GOING NATIVE

Floored by it

GETTING USED TO IT Dumisani

Dumisani, a consultant manager at The Bison Resort in Kabini, is fairly new to India and has been floored by the vibrancy and cultural differences that India boasts.

“It continues to amaze me everyday. It makes life in India very interesting. You take time to get used to these diversities.”

He contends, “I would like to travel more and explore more of India. When I first arrived, I was in for a huge cultural shock, but have become acclimated since.”

This Zambian native splits his time between Bangalore and Kabini. He is scared of facing Bangalore’s traffic. “Commuting in Bangalore is an absolute nightmare. It takes ages to cover even small distances. The city is growing fast and needs better infrastructure. But I think it will emerge as a world city soon, with the Metro Rail and the new flyovers that will make commuting better.”

Before coming to India, Dumisani thought of India as an overpopulated country, brimming with people and full of poverty.

He says, “I have changed my view since. It is a vibrant and diverse country. Poverty does exist, but with the correct policy decisions and a mix of development economics, things will improve. Liberalisation and globalisation have helped the Indian economy grow. It must help bring about economic parity also.”

He finds the work culture very professional and the people friendly. “That makes work a lot of fun.”

As far as his tryst with Kannada goes, Dumisani says, “I have been making efforts to learn the language and have picked up some Kannada. My mobile phone ring tone is a Kannada song; I enjoy listening to it a lot.”

He has always enjoyed Indian food and is particularly fond of Biryanis. “Indian food is wholesome and is very similar to African food. The flavouring and the spices are more in Indian food. I don’t mind the spices too much.”

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