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Melvin's blog
Nshima & Curry
Melvin's Blog
Nshima & Curry
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INDIA WORKS IN SO MANY WAYS
India is a country where labor is cheap and plentiful, where
people make a living in every kind of way. Some work behind
a desk, others work behind a counter, many work their
behinds off. They toil in the hot sun, earning in an entire
year what the top film actor, Shahrukh Khan, makes just
getting his nose powdered.
India is a country of change, where some, like the telecom
engineers, are constantly adapting to change, while others,
like the tramps on the street, are eager to accept change.
Signs of change are everywhere, from the man on the ox cart
who can't do without his cell phone to the conscientious
beggar who keeps track of contributions using Microsoft
Excel.
India is a country of tradition, where teachers are given
immense respect, while toilet cleaners are given more
toilets to clean. A persistent reporter once found dignity
of labor in India, but was soon ordered out of the delivery
room.
India is a country of entrepreneurs, prominent ones whose
bathrooms are lined with silver and gold, and ordinary ones
whose bathrooms are lined with railroad ties. Entrepreneurs
can be seen everywhere, some conducting business in
air-conditioned comfort, others balancing their books -- and
themselves -- on bicycles.
India is a country of vendors, people selling food, flowers
and other items, everything but G-string underwear. Many
carry their goods right past your doorstep, traveling by
foot, cart or cycle. "Vegetables!" some of them shout, loud
enough to give your children nightmares. Others climb onto
moving buses and trains, sell food to the passengers, then
jump off before the conductor has a chance to ask them for a
cut.
India is a country of inspiration, where authors are
inspired to write original books, and movie producers are
inspired to swipe Hollywood scripts. People ignore the
books, but flock to the movies, recognizing how much
creativity is involved in translating English to Hindi.
India is a country of customer service, where you'll get
excellent assistance anywhere, as long as you're willing to
wait for it. At the gas (petrol) station, you'll find three
uniformed attendants ready to help: the first to open your
tank, the second to fill it up, and the third to help you
close your jaw after you see the total price.
India is a country of opportunity, as long as you're the
right age and sex. "Must be under 30," one job ad says, as
though someone in the company is seeking a wife. Meanwhile,
on the matrimonial page, a handsome bachelor is inviting
responses from qualified candidates.
India is a country of artistry, where some people create
beautiful buildings and walls, and others ruin them with
pictures of politicians. On many walls across the country,
you'll find more politicians than movie stars, more crooks
than cracks.
India is a country of handy men and women. If you need a job
done, don't pick up the phone -- just open your front door
and yell, "Anyone know how to fix my computer? I've got
cash!" If you have a skin problem, don't go to a doctor --
just open your front door and yell, "Anyone know how to
treat my skin? I've got rash!"
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