Some observations

Just a few personal observations about people here at Gainesville, Florida. These may be sweeping generalizations, but i would love to hear different opinions. I may be broaching sensitive territory here, but i have seen how so many Indian students manage to come to UF and live EXACTLY the same way as if they were attending college in Delhi, Bangalore or Mumbai, and never explore new waters. The following lines may be helpful if you plan to come to the US.

1. "Oh, I can see why you felt that way. I would have done the same if i were you." They love to convey sincerity and belongingness. People would honestly share what they think and how they are feeling when spoken to. A question like "How are you today?" could lead to long, honest discourses at times. They assume that you are friendly, till you take pangas,  and would answer your questions as relevantly as possible.

They appreciate eye-to-eye contact; sincere, unbiased dialogue; and would convey emotion through the tone of their voice. 

Again, "Convey" is the operational word. In case you plan to come to the US, don't mistake people's expressions of belongingness for meaning that they really belong to you. That requires a few advance courses :) It would be a huge mistake to start talking about what you think is wrong about people, place, the weather, or anything. Be very wary of cribbing and bitching in general. Don't abuse the hospitality and stay on guard, as people's true opinions would probably require a few drinks to emerge. 

2. "I am loving this!" Americans strive to express that they are "In Control" and  "there is nothing to worry about" in a friendly, energetic, polite way. They know how to turn on the charm. Confidence, and belongingness, is a heady cocktail.

3. Indian role moels are "responsible", "caring" and "respectful". We are hard-wired to respect a personality type resembling lord Rama. American role models would probably be "accomplished", "caring" and "indpendent". Peel away the good-natured exterior, and you see an intensely competitive human being. People are busy sizing each other up discreetly. Competitiveness and survival are virtues people admire strongly, IF these are combined with strong "self-control" and "fair play". This is an individual's society. 

4. Americans love to play (compete). I have already written how hugely fanatical they are about sports and physical activity.

5. They are very planned and informed about their actions. They are terrified of screwing up or coming across as a fake. "Credibility" is a very big deal, and you need to do what you say, and say what you mean.

If what you mean may not be socially palatable, don't say it.

6. Alcohol is a means to finding escape from being planned and orderly and to be silly. People are very self-conscious and afraid to make mistakes, and they rely on the booze to loosen these chains. 

What a huge market for teaching the Sudarshan Kriya! Awesome!

Would love to discuss more on the same. 

Jai Gurudeva!

A New Begining

Guruji has a grand vision of seva for Arunachal and several teachers are involved, working to make it happen. A DSN, Advance Course, and a TTC have been announced at the new ashram. Work is picking up again.

Personally, it has been an invaluable learning being here. Shall be headed back to Bangalore soon and then will see how things progress from there. Have my MBA this year for which Guruji had also enquired.

Although it has only been two months, but something indescribable has been experienced in this short span. I had come to Arunachal hoping to do something adventurous, something deeply meaningful, to contribute and give to my Master. Instead i am going back with full hands and a full heart, laden with His abundant blessings and gifts. Man, it feels amazing! 

Some musings on people here

Hmm, although wisdom lies in not judging and classifying people, but being Indian, it is inevitable that you scan people from head to toe and try and put them into different baskets...

 Ok first difference, am reminded of the brutal old expression "Barking dogs don't bite". So in Bangalore i have seen furious debates, threats, exagerrated gestures and general coldness being thrown about. The people in Arunachal are simpler, if they like you, they will smile and be happy with you, if you throw too much attitude or piss them off, they would beat you up. Very little barking.

 Second, "Chikna" factor. People here seem like you could put a drop of water on their skin and it would slip right off. They are shorter on an average, well built and have great dressing sense. In Bangalore, people are much more intellectual. 

 Third, most jobs are sarkari, so there is a sarkari atitude to living life (which is commitments are meant to be made but to be followed at ones own leisure). Life is literally 'laid back'. Can't really blame the people for that as there is no real industry or jobs here and the ambitious youth usually look for opportunities outside arunachal. Also, the government inhibits outside investment into the state.

 People here are very free and open in their behavior, if they feel something they express it and do not get into mind games. Also, Arunachali people are divided into many tribes and they retain their tribal identity also. The dominant tribe here in itanagar is nyishi, who are more inclined towards gundagiri and want to have things their way, but are very friendly if they like you. Girls don't live with inhibitions or insecurities and are very well dressed most of the time.

 Hmm, will update as other thoughts come to mind