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Taste of India
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Classes on American history, culture and mannerisms make way for Indian cuisine, sports and art forms. This time for the western audiences, finds SYEDA FARIDA
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INDIAN INITIATION Getting into the local groove PHOTO: S. MAHINSHA
In the hushed ambience of an IT giant, a multi cultural group of professionals, Americans, Europeans and rest, is engrossed in a training programme on Indian art under the able eyes of the trainer. Yoga is a rage here with the group as also Indian dances.
In yet another quaint office in Europe, a `know India' programme is in progress. Trainers are busy explaining reasons behind the constant nodding of the head that the Americans term with amusement the `Indian wiggle'. "They are confused with people nodding forever. Or why the Indian is incapable of saying `no'. So we explain tracing it back to mythology, offering Dronacharya as a case study," says S. K. Bhagwan, general manager Talent Transformation, Wipro Limited. This hatke programme offered to premier customers is a paid service the `India Cross Cultural Programme' that has offices lining up for repeat requests for workshops.
Pay back time
During the earlier phase of IT boom and offshore offices, the desi dude was sensitised on the Western cultural nuances. If it wasn't classes on American history and culture, there were those on etiquette: how to make intelligent communication and how not to ask questions about the family at workplace. `Talk about weather and sport instead' was the guideline for mana yokel in foreign land. So cricket was replaced with rugby and the piping hot idli suddenly lost its flavour in the face of hot dog. Life has suddenly come full circle in the IT world now. And it's pay back time, read education the western offices on India.
Romana, a trainer explains, "we have one month programme that exposes them to Indian art and culture. Cuisine, sport, dance and more feature on the agenda." So, while the expats in the twin cities are seen in the traditional Mangalagiris and other regional fineries, bursting crackers, their colleagues back home join in the celebrations as well. "Generally during an Indian festival or holiday, we have the HR team sending mailers to offshore offices drafting entire story around the festival. For instance how the Holi festival originated or why kites are flown," says Akshay. S, SumTotal System.
"Inasmuch we try to understand them nowadays they are keen to understand Indian culture. During December not too much work is carried out there. Likewise they do not expect somebody to be at the office in India in October. Also in the US you don't have many vacations where as in India we have a festival every month that got them a little upset. But now unko bhi pata chalne laga hai and it helps to work amicably," says Anant, ADP.
As for the clients, they seem to love the look and see trainings. "The demand is from customers whose work is concentrated in India. Europe has phenomenal demand. The modules cover business perspective and guidelines to interact with Indians effectively. At the end of the day it is a two-way partnership we have," adds Selvan. D, vice president Talent Transformation, Wipro Limited. "We interact with Indian counterparts a lot. If we have information about yoga, art and religion we have a starting point to talk," explains Michelle who works in San Jose.
"The bottom line is familiarity. No longer do we represent the alien side of the world. With exercises as these, acceptance becomes easier--that this is no more the land of snake charmers. It's about time they learn about us. India is right `there' on the world economy map and a force to reckon with in the IT world. The interaction is directed towards better understanding and better relation between partners, for sure," sums Akshay.
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