WORDS & SOME OTHER INSTRUMENTS IN REVEALING  TASTE OF CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

I have enjoyed studying about other cultures and lifestyles since early years of my life. Today I am not only an Interpreter of foreign languages but also a Culture Specialist. I believe that a thorough study of countries should not only concentrate on the languages, history and culture, but it should also cover the etiquettes as well as the sensitive points of every culture.

In life, the usage of correct words, expressions, etiquettes and body language are important tools in reflecting cultural sensitivity. Words are the most important...Fair words cost nothing. Words alone can break or make a relationship….Wrong usage of words can reflect not only ignorance but lack of sensitivity and lack of respect for the other person or culture. It is often said that “loose lips sink ships”.

In the world of diplomacy and cultural connections, it is essential to master the correct usage of words, gestures and etiquettes to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and mutual respect as well as understanding. “Wealth of cultural etiquettes makes many friends”.

I feel that not knowing the norms of any culture and ignoring the importance of the correct usage of words can steal the essence from the ability to interpret that language. There is no use of studying the language or history of a country, if one cannot acquaint oneself with the cultural etiquettes as well…According to me, etiquettes are the accessories of any culture, in the absence of which knowledge of that culture appears absolutely unattractive and incomplete.

Manners and sensitivity help in creating mutual respect which ushers the arrival of mutual understanding between individuals and nations. I strongly feel that the lack of etiquettes and sensitivity makes any cultural interaction of any level very tasteless and unrefined. Our attitude and response to each other matter a lot in forming and forging relationships. It is important to keep in view another’s feelings and to make efforts to empathize.

Words for example if not appropriately used can mark the ending of any kind of relationship be it a personal or business relationship as well as result in creating conflict between nations. It is extremely important to convey the right meaning of your intentions through words. Careless usages of words destroy mutual impressions.

Sometimes very small points in one’s conversation or attitude may hurt and damage a relationship forever in life… Wrong words pierce a person and have a lasting effect. Lack of sensitivity in terms of words may scratch you painfully like sandpaper… Though at times, having been the recipient of wrong words one’s own sensitivity to another person deepens as a result of the pain one has experienced. Nevertheless it is so important to feel each word you speak and be aware of the impact of their meaning as words speak volumes.

Certain gestures too can be considered offensive in another culture. The definitions of body language in addition to the definitions of similar words differ in countries. Body language also plays a key role in expressing one’s respect for another culture. There are different forms of handshakes and greetings that are included in the study of body language which also help in creating a positive and lasting impression. In the classroom environment, I always enjoyed covering etiquettes of various countries in the section of “Cultural Talks” as I called it. These talks included even the simplest of things such as giving gifts or dining at a formal environment in a certain country. You’d be surprised to know that the tips given at a restaurant or the number of flowers considered acceptable when given as a gift also differ from country to country.

To add finishing touches to one’s knowledge of other cultures, it is necessary that one develops the art of cultural sensitivity. It is also essential to demonstrate your knowledge on this subject through one’s behaviour and actions. No knowledge is complete without actually applying it to real life.

I have experienced that country to country cultural exchange is a delicate bridge of friendship that has to be crossed not only intelligently but with patience and tact. An intelligent direction of thoughts in this respect can cement relationships between people. I always taught my students that a thorough study of each other’s cultures is required to make the interaction effective. For instance the knowledge of the significance of colours in each culture is essential. My mother has always stressed the importance of the above in my life since childhood as an important part of my grooming because as an individual and a responsible person in this cross-cultural environment, it is essential to acquire such qualities.

We must take strong measures against the wind of careless expression of words in modern times specially where stress and impatience are abundant…It is also required to know the correct pronunciation and intonation in the world of words. In the absence of clear pronunciation, the true meaning of words may be lost and that would also portray one’s lack of knowledge and interest in the subject. I am told that even in chanting or prayer of any sort, a lot depends on the right usage and pronunciation of words as that alone determines the power and result of that particular chant or ‘mantra’. As teachers of cultural exchange programme, our main task was to motivate students to have an in depth knowledge of other cultures as well as to stress on the right pronunciation of words.

Words can evoke a chain of thought process…Words alone can inspire and motivate people…Souls can be stirred through a collection of words called Poetry. Hence the role of words in our lives and in the world outside can never be ignored. Right words are one of the essential ingredients to whip up a delicious flavour in the cocktail of cultural sensitivity.

