Unis, Inde, Japon et Russie), qui représentent ensemble un grand potentiel d’affaires pour les entreprises suisses.
Contrairement aux formations existantes dans le domaine de la négociation, les enseignements se concentrent sur les aspects socio-culturels et psychologiques plutôt que sur le cadre juridique et les spécificités légales.
Chaque participant aura la possibilité de rédiger un travail personnel avec le suivi des responsables, en rapport avec son expérience personnelle et les apports du CAS.
Ce CAS s’adresse notamment aux entrepreneurs et aux cadres d’entreprises et d’administration. Informations et inscriptions sous
www.unine.ch/unine/home/formation/formation-continue/FSE/nevi.html
Les cours du 6 mars et 15 mai 2020 sur le sujet de l’Inde sont dispensés en anglais. Les autres cours sont dispensés en français.
Module |
Description |
Commerce international et principes juridiques |
Commerce international et développement ; Libéralisation du commerce et compétiti- vité ; Migration et commerce international ; Commerce international et environnement ; Les principes juridiques du commerce international / Droit de l’OMC / Droit de la concurrence. |
Valeurs et différences interculturelles |
Ce module porte sur cinq pays avec cinq enseignements indépendants: la Chine, les Etats-Unis, l’Inde, le Japon et la Russie. Pour chaque pays, les thèmes suivants seront abordés: l’histoire et le système politique et économique du pays, les relations avec la Suisse ; les différences dans le processus de la communication ; les manières de développer une sensibilité interculturelle et d’entrer en contact avec ses ressortissants, de se présenter et d’élargir son réseau. |
Opportunités chez les grandes puissances asiatiques |
Les opportunités et les défis dans les relations avec les deux grandes économies asiatiques (Chine et Inde) sont présentés à travers des exemples dans divers secteurs en lien avec les entreprises suisses. Le module traite également des possibilités de développer des affaires, de s’ouvrir aux défis de demain et offre une analyse critique des enjeux et opportunités qui se présentent à notre pays. |
Négociation |
Ce module se divise en deux parties. La première traite de l’introduction à la négo- ciation, de ses stratégies, tactiques et de ses outils. En utilisant des cas et des exemples réels, nous aborderons également les erreurs les plus typiques en négo- ciation, et les techniques pour les éviter. Une deuxième partie appréhende les effets psychologiques de la négociation: mise sous pression, outils qui permettent de la détecter, réaction à la pression, avec la mise sur pied d’ateliers pratiques. |
Soutenance des travaux personnels et synthèse |
Ce module permettra à chaque participant de présenter son travail personnel et d’engager une discussion sur la problématique abordée. |
Public cible
- Cadres d’entreprises et d’administration
- Entrepreneurs et responsables de start-up
- Décideurs politiques et économiques
- Membres de conseils d’administration
- Toute personne intéressée par la négociation et les valeurs interculturelles
Intervenants
Les intervenants ont un lien étroit avec le pays qu’il présente.
Finance d’inscription
CHF 6’500.-
Délai d’inscription
15 novembre 2019
Prérequis
Master ou Bachelor d’une haute école suisse ou titre jugé équivalent. Les personnes bénéficiant d’une formation professionnelle adéquate et d’une expérience professionnelle d’au moins cinq années dans le domaine étudié peuvent être admises sur dossier. La direction du
programme peut inviter les personnes candidates à un entretien, afin d’évaluer leur expérience et leur motivation, en assurant l’équité de traitement entre elles.
Titre délivré
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) en Négociation et valeurs interculturelles à l’intention des entreprises dans les pays suivants : Chine, Inde, Etats-Unis Russie et Japon, assorti de 12 crédits ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
Dates et lieu
Le programme de formation s’étendra de janvier à octobre 2020, à raison de 15 journées, (principalement les vendredis) de 9h15 à 16h. Les cours sont dispensés dans les locaux de l’Université de Neuchâtel se trouvant à proximité du centre et de la gare de Neuchâtel.
