It is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40. The team comprises four or five members with a leader who is a senior Rotarian. The idea is to learn and experience the host country's institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. The entire trip is funded by the Rotary Foundation and selection of the team is through a vigorous process comprising a three-fold interview, public speaking and group discussion.
The team
Apart from me the other members were Ramana Murthy, Deputy General Manager, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Srikakulam; Ch. Srikanth, music teacher, Kakinada; M. Krishna Kiran, Regional General Manager, The Hindu, Vijayawada; and Sultan Moosavi, Advocate, Vijayawada who was also the team leader.
Brasil or Brazil
While world over the country is spelled as Brazil the locals spell it as Brasil. Our host district was the financial capital of Brazil, Sao Paulo. The fifth biggest city in the world with an estimated population of over 20 million, Sao Paulo or Sam Paulo as called by the Brazilians, is a city not very old. It was founded by two Jesuit priests in the mid-16th century and was officially recognised as a city only in 1711. Like the Times Square in New York and the Trafalgar Square in London, the city of Sao Paulo has got a square that is referred to as the Zero Point and it is believed that the city started at that point.
Brazil is a country colonized mainly by the Portuguese, Italians and the Germans. The official language still continues to be Portuguese and even the natives speak that language.
Warm people
One of the unique aspects of the programme is the host family factor. Each one of the team members was put up with a host family for a week at different locations. Being cultural ambassadors of the country, we were given a red carpet welcome right from setting our foot on the Garrulous Airport in Sao Paulo to the day we returned.
There is a general feeling that Indians are warm and courteous to their guests. We were surprised when a host family came up with the concept `Atithi devo bhava' and informed that she picked it up from the Internet for us. The Brazilians are not only warm but also mild-tempered and friendly. Though the language was a big barrier there was no problem in communicating. To describe their warm heartedness I can only say that all the host families had turned up to see us off at the airport and every one of them were in tears.
Another fascinating experience was the respect that they had for us. They regarded us as IT wizards and an intelligent race set to storm the American hegemony.
Fascinating place
Our visit was scheduled just a few weeks before the world cup in Germany. So, at every place Soccer was the topic. In Brazil be it a sprawling city like Sao Paulo or a small town like Mogi, an empty beer can is enough to start a passionate football match around the street corner.
Though Sao Paulo is a concrete jungle with high-speed traffic, the outskirts are green, sprinkled with coffee and orange plantations.
It was a real treat to drive to locations like Mina Gerais, Campinas and the hill station Lindoia de Aqua.
Barely 200 km. from Sao Paulo is the hill station and true to its name the place is dotted with a number of natural springs. At some places enclosures are built around the springs to facilitate the construction of a modern public bathing place.
Globally, the country is famous for its beaches, football and samba. Though the nearest beach is 60 km. away from the city of Sao Paulo, we had a taste of it at Rio de Janeiro. The Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in Rio can easily pass off as the best beaches in the world. Rio is the place for tourists. Apart from its famous nightlife, the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop the Corcovado Mountain; the drive through the Tejuca forest, the biggest urban forest in the world; and the cable ride to the Sugarloaf Mountain was a fascinating experience. After a stay of over four weeks, we were back the same route via Amsterdam to Hyderabad. On our way to Brazil, the 20-hour gruelling flight was overshadowed by the enthusiasm. On the return it was softened by the fond memories.
SUMIT BHATTACHARJEE
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