JAPANESE & INDIAN TRADITIONAL ARTS
KABUKI & KATHAKALI
Similar yet different...

In Japan and India, traditional performing arts continue to win peoples’ hearts till date. I particularly like ‘Kabuki’ and am very fascinated by 'Kathakali' as well. I find that both are quite similar in many ways despite their differences in expressions and languages.


‘Kabuki’ is a classic performing art with a rich history of 400 years and dates back to the 17th C. It is a form of classical theatre. 'Kathakali' is also one of the oldest theatre forms in the world.It originated over 500 years ago.


The attractive colourful costumes and flamboyant makeup in both Kabuki and Kathakali  are truly fascinating. Both dances are noted for the attractive makeup of the characters and elaborate costumes.  


But most of the Kabuki plays symbolize the medieval period i.e. the “Edo jidai”. While Kathakali dancers enact stories from Indian folk epics like "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata".


However in both dances, the elaborate makeup of the characters is very important.In the plays of Kabuki , the makeup alone reflects their personality and moods. The concentration is more on makeup and not so much on natural expressions.  In Kathakali , dancers elaborately paint their faces too. It is interesting to find out that the colours used in the makeup of Kathakali dancers are determined by the nature of the character. For instance, the makeups of the divine heroes are predominantly green while characters of nobility with evil streaks are similar but slashed with red marks on the cheek.I find it interesting that in both Kabuki and Kathakali , the makeup is so loud and colourful that it actually resembles a mask.


In Kabuki , a lot of stress is laid on how the characters deliver the lines as well. The lines that are delivered by the performers have a rhythm to it. I was told that all the actors in these plays are men. It’s interesting to know that both the male and female characters are played by male actors. Kabuki takes place on a rotating stage. On the other hand, in Kathakali actors enact their parts through 'mudras' (graceful hand movements). There are about 24 important mudras. They wear stylized costumes with tall head dresses. Kathakali displays detailed gestures and well-defined body movements.


But both Kabuki and Kathakali are an art that combines singing with dancing. They are a beautiful combination of drama,dance,music and ritual.Music provides a perfect background for the stories in both the dances...

Kathakali

Kabuki (Kagegami-Wallpaper)

                                                                       

 AYURVEDA

Ayurveda (Ancient Medical Science of India) plays an important part in connecting other countries to India. This spiritual knowledge was one of the most valuable treasures of ancient Indians and till today continues to show its miracles. Ayurvedic medicines have proved highly effective for more than 3000 years now and still do not cease to reveal its powers.


People from other cultures are deeply attracted to this oldest system of medicines that India holds, as it heals effectively without side effects.


Some who are still strangers to this most developed and ancient science of herbal medicines may find this method outdated and not applicable to today’s world. This may be because they still consider Ayurveda to be only a traditional approach but most countries have realized the necessity of adding this spiritual approach to therapy.


I feel that Ayurveda is needed more than ever now as today’s world is brimming with stress and self-destruction. Ayurveda is required to relieve the tensions and effects of today’s society on peoples’ daily lives. Ayurveda can be a powerful instrument in healing this world… There are two levels of healing in Ayurveda- the physical and the mental. The physical healing is through herbs and the mental and psychological level is through ‘mantras’ and meditation. Aroma therapy and herbal oils also branch out of Ayurveda and calm one’s mind. They are now commonly used in spas in other countries as well.


Meditation maintains the balance of peace in one’s life and attitudes towards things… The world outside India too is realizing that Ayurveda is definitely a necessity to cure emotional imbalances followed by or accompanying physical ailments. By adopting Ayurveda, other countries have started relating more to India and are now connecting more to each other too ,because of which a global culture is emerging. The world of ‘Yoga’ and ‘Ayurveda’ are uniting people of various cultures to form a unique culture of it own that transcends everything.


Ayurveda may have originated in India but in the contemporary world too, it has formed its place in everyone’s hearts irrespective of their differences in cultures. We must transcend cultures, and countries must share such divine healing knowledge. India has shown the power of sealing the cracks of cross-cultural differences around the globe by uniting people through its gifts of 'Yoga' and 'Ayurveda'. Such sharing of knowledge can only save humanity and remove barriers between countries and people.

Recent Travels In India

Shimla

A place with a beautiful view

Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864,Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India...

