Sanjay Gupta was a bright student. He wanted to fulfill his dreams of reaching western shores for prosperity and success. He grew in a middle class family of orthodox culture and traditions. His superstitious believes and outlook was predominantly influencing his personality. Traditionally he grew in such environments and becomes introverting and sissy. Sanjay was one of them. His burning desire for studying in foreign universities was generating mixed feelings. The feeling of joy and apprehension was balancing equally. The joint family background and close knitted family ties have a tremendous impact on him. He perused his dreams very methodically.
He secured admission in the university of his choice. Subsequently, he was granted a visa. The preparations were almost completed. Later, the departure date was fixed. All the relatives and friends were regularly visiting him. Every individual and other family member was advising him; what he should do and what he avoids. Those who were advising him have been never travelled outside their own town. Some elder people knew that it was the typical oriental thinking. Here everybody thought to be expert in his own way. Finally, prior to departure the grandma has cautioned him about women and non-vegetarian dishes in general.
Vegetarian Dishes
He was briefed about travelling etiquettes and discipline. He was also given a demonstration of travelling in a plane and conducting overseas during his stay. He was mentally prepared to undertake the journey. The day has arrived and he commenced his journey. At the airport scores of relatives and friends came to bid adieu to him. He bid farewell to all and boarded the aircraft. His theoretical lessons met with a jolt at the commencement of his journey. He found it hard to adjust in the small seats in economy class. In addition, the food was not was he used to be. Furthermore, eating with fork and knife was an experience by itself. The wash room syndrome made him dumbfounded. He was praying for the long journey to end as fast as possible. At last his prayers were answered, and he landed at the destination airport for the second shock at his next step of journey.
At the immigration, the conversation between immigration officer and Sanjay was an episode of confusion and chaos. The police officer was asking a question in English and Sanjay was replying in English. The police officer was asking it to be translated into English. Sanjay's conversational mitigation has finally ended among laughter and enjoyment by all. He collected his baggage and proceeded to exit gate. He was received by the student coordinator, and they drove him to university campus.
He was introduced to other students, and he became friendly with all of them. It was his simplicity, and small town culture that made him a focal point of attraction. He gradually learnt the cultural etiquettes and showed them oriental traditions and values. He spoke regularly with his family members and apprises them the situations and expressed his happiness.
He completed his studies and prepared to return home to take charge of his ancestral business. He was feeling sad to leave a friendly group and good friends. He was given a warm send off and everybody accompanied him to the airport to bid adieu. He thanked all of them for their kindness and guidance in achieving desired results. He arrived home to a memorable reception. He settled down and sends a gift to the university. It was a Taj Mahal; A memento. It was a symbol of immortal love. He sent it in return for the knowledge imparted to him with all the love and affection. He also extended an open invitation to all, to visit him and to be his guest.
A Cultural Shock and Memorable Experience
Capt. Ehtesham Mirza
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