Information
Faculté des sciences économiques, cas.nevi@unine.ch, Tél. +41 32 718 14 37 (les lundis et vendredis), www.unine.ch/cas-nevi
New in Switzerland: a CAS in negotiation and intercultural values with China, United States, India, Japan and Russia
The University of Neuchâtel is launching a new CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) unique in Switzerland for companies with contacts in China, the United States, India, Japan and Russia. This training, which aims to improve communication and negotiation skills, will start in January 2020. Registration deadline: November 15, 2019.
The economic environment has become globalized and internationalized in recent decades. Companies or administrations are in continuous contact with a multitude of countries whose customs, mores, the way of doing business, communicating and negotiating, can be very different from our way of operating. To maximize the opportunities to get in touch with other partners, it is important to understand the differences and prepare for these meetings and exchanges.
An unprecedented case
The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in negotiation and intercultural values aims to improve communication and negotiation skills (simple and complex) and helps to better understand intercultural aspects. While dealing with general, legal and economic theories and issues, the program focuses on the challenge of negotiating in five different contexts (China, USA, India, Japan and Russia), which together represent great business potential. for Swiss companies.
Unlike the existing training in the field of negotiation, the lessons focus on the socio-cultural and psychological aspects rather than on the legal framework and legal specificities.
Each participant will have the opportunity to write a personal work with the follow-up of those in charge, in relation to his personal experience and the contributions of the CAS.
This CAS is aimed in particular at entrepreneurs and business and administrative managers. Information and registration under
www.unine.ch/unine/home/formation/formation-continue/FSE/nevi.html
The courses on March 6 and May 15, 2020 on the subject of India are taught in English. The other courses are taught in French.
Module Description
International trade and legal principles International trade and development; Trade liberalization and competitiveness; Migration and international trade; International trade and environment; Legal principles of international trade / WTO law / Competition law.
Intercultural values and differences This module covers five countries with five independent lessons: China, the United States, India, Japan and Russia. For each country, the following themes will be discussed: the country’s history and political and economic system, relations with Switzerland; differences in the process of communication; ways to develop intercultural sensitivity and to come into contact with its nationals, to present oneself and to widen one’s network.
Opportunities among the Great Asian Powers The opportunities and challenges in relations with the two major Asian economies (China and India) are presented through examples in various sectors related to Swiss companies. The module also deals with the possibilities of developing business, opening up to the challenges of tomorrow and offers a critical analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing our country.
Negotiation This module is divided into two parts. The first deals with an introduction to negotiation, its strategies, tactics and tools. Using real cases and examples, we will also discuss the most typical mistakes in negotiation, and techniques to avoid them. A second part deals with the psychological effects of negotiation: putting under pressure, tools that allow it to be detected, reaction to pressure, with the setting up of practical workshops.
Defense of personal work and summary This module will allow each participant to present their personal work and engage in a discussion on the issue addressed.
Target audience
• Business and administrative executives
• Entrepreneurs and start-up managers
• Political and economic decision-makers
• Members of boards of directors
• Anyone interested in negotiation and intercultural values
Speakers
The speakers have a close connection with the country he presents.
Registration finance
CHF 6’500.-
Registration deadline
November 15, 2019
Prerequisite
Master or Bachelor degree from a Swiss university or qualification deemed equivalent. Persons with adequate professional training and professional experience of at least five years in the field studied may be admitted on application. The direction of
program may invite applicants for an interview, in order to assess their experience and motivation, ensuring fair treatment between them.
Title issued
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Negotiation and Intercultural Values for companies in the following countries: China, India, United States, Russia and Japan, with 12 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
Dates and place
The training program will run from January to October 2020, for 15 days, (mainly Fridays) from 9.15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes are given in the premises of the University of Neuchâtel, which is located near the center and Neuchâtel station.
