India - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

India - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette Facts and Statistics Location: Southern Asia, bordering Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km Capital: New Delhi Climate: varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north Population: 1,065,070,607 (July 2004 est.) Ethnic Make-up: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000) Religions: Hindu 81.3%, Muslim 12%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other groups including Buddhist, Jain, Parsi 2.5% (2000) Government: federal republic Languages in India The different states of India have different official languages, some of them not recognized by the central government. Some states have more then one official language. Bihar in east India has three official languages - Hindi, Urdu and Bengali - which are all recognized by the central government. But Sikkim, also in east India, has four official languages of which only Nepali is recognized by the central government. Besides the languages officially recognized by central or state governments, there are other languages which don't have this recognition and their speakers are running political struggles to get this recognition. Central government decided that Hindi was to be the official language of India and therefore it also has the status of official language in the states. Why not learn some useful Hindi phrases? Indian Society & Culture Hierarchy . The influences of Hinduism and the tradition of the caste system have created a culture that emphasizes established hierarchical relationships. . Indians are always conscious of social order and their status relative to other people, be they family, friends, or strangers. . All relationships involve hierarchies. In schools, teachers are called gurus and are viewed as the source of all knowledge. The patriarch, usually the father, is considered the leader of the family. The boss is seen as the source of ultimate responsibility in business. Every relationship has a clear- cut hierarchy that must be observed for the social order to be maintained. The Role of the Family . People typically define themselves by the groups to which they belong rather than by their status as individuals. Someone is deemed to be affiliated to a specific state, region, city, family, career path, religion, etc. . This group orientation stems from the close personal ties Indians maintain with their family, including the extended family. . The extended family creates a myriad of interrelationships, rules, and structures. Along with these mutual obligations comes a deep-rooted trust among relatives. Just Can't Say No . Indians do not like to express 'no,' be it verbally or non- verbally. . Rather than disappoint you, for example, by saying something isn't available, Indians will offer you the response that they think you want to hear. . This behaviour should not be considered dishonest. An Indian would be considered terribly rude if he did not attempt to give a person what had been asked. . Since they do not like to give negative answers, Indians may give an affirmative answer but be deliberately vague about any specific details. This will require you to look for non-verbal cues, such as a reluctance to commit to an actual time for a meeting or an enthusiastic response. Etiquette and Customs in India Meeting Etiquette . Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India. . This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first. . When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually. . Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated who are accustomed to dealing with westerners. . Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women; however there are seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand. Naming Conventions Indian names vary based upon religion, social class, and region of the country. The following are some basic guidelines to understanding the naming conventions: Hindus: . In the north, many people have both a given name and a surname. . In the south, surnames are less common and a person generally uses the initial of their father's name in front of their own name. . The man's formal name is their name "s/o" (son of) and the father's name. Women use "d/o" to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father. . At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their husband's first name as a sort of surname. Muslims: . Many Muslims do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their own name with the connector 'bin'. So, Abdullah bin Ahmed is Abdullah the son of Ahmad. . Women use the connector 'binti'. . The title Hajji (m) or Hajjah (f) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage to Mecca. Sikhs: . Sikhs all use the name Singh. It is either adopted as a surname or as a connector name to the surname. Gift Giving Etiquette . Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life. . Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life events such as birth, death and marriage. . It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given, that is important to the recipient. . If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift, although one will not be turned down. . Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals. . Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts. . A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or some other female relative. . Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather. . Muslims should not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic products. . Gifts are not opened when received. Dining Etiquette . Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public venues, depending upon the occasion and circumstances. . Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to the appointed time. . Take off your shoes before entering the house. . Dress modestly and conservatively. . Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and again. Saying no to the first invitation is part of the protocol. There are diverse dietary restrictions in India, and these may affect the foods that are served: . Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians. . Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol. . Sikhs do not eat beef. . Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses for non-vegetarian meals as they avoid the meat restrictions of the religious groups. Table manners are somewhat formal, but this formality is tempered by the religious beliefs of the various groups. . Much Indian food is eaten with the fingers. . Wait to be told where to sit. . If utensils are used, they are generally a tablespoon and a fork. . Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is served first, followed by the men, and the children are served last. Women typically serve the men and eat later. . You may be asked to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal. . Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers. . In some situations food may be put on your plate for you, while in other situations you may be allowed to serve yourself from a communal bowl. . Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry. Business Etiquette and Protocol in India Relationships & Communication . Indians prefer to do business with those they know. . Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect. . In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal relationships prior to doing business. . It may be a good idea to go through a third party introduction. This gives you immediate credibility. Business Meeting Etiquette . If you will be travelling to India from abroad, it is advisable to make appointments by letter, at least one month and preferably two months in advance. . It is a good idea to confirm your appointment as they do get cancelled at short notice. . The best time for a meeting is late morning or early afternoon. Reconfirm your meeting the week before and call again that morning, since it is common for meetings to be cancelled at the last minute. . Keep your schedule flexible so that it can be adjusted for last minute rescheduling of meetings. . You should arrive at meetings on time since Indians are impressed with punctuality. . Meetings will start with a great deal of getting-to- know-you talk. In fact, it is quite possible that no business will be discussed at the first meeting. . Always send a detailed agenda in advance. Send back-up materials and charts and other data as well. This allows everyone to review and become comfortable with the material prior to the meeting. . Follow up a meeting with an overview of what was discussed and the next steps. Business Negotiating . Indians are non-confrontational. It is rare for them to overtly disagree, although this is beginning to change in the managerial ranks. . Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority. . Decision making is a slow process. . If you lose your temper you lose face and prove you are unworthy of respect and trust. . Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the government. . Most Indians expect concessions in both price and terms. It is acceptable to expect concessions in return for those you grant. . Never appear overly legalistic during negotiations. In general, Indians do not trust the legal system and someone's word is sufficient to reach an agreement. . Do not disagree publicly with members of your negotiating team. . Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal. Dress Etiquette . Business attire is conservative. . Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits. . Women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses. . The weather often determines clothing. In the hotter parts of the country, dress is less formal, although dressing as suggested above for the first meeting will indicate respect. Titles . Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer. . Status is determined by age, university degree, caste and profession. . If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or "Madam". . Titles are used with the person's name or the surname, depending upon the person's name. (See Social Etiquette for more information on Indian naming conventions.) . Wait to be invited before using someone's first name without the title. Business Cards . Business cards are exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting. . If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card. . Use the right hand to give and receive business cards. . Business cards need not be translated into Hindi. . Always present your business card so the recipient may read the card as it is handed to them.

