Top 10 communication strategies to learn from politicians

Does art emulate life or life emulate art is one of those proverbial questions. After 15 years of working in the corporate world, I find the work atmosphere at times very toxic, political, and the need to showcase and promote oneself to move up in the corporate ladder. Here are a few interesting and popularly known stories from the political world that you may want to remember for your corporate journey. 

Silence is not golden, but speak when needed

During 2004-14 in India, many event organizers before the start of the program requested the gathering to put their phones on MMS mode. MMS stands for Manmohan Singh Mode aka mute mode. Every time MMS failed to speak up and address on key issues including corruption scandals, his silence and out of turn communication by the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi costed him and his party dearly in the national elections earlier this year. This incident is shows how one man's failure to communicate often leads to another man's success. 

Don't ignore that which glitters - create visibility

Swaminathan Anklesaria in his recent TOI column said Bollywood is the language of the nation and not Hindi or Sanskrit. His theory seems even more convincing when you look at the background of many politicians who've ruled Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh (now Andhra and Telegana). From NTR, MGR, Karunanidhi, Jayalalitha to recent CM aspirants Chiranjeevi and Vijayakanth. These politicians have diligently used the reel life to attract followers to their ideology and win the throne. Many of these politicians along the way realized the need to have their own TV channels ( JayaTV, KalaignarTV, SunTV, CaptainTV) to get across their version of story to the masses. 

Foot in mouth disease - choose your battles wisely

We have communicators like Kalignar Karunanidhi, 4 time Chief Minister of Tamil Nad, who has earned duly admirers through his timely quips, eloquent language, and word play. Then you have people like Mamata Bannerjee (Blabberjee) aka as motor mouth, often seen on the front page of newspapers openly challenging the Central Government and opposition parties. Her efforts often appear to be mere attention grabbing gimmick with less substance and blaming the media for misinterpreting her statements. Not long ago, during the Presidential elections in 2012, Mamata's words caused her embarrassment and made her to walk out of the UPA alliance.

Your success brings you enemies - manage perception

Before the election both BJP and Congress exchange and engaged in a war of words and throwing muck at each other. While the Congress party and it's members continue to verbally assault Modi, but the man had focused on building political equations. Modi hasn't made any personally comments/criticism on anyone and infact he wished Sonia Gandhi's birthday on her birthday, which made him look like a large hearted person in the eyes of public and Modi came across as one who looked at opponents beyond elections.

Losing the sheen - start with a bag of tricks

A good example is the Aam Aadmi Party; their meteoric rise happened when The national wealth was plundered by the ruling party (Common Wealth, 2G, etc.) and there was no redressal by the ruling party. Timely anti-corruption messages, hunger strikes for the passage of Lok Pal bill earned them a good mileage, but their their repeated hunger strikes and jail bharo stunts caused them their fall. 

Don't be a loose cannon - measure your words

Lastly, we also have loose cannons in every party from Digvijay Singh in the Congress party, to the most recent Sadhvi Niranjana Jyoti who not only caused embarrassment to her and the party, but also in affected smooth functioning of the Parliament causing policy paralysis and loss to the exchequer. Sometimes, you wonder if malfunctioning is a part of their strategy to get attention like what we often see on the fashion floors.

Communication can be therapy - build your network to follow

From conversing with random strangers sharing their stories, giving them directions and free advice, Indians are open and talkative people by nature. May be that is why NaMo decided kickstart his election campaign earlier this year on Twitter and Facebook proving that an Indians listen, like and retweet as much as they talk and re-share. Once a chai wala , today, Narendra Modi is the second most widely followed leader on twitter with 8.6 million followers and second to the American President Obama with more than 25 million followers. When you are in the highest office in the country and it can get lonely and you want to share as much as you want to hear over tea on Twitter and social media can be both a sounding board and a free therapy session.

Breaking more than ice - be appealing to the masses

If metros to an extent helped us break the caste barrier, social media has gone a step ahead by breaking national, language barriers and helped specially Modi in his image makeover. Best example is again NaMo; his recent tweets in Japanese while in Japan and a tweet in Tamil wishing Superstar Rajinikanth on his birthday on Dec 12 helped him instantly connect and find a corner in the hearts of respective audiences. 