     PHOTOGRAPHS OF RECENT TRAVELS IN INDIA

RAJASTHAN...(Cultural Heritage Of Rajasthan)

                                   
                                                                                       

MEHRANGARH FORT-JODHPUR

 

                                                                                                                       

MANDORE GARDENS-JODHPUR

JAISALMER

                            

                                                                                                                            

                                                           

                                                                                                             

"In 2003 I'd presented a concept paper to H.E , the Ambassador of Embassy of Japan advocating "NICE". A lot has been done since then in the field of cultural exchange between the two countries but I feel that a lot more still has to be done...Cultural Interaction according to me is an ongoing process where nothing is ever enough...there is no ending as such. My work in this field has been appreciated and recognized by the Embassy & PM Abe's wife in 2007.I would like to share my thoughts..."NICE". My father inspired me in this direction and contributed mostly to the thought process in this paper.  What is mentioned in this paper can be applied to cultural relationships between any other countries as well."

                                                                                     -Simrit    

NICE 

NIPPON - INDIA CULTURAL

EXCHANGE

 

A Japanese Government Cultural Exchange Programme to Build Enlarged Cultural Links

With India

(CONCEPT PAPER)

General Background:

• In the last few years Japan and India have made considerable progress in building strong relationships in the political and economic fields. A lot can be done in the cultural field.

• Cultural exchanges and relations between Japan and India presently seem to rest only on academic exchanges and fine arts.

• As such they do not bridge the “psychological distance” that exists between the Japanese people and the Indian people in terms of a better knowledge about each other’s countries and thereby do not generate comprehensively the full potential of mutual goodwill.

• While Indians are largely aware of Japan’s strengths in every field, the Japanese people at large are not fully aware of India’s emerging potential. In the cultural field, many in Japan are not aware of the Indian ethos, India’s lifestyles and India’s rich cultural heritage.

• India may be blamed for not doing enough in promoting India’s cultural heritage in Japan.

• Japan as the richer nation (US $700 billion foreign exchange reserves as compared to India’s $109 billion) is better placed financially and administratively to take on the noble task of building strong cultural bonds between Japan and India.

• It is with this background that the proposal of “NICE” is advocated. “NICE” is the acronyms suggested for a new programme: “NIPPON-INDIA CULTURAL EXCHANGE”.

AIMS OF “NICE”

• Overall aim: “To Build Strong Cultural Bonds between Japan and India”.

• “NICE” would attempt to comprehensively enlarge cultural exchanges between Japan and India from the traditional diplomatic focus of Japan Foundation and Japan Cultural & Information Centre activities.

• “NICE” would focus on more “people to people” cultural exchange between Japan and India.

SPECIAL FOCUS OF “NICE”

• Promote and organize visits to India by “student groups” from Japanese Junior High and High Schools and vice-versa.

• Promote and organize visits of “teacher groups” from Japanese Junior High and High Schools to visit India and vice-versa.

• To organize “student summer camps” from Japanese educational institutions in India.

• Promote exchanges between IT professionals of younger generation of both countries.

• Organize “DISCOVER JAPAN” audio-visual programmes in Indian educational institutions. Could be enlarged to “DISCOVER INDIA” programmes in Japan under the auspices of “NICE”.

• Organize visits to India by groups from Japanese local government administrative offices as “Discovery of India” (To include Board of Education officials also)

• Organize seminars/workshops in India for research scholars and young professors from Japanese Universities with the main theme being “JAPAN INDIA CULTURAL HERITAGE AND CO-OPERATION” perspectives.

• Organize visits to India of “women groups” from Japanese Women Social Organizations.

• Selection, co-ordination and comprehensive briefing of JETs (Japan Exchange Teachers). JETs can be the best “cultural ambassadors” to forge cultural bonds between Japan and India.

• Organize “Cultural Workshops” on Japan –India cultural topics in various parts of India by participation of Japanese and Indian personalities.

• Organize “Japanese Food Festivals” in major Indian cities.

• Arrange Workshops of Japanese and Indian Scholars to discover convergences in Japanese and Indian culture.

• Bring our periodicals and literature on Japanese and Indian culture for distribution to educational institutions in Japan and India.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

• This short brief is only a “concept paper” outlining the concept in general.