CAMEL FESTIVAL, BIKANER, Pictures

CAMEL FESTIVAL, BIKANER

CAMEL FESTIVAL, BIKANER 8th, 9th and 10th January 2012 PROGRAMME SHEET DATE & DAY TIME EVENT VENUE 8th Jan. 2012,Sunday 12.30 to 1.30 pm Ceremonial Procession (Shobha Yatra) Fort School Ground to Dr. Karni Singh Stadium 1.30 pm Inauguration Dr. Karni Singh Stadium 2:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. Miss Marwan Competition Dr. Karni Singh Stadium 2:50 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. Mr. Bikana (junior) Competition Dr. Karni Singh Stadium 3:20 p.m. to 4:00 p.m Camel Decoration Competition Dr. Karni Singh Stadium 4:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. Fur Cutting Competition Dr. Karni Singh Stadium 4:20 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. Female Camel Milking Competition Dr. Karni Singh Stadium 4:40 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Camel Dance Competition Dr. Karni Singh Stadium 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Grand Culture Programme Dr. Karni Singh Stadium 9th Jan. 2012, Monday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Camel Safari Competition Jagdevwala to Ladera 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Villagers' Wrestling Competition Village Ladera Mela Ground 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Villager's Kabaddi Competition Village Ladera Mela Ground 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Villager's Women Matka Phod Competition Village Ladera Mela Ground 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Race on Dunes Competition Village Ladera Mela Ground 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Grand Cultural Programme Village Ladera Mela Ground 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fire Dance Village Ladera Mela Ground 10thJan, 2012, Tuesday 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Kho-Kho Competition (Men) Village Ladera Mela Ground 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Kho-Kho Competition ( Women) Village Ladera Mela Ground 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Women Musical Chair Competition Village Ladera Mela Ground 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Villager's Matka Race Competition Village Ladera Mela Ground 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Camel Race Competition Village Ladera Mela Ground 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Grand Cultural Programme Village Ladera Mela Ground 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fire Dance Village Ladera Mela Ground 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Fire Works Village Ladera Mela Ground Note: Buses for Ladera will be available in front of Junagarh Fort. Buses for Foreign tourist will be available at TRC. At 11:00 am.