No RTI for personal life - Ignore old skeletons

Atleast there is an opportunity to deny a RTI request when it comes to knowing Government secrets and spends, but when you step into public life there is nothing to protect your past and future. Indecent media and opposition hounded Modi and his wife from whom he separated 4 decades ago. I'm sure we all have skeletons in the closet, but learn to ignore them when they try to wake the up. Skeletons are dead! 

Revival as much as survival - Let them make a U!

Let us not forget that media had tainted Mr. Modi as once a key conspirator in the Godhra riots and this year the man is on the Time Magazine Person of the Year contenders list. It is only through constant, appropriate and convincing communication Modi could win the votes of people in the largest democracy. The upcoming J&K elections will prove if social media can further go ahead and help political parties win religious votes on the opposite side. 

As a communication professional, I find it interesting to analyze the political stage in Indian and pick out examples of good and bad communication and what we can learn from them to manage our destiny in the corporate world. In fact, I have often told my colleagues that communication is like hygiene; no one takes notice of it until it is absent. So, keep it hygienic and communicate to win!

Upgrade, Vacate, Welcome (UVW)

In my last blog, I asked a fundamental question: who is a Brahmin? In this blog I look at the other side of the coin: who is a foreigner or a non Hindu? Who keeps a religion alive and refreshed?

Before I go into the issue, let's go back to 1798, Madurantakam, a small town near Chingalpet, Madras. The people of Madurantakam sought the help of the then British Collector at Chengalpet Lionel Blaze to protect the temple from the floods. That night the British Collector had a divine vision, which he believed prevented the lake from breaching. 

The collectors vision of divine brought about new faith in him and he allocated 1000 pagodas to get a portion of the temple constructed. This incident is etched in the history of the temple and confirms that the Hinduism is open to believers and patrons.

Let's come to October 2014. My friend Richard who has recently moved to Chennai visited Kapalieshwar temple with his family. Richard is eager to learn about Hinduism and understand more about one of the oldest religions in the world. But outside the sanctum reads a board "Only Hindus allowed". Not sure if Richard asked why, but I kept thinking about it.

It happened to Nandanar, a Dalit saint believed to have born between 7-9th century. He was not let inside the temple; his faith and devotion outpoured as hymns that moved the bull in front of the Lord Shiva.12 Centuries later this discrimination still exists in Hinduism and specially temples in South India. Why does Hinduism continue to be exclusive to a few and keep those eager to learn and understand the religion outside the gate? 

Leave alone Hindus and non-Hindus, many temples in Karnataka still have separate dining halls for Brahmins and Non-Brahmins and some villages in Tamil Nadu follow two-tumbler system. Adi Shankara himself upgraded rituals and practices to prevent people from fleeing Hinduism to Jainism and Buddhism that was born because of scarificial worship and other in-human worship practices. 

While pockets of inclusivity does exist in some temples, but not everywhere. You may all know Lungi dance (Shah Rukh Khan in the movie Chennai Express), but not about lungi seva at Sri Rangam temple. One day in a year the Muslim community visit the temple to present a lungi to the deity that he adorns and parades the streets. This symbolises Hindu Muslim unity, respect and brotherhood. Even at Tirupathi temple there is a statue for the Wife of Delhi Nawab, who was an ardent devotee of the deity and is revered and worshipped as "Thulukka Nacchiyaar" (Muslim Lady).

Let me bust a few reasons that are offered by learned Hindu scholars who deny admission of foreigners (non Hindus) in the sanctum in many of Hindu temples. 
- Because non Hindus (also read as foreigners) consume meat and liquor - Many of my Hindu friends consume meat and engage in other vices liquor inclusive.
- Because non Hindu women (also read as foreigners) don't observe strict rules during their menstrual cycles - Some of my own cousins don't practice these strict rules anymore.
- Because non Hindus don't observe the same rituals as Hindus and as a result are considered impure - I know many of my Brahmins friends who've stopped wearing their sacred threads and have stopped performing their monthly and annual rituals for their deceased parents and ancestors.

All religions that are currently in existence in India was either an offshoot of Hinduisum (Buddhism or Jainism) or came from outside of India and successfully found defectors. Trade relationships and conquering of East Asian countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Burma, Thailand,etc.) by Chola kings led to the spread of Hinduism and customize their own version of Ramayana. One can find proofs of this in the world's largest non-functional temple at Ankorwat. Hinduism was open to new comers and its scripture was also open to interpretation and adaptation (like Open source). But what happened in the last few centuries?