• “NICE” is intended to be a supplement to promotion of Japan-India cultural relations’ activities undertaken by Embassy of Japan and Japan Foundation.

• “NICE” would attempt its focus on the “younger generation” of Japan and India. They are the future of both countries and it is their understanding of each other that would forge and cement Japan-India friendship through the medium of cultural exchanges.

• Therefore educational institutions in Japan and India through exchange of visits by student groups and educational officials would be given special focus.

OVERALL DIRECTION AND CONTROL

• Patron HE, the Ambassador of Japan in India.

• Direction & Control: To be nominated by the Ambassador of Japan in India from within the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

• Financial resources to run NICE may be found from:

1. Japanese Government

2. Japanese Business Houses in India.

DIRECTOR “NICE”

• To be selected by the HE, the Ambassador of Japan in India.

Criteria for Selection:

1. Individual should be fluent in Japanese, English and Hindi.

2. Individual should have adequate exposure to Japanese culture and Indian culture.

3. Background of individual should incorporate personal exposure to Japanese way of life, working of Japanese educational institutions and would have stayed in Japan for appreciable length of time.

4. Individual should be genuinely fond of Japanese culture and its ethos.

5. Preferred age group: 30-40 years to ensure dynamism.

DIFFERENT STROKES -Cultural Identity

We need to get drenched in the waves of change that time has brought and refresh our thinking. On one hand it is important to respect our own community and culture while on the other hand it is equally necessary to be accepting and tolerant of cultures alien to us as well.


At some point it becomes absolutely essential to cross the threshold of our age old beliefs and customs to overcome our limitations in outlook…That’s when one embarks on a real journey to transcend cultures to make a big difference in the world and to bridge the gap between people alien to each other. Cross-cultural interaction is called for in this respect. The more people we meet the more our thinking, reaction and response to them undergo a metamorphosis. Then the dark night of intolerance gives way to a new dawn of acceptance and understanding.


Doubts about each other creep with lack of knowledge of each other which steals our reasoning and ability to think. That’s when we in feel over protective and defensive about our own community and without reason adopt hostile and rigid attitudes towards the opposite. Sooner or later false thinking brings wrong conduct. There is a strong need according to me to go beyond beliefs and norms of our cultures to cross over the barriers of rigidity. On this challenging path of transcending cultures and embracing each other, we have to meet at least half way if not entirely to be on the same wavelength. We must try to accept each other with our differences and different identities.


We in India are blessed with myriad of different rich cultures and over the centuries India has welcomed and assimilated different cultures and religions. Tolerance is therefore a rich historical legacy of the Indian people which enable them to transcend different cultures. In my own personal case, I’m the offspring of two different cultures with my parents being from different religions. Yet this difference in cultures never created doubts and conflicts in my upbringing or identity. With this as part of my upbringing , I found ready acceptance and being accepted during my exposures to Japanese, Spanish, Scottish, American, Afro American and many other cultures. According to me all should focus on strong bonding between various communities and not on the weaknesses and differences that may separate them at times. We all should be willing to learn to appreciate each other.


Therefore I would welcome the widest participation from people all over the world to share their experiences and views as to how cultures can be transcended harmoniously. One needs both the similarities and differences in cultures to retain the true flavour and original identity of each culture. Yet all can still flow with each other and confluence together…


Different strokes by different people from different cultures can help in creating a richer piece of art with richness of cultures from all over the world… One picture is more than a thousand words…We can weave a carpet of mutual understanding through acknowledging each other with our different cultural identities and cultural thoughts.

WRITING IS AN ART-INTRODUCTION

Writing is an Art in itself… Some may find depth of feelings and emotions in it while some may decide its abstract while others may not understand it at all…Every piece of art is viewed and interpreted by different people in different ways according to their perceptions. But a piece of art still remains art.

I have always been interested in writing. Writing completes me…In good times and bad I have always poured my emotions on paper. Writing my feelings on paper represented a source of solace and comfort to me. Situations and people inspired my thoughts. Sometimes I wanted to pen down things that I wondered about. I was taught that wonder is the beginning of wisdom… I would share some of my writings with my family as a child and my father always guided me and added finishing touches to them while my mother served more food to my thoughts over endless sessions of tea. Since childhood I had a vivid imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge and imagination itself led me to writing. Also the person with imagination is never alone.

