Date:10/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/10/stories/2008101058840200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A centre for expatriates to immerse in Indian culture

Aletta André

Global Adjustments steps in to meet their needs

— Photo: S.R.Raghunathan

Slice of life: Navaratri kolu at the cultural centre for expatriates of Global Adjustments, which opened in R.A. Puram on Thursday.

CHENNAI: A cultural centre for expatriates opened its doors on Thursday in R.A. Puram. With a cultural museum, auditorium, conference room and rooftop terrace the India Immersion Centre, offered by relocation company Global Adjustments, gives space for cultural activities such as film or music nights, classes in Indian languages, art or cooking, and the opportunity to meet and network with other expatriates.

Global Adjustments has fourteen years of experience in the relocation industry, which includes help with finding housing and advice on facilities, shopping and finding staff. The new Immersion Centre will focus on expatriate life after settling down, Chief Executive Officer of Global Adjustments Ranjini Manian said. “We aim to meet their emotional, social and cultural needs.”

As an introduction for new expatriates the centre offers the three hour ‘Taste of India programme,’ which includes a tour along the different Indian artefacts on display in the centre, a sit down in a replica of a traditional courtyard and the making and eating – with the hands – of idly. “You share food, you share a culture,” Ms. Manian said.

Karen Saurer from the US, who has been in India since two months, said that the centre would be a good place for expatriates to learn about Indian culture in their own pace. Daily life questions she came across herself were, for example, what this month’s festivals are about and where she can have her blond hair done. “Here you meet other people who go through the same thing and who you can share your frustrations as well as good experiences with,” she added.

Besides during special events and celebrations, the centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday for members to use the lounge, foreign newspaper and resource library and to make use of the helpdesk. In addition, the centre offers a telephone helpline and 24-hour turnaround e-mail support.