I have just experienced the most amazing two weeks of my life traveling through India. A group of nine students and two professors from Bridgewater State University left on Jan 2, 2011 to explore the southern Indian culture. This particular study tour is for a global management course, called India 2.0 an Emerging Superpower.
With nearly 1.1 billion people, India is the second largest growing economy. India's growth becomes more impressive in light of the fact that it is driven by a fraction of its population. Its economy is divided between agriculture, manufacturing and the high-tech service sector. India has emerged as the leading provider of high technology services in the world. There is no better way to understand India's transition through this era of globalization than to submerge yourself in the culture.
We landed in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) and spent time in the cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and flew out of Delhi on our last day. Each city had something different to offer, all so interesting and full of history. It was quite refreshing to leave the United States and take a look at how people live a natural and horizontal lifestyle.
Over the course of two weeks, we were able to visit two Indian Universities, Simbiosis and the University of Hyderabad for meetings with the faculty, staff and current students...visit historic, religious and cultural sites for example: Golconda Fort, the King and Queen's Palace in Mysore, Shiva temples, Oroville, Ashrams, Puducherry, Sacred Heart Basillica...and visit local high tech companies, call centers and science technology parks, for example: Microland, Infosys, and Groundfos. We also had the opportunity of staying at three completley different locations: an ashram, hotel and university. The Fireflies Ashram in Bangalore, Marina Comfort Inn in Chennai and the University of Hyderabad in Hyderabad.
Over the course of two weeks, we were able to visit two Indian Universities, Simbiosis and the University of Hyderabad for meetings with the faculty, staff and current students...visit historic, religious and cultural sites for example: Golconda Fort, the King and Queen's Palace in Mysore, Shiva temples, Oroville, Ashrams, Puducherry, Sacred Heart Basillica...and visit local high tech companies, call centers and science technology parks, for example: Microland, Infosys, and Groundfos. We also had the opportunity of staying at three completley different locations: an ashram, hotel and university. The Fireflies Ashram in Bangalore, Marina Comfort Inn in Chennai and the University of Hyderabad in Hyderabad.
Visiting India has given me the opportunity to be taken out of my element and comfort zone. This experience has allowed me to find my inner self and expand my mind. It was unpredictable, crazy, and breathtaking all at the same time. We were able to dive right into the culture and see so many different aspects of India.
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