I always tried capturing my thoughts on paper to reveal them in time. Heartfelt moments and delicious memories gain meaning and form when described through writing. My situations and experiences inspired poems and thoughts in me that were hidden until now. I would always absorb everything around me to release it on paper later. A lot can be revealed to the world by a writer.

I think that somewhere there’s a writer hidden in all of us. Search yourself and you’ll find an author residing in you. We all have a story to tell sometimes about others or sometimes about ourselves. Thinking inspires writing. Some of us think aloud and voice our thoughts to the world in terms of writing while others talk to themselves instead of sharing it on paper.

I have created my blog not only to converse with the world but also encourage interaction of thoughts and exchange of ideas and opinions. I invite you to share your valuable knowledge and expression with me as well.

My family always appreciated my writing and encouraged me to go in the direction of sharing it with the world. But I was hesitant for quite sometime as I did not feel that the world would comprehend what I’m trying to voice. But over the time I realized that since I view writing as an art I must share my art with all even if it is not interpreted and appreciated by some or goes unrecognized. I strongly felt that my art i.e. my writing should be given a chance, irrespective of the outcome that whether it is admired or critically appraised. As it is like faith needs no proof, an expression of a writer’s art does not need proof of recognition not if you’re an artist. Anything particularly art, knowledge, thoughts and writing are wasted if not shared. One should not express one’s thought in silence… Most of the times, we can lead people to believe through our writing. Thus I always considered writing to be very powerful.

Words have been buried deep in my heart for so long now. My friend Arun who is a Senior Manager / Marketing Head-Web Initiatives Mahindra Holidays encouraged me to reveal these words to you all. He gave me the canvas to paint my emotions. It seems he did not want my words to be left unsaid. Now my words and hidden thoughts will surface in the form of poems, stories, experiences…A journey of thousand miles must begin with a single step and my family as well as Arun encouraged me to take that first step in the journey of writing by believing in me.

Words that you may not be able to find in yourself and voice…I will narrate for you. In the journey of writing our thoughts can travel together…Life is void and meaningless when expressions are not shared. Writing is nothing but a guided dream. Hence lets live this dream or give a dream to each other through our exchange of writings…In between the lines we may find something to inspire, motivate and strengthen us. The heart of melody can never be put down on paper I hear but still I will attempt to give a true form to my expression. Nothing is open for discussion in life but in the world of writing everything invites discussion.

 TRAVELS IN INDIA
LADAKH
(THE BUDDHIST TRAIL - Cultural Heritage Of Ladakh)

Ladakh Festival

Hemis Gompa

Ladakh so rich in Culture and History with it’s magnificent ‘Gompas’ (monasteries) and stark but beautiful landscape will forever hold a special place in my heart…I will always remember fondly the generosity of the people of Leh and the kind hospitality of the Army which made my trip so memorable. They were simply the perfect hosts eager to interpret the culture and explain the history and lifestyle of Ladakh to me.All of them contributed so much to my trip in terms of memories and wonderful experiences.

My experience there has left a deep impression on my mind and I know that I will go back there time and again. Once one visits Ladakh one falls in love with it forever…According to me Ladakh is purely Heaven on Earth…The untouched serenity of the place and the simplicity of the people there brought a lot of calmness and happiness to me. Ladakh being home to Buddhism too would always be a spiritual retreat for me in my lifetime…

My visit to Leh completely revitalized me. I felt a sense of belonging even though I was visiting for the first time. All whom I met during my stay there helped create a beautiful experience for me.I wanted to know more about the time my grandfather (1958-1962) and father (early 1970) spent there. Everybody helped me get acquainted with the people who had interacted with my grandfather long time ago.

While I was in Leh, I visited the monasteries which conceal gold statues and ‘thankas’. I particularly enjoyed visiting ‘Thicksey’. The prayer wheels at the entrance have always been a source of delight to me… I thoroughly enjoyed my drive on the way to the gompas too. The clear blue sky, fresh air, stone walls and houses in the villages made the journey more beautiful. On my way to the gompas we stopped a couple of times so that I could take pictures of the stunning scenery, ‘Shey Palace’, ‘Stupas’ and landscape. The majestic and pristine white imposing structure of Shey Palace perched so high and glittering in the sun looked so ethereal and it captured my heart and soul immediately. We passed ‘Karu’ village on the way to ‘Hemis Gompa’ and I found the view of ‘Karu’ village exceptionally picturesque and refreshingly inviting. The vast expanse of land gave a sense of openness and made me feel free in the true sense.