Information
Faculty of Economics, cas.nevi@unine.ch, Tel. +41 32 718 14 37 (Mondays and Fridays), www.unine.ch/cas-nevi
New in Switzerland: a CAS in negotiation and intercultural values with China, United States, India, Japan and Russia
The University of Neuchâtel is launching a new CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) unique in Switzerland for companies with contacts in China, the United States, India, Japan and Russia. This training, which aims to improve communication and negotiation skills, will start in January 2020. Registration deadline: November 15, 2019.
The economic environment has become globalized and internationalized in recent decades. Companies or administrations are in continuous contact with a multitude of countries whose customs, mores, the way of doing business, communicating and negotiating, can be very different from our way of operating. To maximize the opportunities to get in touch with other partners, it is important to understand the differences and prepare for these meetings and exchanges.
An unprecedented case
The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in negotiation and intercultural values aims to improve communication and negotiation skills (simple and complex) and helps to better understand intercultural aspects. While dealing with general, legal and economic theories and issues, the program focuses on the challenge of negotiating in five different contexts (China, USA, India, Japan and Russia), which together represent great business potential. for Swiss companies.
Unlike the existing training in the field of negotiation, the lessons focus on the socio-cultural and psychological aspects rather than on the legal framework and legal specificities.
Each participant will have the opportunity to write a personal work with the follow-up of those in charge, in relation to his personal experience and the contributions of the CAS.
This CAS is aimed in particular at entrepreneurs and business and administrative managers. Information and registration under
www.unine.ch/unine/home/formation/formation-continue/FSE/nevi.html
The courses on March 6 and May 15, 2020 on the subject of India are taught in English. The other courses are taught in French.
Module Description
International trade and legal principles International trade and development; Trade liberalization and competitiveness; Migration and international trade; International trade and environment; Legal principles of international trade / WTO law / Competition law.
Intercultural values and differences This module covers five countries with five independent lessons: China, the United States, India, Japan and Russia. For each country, the following themes will be discussed: the country’s history and political and economic system, relations with Switzerland; differences in the process of communication; ways to develop intercultural sensitivity and to come into contact with its nationals, to present oneself and to widen one’s network.
Opportunities among the Great Asian Powers The opportunities and challenges in relations with the two major Asian economies (China and India) are presented through examples in various sectors related to Swiss companies. The module also deals with the possibilities of developing business, opening up to the challenges of tomorrow and offers a critical analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing our country.
Negotiation This module is divided into two parts. The first deals with an introduction to negotiation, its strategies, tactics and tools. Using real cases and examples, we will also discuss the most typical mistakes in negotiation, and techniques to avoid them. A second part deals with the psychological effects of negotiation: putting under pressure, tools that allow it to be detected, reaction to pressure, with the setting up of practical workshops.
Defense of personal work and summary This module will allow each participant to present their personal work and engage in a discussion on the issue addressed.
Target audience
• Business and administrative executives
• Entrepreneurs and start-up managers
• Political and economic decision-makers
• Members of boards of directors
• Anyone interested in negotiation and intercultural values
Speakers
The speakers have a close connection with the country he presents.
Registration finance
CHF 6’500.-
Registration deadline
November 15, 2019
Prerequisite
Master or Bachelor degree from a Swiss university or qualification deemed equivalent. Persons with adequate professional training and professional experience of at least five years in the field studied may be admitted on application. The direction of
program may invite applicants for an interview, in order to assess their experience and motivation, ensuring fair treatment between them.
Title issued
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Negotiation and Intercultural Values for companies in the following countries: China, India, United States, Russia and Japan, with 12 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
Dates and place
The training program will run from January to October 2020, for 15 days, (mainly Fridays) from 9.15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes are given in the premises of the University of Neuchâtel, which is located near the center and Neuchâtel station.
Information
Faculty of Economics, cas.nevi@unine.ch, Tel. +41 32 718 14 37 (Mondays and Fridays), www.unine.ch/cas-nevi
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