30 years in India, but grew up in NZ

Ah, life -- fantastic life. A journey that is so colourful. I spent 30 years in India -- I went to school, college, management, professional development, career, children, life experiences, everything in India. But then, why do I say that I grew up in New Zealand, in my last 8 years here?



SIMPLE! Arguably, we Indians (God bless us!) come from a very protective, sheltered backgrounds. Our parents are always there for us. (it does not mean that they are not here for NZ children). But, it's different in India. Our parents take care of us, give us education (in most cases atleast until university level as that is the minimum criteria for any jobs in India). In some cases, like mine, they provide support (both emotionally and financially until you get a further management degree), support you in the same way through your marriage and then they leave you to fly! All because we want change...





Fly we do! Sometimes to distant lands, where we are suddenly thrown into a 'REAL' world! A world that is pretty different to our upbringing.

We no longer find the 'security' that we have been so used to in India, the sheltered lives suddenly get shattered --- when we have to do our own chores (no maids to run errands, wash our laundry, our dishes, iron our clothes, take our children to schools...). When we get ignored at our jobs, and find many qualified, highly experienced, educated Indians working in supermarkets and driving taxis. When we'd be lucky to even find a job.

We end up feeling all alone in this 'new' world -- where everything is very exciting, but comes with its own challenges. It's adventurous, it's fun, but it is frightening. As a Kiwi Indian, I can definitely tell you that its a very scary feeling.

When you are thrown in a world like this -- you grow up! As I did! Finally in my 8 years here.

Lucky, Kiwis have a great sense of humour and are highly creative...watch this fantastic ad:

Oh, how I hate the letters W and V

Ah, as an Indian, living in New Zealand, there is nothing more I "hate" than being introduced to someone with their names starting with the letter W or V.

Little do we Indians know that we actually pronounce our W's as V's and our V's as W's! Frightening, isn't it?

In one of my jobs here, I had an HR Manager by the name Vicky Wilson. I was introduced to her and ofcourse not knowing what you don't know, I was happy calling out her to her by her much used (and common name). Only to be hear constant giggles in the background. One day, not being able to handle it any longer, I asked my colleagues what the story was.

And then it came out, ...how I pronounced Vicky Wilson, as Wicky Vilson! Go, figure! Do we care? Nah. Not really. Does she care? Not sure.She probably feels special that she gets called something that people remember once I have been introduced to her! ah! but besides that, I don't think so.!

But,just know that if you are talking to a Vicky, or Raewyn, or a William, and you get stared at, or hear giggles in the background -- its nothing to worry about! It's just your W and V, that is upside down....just like the rest of the world.

Bring a Plate..are our neighbours poor?

So, Mr and Mrs new India got invited to their neighbours for a get together! Neighbour said 'R and R please come over to our house on saturday for a get together, to celebrate the end of daylight savings'. Point to note here, Kiwis love to party....we have get togethers for everything here. Sun is shining, party. Sun is not shining, party. Full moon, party. Daylight savings party. Birthdays, weddings..everything is celebrated. latest, is SWINE FLU parties! oh well...I digress...(another Indian trait)

So, Mr and Mrs new Indian get invited to the neighbours house -- who ask them to 'bring a plate'.

There is much debate and discussion at Mr and Mrs New Indian home that night. "ah, bring a plate? what is that about'? says Mrs new Indian. Mr new Indian, who's knows "everything" (never mind that he has never set foot outside his home and office prior to coming overseas), says 'I know, our poor neighbours do not have extra plates in their house". "what to do now " they say in unison.

Next day, Mr and Mrs new Indian look up the newspapers -- for any specials. Briscoes has a 50% sale -- ah, they say "let's go and get our poor neighhours a dozen plates, that way they don't have to ask each and everyone to 'bring a plate'

So, they buy a dozen beautiful plates for their neighbours and go to the party!

'Ding dong'...they ring the door bell. Door opens. "Welcome Mr and Mrs R" says the neighbour. The proud humble new Indians give their neighbours the box -- the box with a dozen plates". The neighbour is expecting something else..but clearly puzzled asked 'so, what did you bring? looks like an Indian delicacy in a box, ah can't wait to taste it'. The new Indians look more puzzled than the neighbour.

"These are a dozen plates for you Madam" they say. "Oh, you can call me Diana" neighbour says "but dozen plates, but we don't need pla......" and then it dawns on her .............!!!

In New Zealand, when anyone says "bring a plate', it simply means 'bring a plate of food of your choice' to participate in the celebrations, party, get together....

So, learnt Mr and Mrs new Indian that day.........