Indian Business Cities

My goal in these two cities were slightly different than the rest of my journey. I spent four full days with a company in Dehradun and three full days meeting local businesspeople and speaking at a conference in Jaipur. It was both a humbling and surreal experience. In one sense, I felt very under qualified due to my age and experience. On the other hand, I did have something to offer those I met, which was actually helpful. Still, I must’ve learned more through observation and listening than anything I gave.

Jaipur was the first and only time I stayed in a hotel during my four-month trip. I also didn’t get to see much of the touristy sites because of the conference. Yet, I enjoyed this almost more since it meant I could spend more time with locals. Perhaps, my favorite part of travel is meeting locals and living like a local.

Duration

8 days

Accommodation

Believers apartment (4 nights) and Hotel (3 nights)

Favorite Food

Barbecue Nation

Favorite Site

Robber’s Cave

Cool Person I Met

Rajesh. Rajesh is a pastor and has a PhD in business. He was our host for the conference in Jaipur. I appreciate his generosity, meekness, and administration. One night, he invited us over for a very pleasant night of dinner. Rajesh is very ambitious, yet soft spoken. I really enjoyed this time with him.

Highlight

Visiting local business to learn about their challenges and successes

Big Takeaway

India gave me a bigger culture shock than Egypt. I spent my first day very sick on a bed. After that, I walked everywhere to soak in the environment. It’s easy to see how deeply blended culture and religion is here. It’s almost as if you become Hindu once born in India. The religion also impacts daily affairs, such as the time when I saw a Hindu priest blessing a new car purchased by a couple.

Even the workplace is impacted by religion. I noticed that nearly every shop had a shrine. It almost seems like they are placed there for good luck and prosperity, similar to other religions in the world. To be a Christian in business has to do with rejecting elements of your own culture.

Your Turn

Do you think culture and religion should be blended?

What is your favorite Indian dish?