Rajasthan Links

Rajasthan Links SR. NAME WEB SITE ADDRESS 1. Government of Rajasthan http://rajasthan.gov.in 2. Investment in Rajasthan (BIP) http://www.investrajasthan.com 3. Rajasthan Telecom http://rajasthan.dotindia.com 4. Rajasthan Assembly http://rajassembly.nic.in 5. Commercial Taxes Department http://www.rajtax.org 6. Rajasthan state Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd. (RIICO) http://www.riico.com 7. Rajasthan State Road transport corporation http://www.rajasthanroadways.com 8. University of Rajasthan http://www.uniraj.org 9. Rajasthan State Agency for Computer Services http://www.rajcomp.net 10. Rajasthan Housing Board http://www.rhbonline.com 11. Forest Department http://www.rajforest.com 12. Irrigation Department http://www.rajirrigation.com 13. Department of Information and Public Relation (DIPR) http://www.dipronline.com 14. Science and technology Department http://www.rajdst.com 15. Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML) http://www.rsmm.com 16. Rajasthan State Minerals Development corporation Limited (RSMDC) http://www.rsmdc.com 17. Rajasthan State Agriculture Marketing Board http://www.rajamb.com 18. Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission http://www.rajerc.com 19. Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited http://sarasmilkfed.coop :: India Links 20. India Image http://www.nic.in 21. Govt. of Ministries & Departments http://goidirectory.nic.in/ministry.htm 22. States & Uts. http://goidirectory.nic.in/stateut.htm 23. Ministry of Commerce & Industry http://commin.nic.in 24. Secretariat for Industrial Assistance http://indmin.nic.in 25. Indian Railway www.indianrail.gov.in

Year 2011

• Person of the Year-: o Anna Hazare  There was one man who dominated headlines this year - first for bringing an able (if one could say that) government to its knees, then for getting the nation to take to the streets to lament the inability of the government to do anything right, then for rifts in his paradise, then for - you get the drift. Anna Hazare was to the nation what not many have been since Gandhi - a prayer, a song, a war cry, a beacon of hope and arguably, India's last chance at bringing back Gandhian ideals. Whether his movement against corruption will have the last laugh is still a question, but he's the singular exemplar that nothing is impossible in a nation of uncertainty. • Sports Man of the Year o Sachin Tendulakar  Is there any surprise here? Sachin might well be the sportsperson of the decade, if not the last two decades and indeed, for a better part of this millennium for India. As compatriot and starry-eyed fellow player Virat Kohli put it, for the better part of 20 years, Sachin has carried the burden of a nation's expectation on his shoulders alone. For having inspired a nation to put aside its religious, linguistic and other like divides aside every time he picks up the willow and takes centrestage on the cricket ground, Sachin Tendulkar, teen prodigy turned the player who defines the 'gentleman' part of the gentleman's game, is this year's sportsperson of the year, his elusive 100th ton aside. • Celeb of the Year o Katrina Kaif  Katrina Kaif, a British-Indian actress and model, has tasted success with films like Namastey London, New York, Rajneeti, and Welcome. The glamorous actress shot to fame this year with her sizzling performance in an item number, in her movie Tees Maar Khan. ‘Sheila ki jawani’ literally rocked the nation, giving a complete makeover to the British-Indian’s image, as well as stiff competition to Bebo, Priyanka Chopra and many others in the industry. Success apart, the star has also been in the news for rumours of flings with her with co-stars. However, Katrina has chosen to stay mum, whether about her split with Salman Khan or her alleged relationship with Ranbir Kapoor. • Words of the Year o Lokpal Bill  Anna Hazare, anti-corruption and the Lokpal Bill – three words that have been synonymous with each other this past year, and three words that have been on the lips of every Indian. The Lokpal bill targets the corruption that has permeated all ranks of government, and aims at addressing citizen grievances and protecting the interests of whistle-blowers. Literally translated, Lokpal means “protector of the people.” If passed, the bill will lead to the creation of a citizen’s ombudsman body, that is independent of existing bureaucracy, and can investigate any complaints of corruption without prior government approval. How this story ends is yet to be seen, but we expect to hear a lot more of the Lokpal Bill in 2012. • Event of the Year o Cricket world cup 2011  Without doubt, the Cricket World Cup wins this one. Co-hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the World Cup eclipsed every other event between the 19th of February and the 2nd of April this year. The fact that India won the Cup on home soil was the perfect icing on the cake. Images of Sachin being carried on the shoulders of the Indian team will be etched forever in the memories of this generation. As will the euphoria of that night, as revelers poured into the streets dancing, united by joy and shared nationality. • Gadget of the Year o Samsung Galaxy Tab  With the tablet’s popularity skyrocketing this year, it is the Samsung Galaxy Tab that we have to thank for bringing Android into the tablet market. Lighter, slimmer and with a smaller footprint that most of its competitors, the Galaxy Tab manages to strike the right balance between e-book reader and 10-inch tablet that's perfect for watching movies. With many interesting perks and new features, the Galaxy Tab has more than given Apple a run for its money; it has quickly taken over top spot. • Movie of the Year o Murder - 2  We live in an era where brand and franchise have become the order of the day. Although Murder was released seven years ago, it continues to linger in public memory, not only for its sizzle but for its edge-of-seat entertainment. The sequel successfully carries the Murder brand another step forward. This time around, the director has brought back the movie with a whole new cast. Compared to what Anurag Basu did in Murder, Murder 2 is darker, more erotic and bolder. The plot is well delivered, with characters used to the fullest. To sum it up, Mohit Suri has made a remarkable effort in taking forward the success of Anurag Basu’s Murder. • Lifestyle term of the Year o Yoga  Yoga is undoubtedly the ‘in’ thing today. Gone are the days when people ran on treadmills and spent hours puffing and panting. The mantra for fitness has migrated over the years from the pricey gyms to silent yoga centres under thatched roofs. The trend was triggered after Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor attributed Suryanamaskaras for her ‘size zero’ figure. Not only does yoga help you get in shape, it also lets the mind relax and relieves stress. Daily exercises of yoga will also help in better breathing, provide flexibility and inner peace. It is a trend that has caught the imagination of celebs, youngsters and adults alik. 