Richard and family live a Hindu lifestyle: strict vegetarians, don't consume alcohol, follow Ayurveda and observe many of our disciplined practices yet continue to worship from outside the sanctum without any complain. Can't the divinity that accepts lungi in Sri Rangam and devotion of Nawab's wife in Tirupathi, accept and accede to other seekers waiting outside? 

Lastly, I leave you with the same old question, who is a Hindu and why are they given a special birth right despite not following the stipulated practices and rituals, while those interested to follow aren't given access and acceptance? 

In my point of view, faith is universal and religion should be open to all those willing to follow its practices. Remember, a religion ceases to exist without followers. If you are a Hindu reading this blog, ask how many of the 63 Saints in Shaivism and 12 Saints in Vaishnavism were Hindus and what they had to go through to get accepted and later worshipped in the religion. 

Every religion has blind spots and blind followers. It is time to upgrade the religion to retain those feeling stifled, vacate those needing fresh air, and welcome those feeling attracted. Let's get started by shooing away the bulls!

Universal Health Care in India: For PM to Act Now!

PM of India is getting ready to roll out Universal Health Care for economically weaker sections which is a welcome move. But there are issues regarding accountability, quality of health care and facilities. Here are 5 radical moves that can make PM's UHC program successful:

1. Make it mandatory for all MPs and MLAs to get treated in Government run hospitals. If they opt for private hospitals then it must be funded from their pocket or private medical insurance. This will ensure better quality of service in governmental hospitals.If MPs and MLAs get treated in Government facilities, there could be more accountability and improvement of service levels.
2. Set-up more feeder hospitals or primary health centers in rural India and appoint more doctors to manage influx of patients from the free universal health care. This will help patients to be screened and appropriate cases referred to the next level.
3. Medical college students in private colleges must complete their house surgeon year in one of these rural hospitals. This will help students understand rural India and their medical needs and also make a decision on where to focus wrt post-graduation and research.
4. Quality check all medicines that are supplied to Government hospitals to prevent situations like the recent incident where poisoned medicines and botched sterilizations killed over 14 mothers.
5. Lastly, get in PPP model and FDI to manage and improve quality of service and upgrade facilities at many of these Government Hospitals. This also provides employment in rural India and MGNREGA scheme can be tied up to these hospitals.

The Brahmin Tag

Tags are for bags and not humans, said my friend. I have had a few personal experiences in the past and recent past that reminded me of Karna's story where his tags of birth and caste discriminated him and pushed him down the path of adharma.

Karna, the first son of Kunti was disowned by her, let in the river and was found and raised by Charioteer. Discriminated began when he approached Dronacharya to accept him as his student. Dronacharya assumed that Karna belonged to the Charioteer community and turned him down as a student. Karna later approached Parashurama and lied about his caste to be accepted as his student. Soon after he invoked his guru's curse when he found out that Karna was a Kshatriya and not a Brahmin. Sadly, Karna faced the brunt of his caste that brought him grief, discrimination throughout his childhood and the last straw was when he was not allowed to compete in Drapuadi's swayamvar because he was not allowed to compete with other kings. Finally, this pushed him to side with Kauravas in return for respect and acceptance in the Royal clan. Let me park Karna's story aside and come back to my life. 

A colleague in my Paris office recently asked me if caste system is prevalent in India. I was surprised by the question and I was not sure if it really did or did not. I was confused if I should put forward the story of Karna to showcase how caste was deep rooted in your culture and epics. He quickly came back with another question that further surprised me. He asked me if I belong to the Brahmin caste. I told him that dividing people along the lines of caste is cruel and declined to give him my answer. I didn't want to sound rude and I explained how during the last census in India, I had instructed my parents not to answer any questions pertaining to caste or religion. 

I didn't answer my colleague directly, but instead decided to test his understanding of caste system. If it were India, people would have deciphered from you first/last names and sometimes by scanning your torso for the "sacred thread". Hardly had I finished my sentence by posing him back with a challenge and he was ready with his answer. "You must be a Brahmin," he said. I was shocked at his response and asked him how/why he decided I could be one. Without any hesitation he said, "you are well educated, intellectual and strong-willed (arrogant). I didn't know if I should smile and take it as a compliment or walk away from this rubbish classification that is following me in Paris like Karna's curse. 

