The Mystery of India


Mr. Singh explained one of the world's oldest culture ( not a job for the faint hearted) to the TGC  Fellows. India values compassion and contentment and above all family. It is really many cultures with distinct characteristics. To illustrate this idea, he wrote one of the Fellows names in 5 of over 29 recognized languages in India as an example of it's diversity. It is diverse in language, customs, and traditions, but share the value of family. His discussion of a 6000 year old society based on values so different than our consumerism/goal oriented/business based society has given me lots to think about.

Each presenter has proved they are master storytellers and his story to explain the diversity within India is that of a raindrop. Each raindrop is distinct, but when they mingle in the ocean there is no difference. The Indians we have met in meetings and on the street are so friendly. They work hard, and enjoy sharing food and stories with family and fiends. They have similar problems as us. They struggle with providing equal education, clean and accessible water, urban growth, and future careers.

Mr. Singh has an impressive resume of accomplishments, among them being the former ambassador to UNESCO in Paris. He was a linguist who shared the value of a common language. Language is what binds a culture together as does music, art and literature. Indians celebrate the spiritual in ourselves and the world. For me this added a level of depth to understanding to my reading of books by Indian American authors, such as in  Padma Ventrakaman's YA novels. And Mr. Singh echoed our concerns and yet benefit of the Internet in our Modern world. It allows us to communicate and share in unprecedented ways. The Internet has changed living culture and cutting off it's roots without the language that binds it.   What will this new world create? 

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