Focus India’s 2021 preparatory seminar was different than usual. In line with our themes, we had to be flexible and adapt digitally to the current circumstances. However, despite all the challenges that this unique year had to offer, it was not short of new learnings and offered a unique window into India. The preparatory seminar was full of talented and inspiring speakers who explored the history, culture, and current situation in India. We managed to encompass India in all its glory by highlighting culture as one of the main focuses at this year’s preparatory seminar.
History of India
Aradhna Seti from Namaste Switzerland took us through a historical journey into India. It was clear that India had some deep-rooted influences that spanned through a mixture of both their historical background and the modern world. They have seen many rulers and battles. The Guptas, the Pallava and the British have left their footprints in India. Some of them can still be seen today, such as the Taj Mahal or the Red Fort.
“The social evils of today, were the necessities of yesterday.” – Aradhna Seti
Today, mentalities have changed and there is an urge to modernize. In the past, gender discrimination and preference for the male sex was very important. More men meant greater support in providing for the family. These processes can still be felt today, but social rules are much looser and young people can do much more.
Additionally, we learned from Ambassador Monika Kapil Mohta, that India has undergone a digital transformation in recent years. India has become a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and real-time data transmissions. Thus, India has emerged as one of the leading startup nations. The transformation is also seen in India itself; many have a digital badge which enables an efficient digital infrastructure. Great progress is also being made in terms of sustainability with SDG targets to be achieved by 2030.
Ambassador Monika Kapil Mohta
India now
Ambassador Mohta also enlightened us about the situation in India today. Like all countries, India has been struggling with the Corona pandemic since 2020. Currently, India has been able to reduce the number of new infections per day from almost 100,000 in mid-September to about 10,000 per day.
India has also played a vital role in the production of vaccines. India produces about 60% of the world’s vaccines being used in and out of India. As mentioned earlier, the pandemic also had certain benefits for India. They were able to show their resilience and had the opportunity to push digitization through sustainable infrastructure.
Cultural aspects
To learn more about the Indian culture, we had a session with the Athena School of Management from Mumbai. This session was about intercultural exchange between the students. The students were able to exchange ideas in different small groups. Due to the Corona situation, students in Mumbai also have distance learning. This is an advantage for many because they do not have to look for accommodation in Mumbai; most of the students seemed to embrace distance learning. They were all very inquisitive about how things are in Switzerland because of the Corona situation. And in general, they had an openness to new things and international collaboration. It was very nice to exchange with so many young people from another country.
Athena School of Management
The preparatory seminar did not fail to highlight India’s flavors through cuisine. With a virtual cooking session hosted by Vanessa Mehri, we prepared Indian chapatis or better known as roti. It is an unleavened flatbread originating from the Indian subcontinent and staple in India as well as several regions including East Africa. Mrs. Mehri explained that there were many different Indian inhabitants who migrated to Kenya. Therefore, there are also quite a few similarities in food. Food connects people, and there have also been common dishes. The chapati which was prepared by the Focus India delegation with Ms. Mehri’s help, is a small taste trip into India.
– Written by Michelle Teuscher