The top 10 news of 2011

The top 10 news of 2011 Osama-bin-Laden dead Nearly 10 years after the traumatic 9/11 attacks, the world's most wanted man, Osama bin Laden was killed in special operation by US forces on May 1. US President Barack Obama himself announced the end of the massive manhunt for the Al-Qaeda mastermind that began during his predecessor George Bush's watch, in Pakistan's North Western Province in a US drone strike Sunday night. Team India lifts the World Cup After 28 years, India once again became the world champions. In a tense contest, India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the World Cup. And it was the Indian captain MS Dhoni who rose to occasion with a match-winning 91 not out. Dhoni played a captain's knock and along with a gutsy Gautam Gambhir (97) steered the innings after early jolts to hand India their second World Cup title after 1983. Japan tsunami Japan was rattled on March 11 by the powerful earthquake and tsunami which claimed close to 20,000 lives across swathes of the eastern coast. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, 150 miles northeast of Tokyo, was severely damaged by the earthquake and tsunami with its crucial cooling systems knocked out, resulting in a series of explosions, meltdowns - and the world’s worst nuclear accident in 25 years. Gaddafi dead The Libyan ruler Colonel Gaddafi was killed, as his hometown of Sirte was overrun by the forces of the National Transitional Council on October 20. Initially it was unclear if he had been killed or just captured, but slowly gruesome mobile phone pictures emerged which showed beyond doubt that Gaddafi was dead. Revolution in Egypt Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak resigned from his post on February 11 after reigning for 30 years. His departure came after weeks of protest in Cairo and other cities across the country. The revolution was not without violent clashes between security forces and protesters, with at least 846 people killed and 6,000 injured. Tech world loses Steve Jobs The tech world, was plunged into mourning as the Apple's founder Steve Jobs lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on October 5, 2011. The tributes flowed from world leaders and IT tycoons alike for a man held up alongside the likes of Thomas Edison for the way his creations changed our way of life. But it was the commemorations from Apple's legions of fans that seemed even more poignant. Anna Hazare's August fast Social crusader Anna Hazare sat on fast unto death on August 16 from Tihar jail and later at Ramlila Maidan on August 20 for a strong Lokpal. Thousands of Anna supports gathered at the venue to support the anti-corruption activist. Anna broke his fast after government assured that the Lokpal bill will be introduced in the winter session of the parliament. Sikkim earthquake At least 68 people, including 39 in Sikkim, were killed in the powerful earthquake that triggered widespread landslides and road blockages making rescue work on September 19 more difficult in the worst-hit Himalayan state. Many buildings in and around Gangtok have collapsed and around 85 per cent structures and houses have developed cracks due to the quake. Modi's 'Sadbhavana fast' Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Sadbhavana" (goodwill) movement and observed three-day fast from September 17 to 19. Many people saw it as a political stunt to highlight his achievements and clear his name from the Gujarat riots case. Country's population reaches 1.21billion According to the census report, India’s population in 1901 was about 238.4 million, which has increased by more than four times in 110 years to reach a population of 1,210 million in 2011. The growth rate of population for India in the last decade was 17.64%. Team India lifts the World Cup After 28 years, India once again became the world champions. In a tense contest, India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the World Cup. And it was the Indian captain MS Dhoni who rose to occasion with a match-winning 91 not out. Dhoni played a captain's knock and along with a gutsy Gautam Gambhir (97) steered the innings after early jolts to hand India their second World Cup title after 1983.

All Gods, Rishi Muni in Single Pic.......