“India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of
human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother
of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our
most valuable and most constructive materials in the
history of man are treasured up in India only”
- Mark Twain
This week we are pleased to feature a special guest editor, Jeff Matthews, who is a member of the Global Spa & Wellness board of directors and president and COO of Mandara Spa, one of the world’s largest resort spa management companies, and vice president of Bliss World (Steiner Leisure Limited).
Dear Colleagues,
In anticipation of the Global Spa and Wellness Summit, which will take place in New Delhi, India, October 5-7, someone sent me an interesting presentation on “India’s Gifts to the World.” It highlighted some of the contributions India has made over the centuries that I find impressive and, in some cases, surprising. I think you may also find them interesting.
I have had the pleasure to be in India quite often over the last few years, as we are opening many spas and distributing products there. This has allowed me to get a very good grasp on not only the business culture but more interestingly the “local” culture of India. It is an intriguing and very spiritual place, which reminds me a lot of my home in Bali, with deep belief in the Hindu and Buddhist religion and the importance of family. Today I find that doing business globally is easier when understanding a bit about India. Whether or not you are doing business in India now, later or perhaps never, the experience of India is a valuable one for understanding the rest of the world.
I hope you all enjoy some of the enlightening information, and I look forward to seeing you all in October.
Warm regards,
Jeff
PS: Which of India’s contributions have had the most significant impact on your life?
Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Additional Content:
Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans. Charaka, the father of medicine consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago. Today Ayurveda is fast regaining its rightful place in our civilization
India has made major contributions to the field of mathematics including inventing the number system, the number zero, algebra, trigonometry & calculus as well as the decimal system and the value of pi.
The Global Spa & Wellness Summit, New Delhi, India, October 5-7, 2013: Register Today.
Which of India’s contributions have had the most significant impact on your life?
Relocating to India from the Bahamas six years ago initially was a culture shock; from living on the beach to being land-locked in Delhi. The vendors selling their goods on pushcarts, spicy foods, cows on neighbourhood streets and the harassment from beggars were all part of a barrage of my senses. From the beginning I embraced the exotic side of living in India even though I had all sorts of adjustments to make. A major one was learning to drive, which I chose to give up after I realized that you have to go with the flow of rickshaws, motorbikes, buffalo, cows and elephants.
There are so many strengths about the country and living here is a truly enriching experience. India is an exciting place to live, for there’s been a phenomenal growth of ideas here. My worldview has become broad-based and I now have an Indian perspective on world affairs, history, art, literature, materialism and human relationships.
Expanding the Oberoi Spas and introducing international standards is a challenging and fulfilling experience. Oberoi Hotels gave me the understanding of the true meaning of Indian hospitality.
It is India’s phenomenal diversity, the unpredictability of everyday events and the colourful cultural scene that charms me. On every corner there seems to be a church, temple, mosque, gurdwara or monastery.
Spending six years of time here, I find India full of contributions. The land is rich in culture and the people are solid in knowing who they are. Indians speak their culture through spiritual rituals, Yoga, Ayurveda, astrology, aura healing, meditation, music, and dance.
They give their young children a lot of freedom, yet when they are older they are told who to marry. …I don’t think any foreigner can fully understand or appreciate the Indian culture.I feel I have grown in knowledge, in tolerance and in curiosity.
In closing, I have to say that India has a great impact in my spiritual and professional growth.
How blessed you have been to have these experiences for the last 6 years and the protection of God on your many travels. You have been the perfect person for the position at Oberoi.
I am so proud of you and your accomplishments.
Your mother!