My visit to Pang Gong Tso Lake was worth remembering too. It interested me the most… It was certainly adventurous but brought with it the most beautiful moments as it brought me so close to nature. I even stopped to take pictures of the 'Yak'. My travel to the Lake reconnected me with nature and reminded me how intimidating yet so beautiful nature could be. It revealed the mysteries of nature to me in the vibrant shades and colours of the landscapes and deep blue water. It was the most amazing experience for me to watch the changing colours of the mountains as the sun passed them and the various shades of blue and green that the lake reflected as the sun rays touched them.

A short but relaxing walk along the ‘Sindhu River’ on my last day there yet again reminded me of how amazing and beautiful the gift of nature is…The area was scenically stunning.

I also enjoyed my visits to the shopping area (market town as it’s referred to) where everyone was so generous and invited me for tea all the time which made the shopping trip all the more pleasant and personal. The delicious taste of the cheesecake I had at ‘German Bakery’ still lingers on in my mind and the atmosphere at the various Cafes and restaurants I visited there are just unforgettable. I had the most exceptional food experience at some of the restaurants there specially ‘Bon A Petit’. The ambience there matched the mood of the evening.

I enjoyed the tranquillity and peaceful environment of the ‘Shanti Stupa’ too. The view of Leh from there was just breathtaking…As the sun teased the mountains by hiding behind them, a new beautiful picture of the mountains unfolded itself being enveloped in the darkness. It fascinated me to see how the mountains stood apart from the sky and exhibited an alluring remoteness. There were some Japanese tourists there at the time that were playing the drums and the sound of the music echoed in the stillness of the evening as if beckoning the mountains to come greet us. The haunting music made the entire atmosphere very spiritual even in the absence of chanting. It rejuvenated and renewed my tired spirit and soul considering it was my first day there.

Ladakh festival made me go back in time and get in touch with what it must have been back then when people were adorned with those beautiful costumes. The dances were very impressive.Each step and movement were so deliberate and graceful that it reminded me of some sacred ritual of ancient times.

I sensed in my days there that while we may have forgotten the art of living the people, the inhabitants of Ladakh knew how to cherish this precious gift of life. What we have lost in the cities, they have preserved in terms of values, sentiments, lifestyle, traditions and cultures. Julley Ladakh !

CULTURAL INSPIRATION

Just when I’d given up thinking everything nice and beautiful in my life was destroyed forever, life gave me a real chance of happiness, fame, wealth and recognition. In an instant my life changed when I was selected for the prestigious Cultural & Teaching Exchange Programme in Japan (JET Programme). My dream to represent my country and to contribute in bridging the psychological distance that exists between two cultures was fulfilled.


I had lived in Japan earlier on when my father held a diplomatic appointment there. But going back as a teacher was the most rewarding experience for me. I am what I am today in life because of that experience. The Japanese thought teaches one the value of truth, honour, and discipline. I have also imbibed these values in my life and it serves its purpose till today.


Faith also was instrumental in making my dreams come true. It is important to believe no matter what and that’s when things really happen. One should never feel defeated even if life crushes you. Even in difficult and trying times I strongly held on to my dreams.


I always drew my inspiration from my elders. One draws inspiration and strength from other cultures as well. Fine examples of strength are the people of Japan who despite having suffered in a Nuclear War rose from the ashes like a Phoenix. I reconstructed my life too after several setbacks, disappointments and failures. Despite the setbacks I have attempted to find meaning in the simplest mundane things and believe that there’s a divine design in whatever comes my way.


Indian and Japanese cultures have taught me to respect traditional values that bring peace and serenity in times of stress. One should optimistically believe that there are great chances waiting ahead to transform one’s life.


Destiny gave me that chance when I needed it the most. If one is strong, if one believes Fate may sometimes reconsider and actually give you what you desire.Life is what you make of it. Positive attitude can make life meaningful.


India like Japan has a rich heritage of spirituality, meditation and quest for inner peace. My experiences transcending two cultures enrich me to successfully tackle and overcome the challenging setbacks that come my way. In short the ‘mantra’ lies within your own self to achieve self realization and muster inner strengths to face adversity and challenges that comes one’s way.