Let me rewind back to 2008. That time I was reporting to a manager who was married to a Brahmin woman and always spoke high of Brahmins for their razor sharp intellect and strict adherence to values and ethics. Is it still the same? Looking back, I realize that I was naive in letting him take advantage of my honesty and kindness by depositing his son's engineering college capitation in my bank account and making me issue a cheque to avoid any financial probe and leaving the tax implication on me. But soon enough the Brahmin virtue of honesty and kindness turned against him when he coerced me to steal the marketing budget from my current employer and help him prepare a budget for his next employer. I remember signing forms where I agreed not to trade my employers property and pass it on to competitors. When I failed to oblige to his request and I was threatened of dire consequences in the upcoming appraisal. 

The fanatic Brahmin gene in me challenged him by sermonizing at the final appraisal at the end of our lives and how our Karma decides our next birth and not our managers. That late evening conversation ended our 5 year professional relationship, but reinforced my sincerity towards my employer and commitment to honesty and righteousness. 

A few years later, I once again took my manager head-on when he hadn't conducted my appraisal despite multiple reminders. When I righteously reported the matter to HR, I was given a chance to be appraised, which only turned out to be a hogwash and a check in the box exercise. I was forcefully fitted into a rating that was assigned by the system. The appraisal system, so called industrialized that works based on a code, ruthlessly allotted me the default rating that I term it as fate/karma due to my upbringing. But then isn't it my duty to question when righteousness is not being followed? 

Krishna in Mahabaratha points at three dharmic people for their silence during perpetration of injustice and holds them responsible for the death and destruction of Kuru dynasty. Bheeshma, Dronacharya, and  Karna. Inspired by Mahabaratha, I continue to fight injustice done to me and to my team mates often caught in the famous bell-curve and quotas system for promotions. 

And recently, I was told that I'm being a typical Brahmin and that I'm too humble and don't promote my work and create visibility within the organization. The history of my experience clearly says that my efforts were undermined and I was exploited for my timid nature, sincerity and honesty. Does it bother me, not any more. 

Is it really my fault or is it my genetic make-up and I'm unable to peel and live up to the expectations of crony capitalism? Like the tectonic plates that collide often, the yearly  appraisal time brings me to the conflict zone between ego and values. If only Bagavad Geeta was told before the battle of Kurushetra, so many deaths including that of Karna could have been prevented. Like many other Brahmins I have used teachings of Bagavad Geeta to deal with life situations and keep me on the track of dharma. 

Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kada chana – You have the right to perform your actions, but you are not entitled to the fruits of the actions.

Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani – Do not let the fruit be the purpose of your actions, and therefore you won’t be attached to not doing your duty.

These days, I've stopped analyzing and crucifying myself and whenever I am stabbed at the back I read the chapter on Karma Yoga and supplement it with Newton's third law. Hinduism confirms that present experiences are result of my past actions and gives me the maturity from seeking revenge. 

Though people are often tagged and discriminated as Brahmins, it is important for everyone to understand the true meaning of the word "Brahmin" and learn what to do and what not to do from Karna and our epics. Bagavad Gita was not for Brahmins, but was open for any one to interpret and follow. Fortunately or unfortunately, those who decoded the message behind it and lived by it were tagged as Brahmins (one who seeks Brahman or truth). As centuries rolled by Brahmins (embodiment of satwa guna) became the bellwether of the society and were looked upto for guidance and support. This sense of responsibility eventually gave Brahmins the intellectual arrogance to perpetrate atrocities by diving and controlling the society based on caste. Is this discrimination that I experience today a result of my past karma? It may very much be true! 

Unlike Karna who decided to side with Duriyodhana to avenge for his discrimination, I've to resigned to the logic of karma and path of karma yoga. Let us not forget that Pandavas had to go through their share of experiences to expunge their past karma (metallurgy terms it annealing) before justice was served. Nothing would happen without the will of almighty and karma. And going back to the educated guess made by my colleague in Paris, yes, I continue to be strong willed and steadfast on the path of righteousness and incidentally I'm being called a Brahmin for my lifestyle and qualities.

So, now you know who a real Brahmin is and you can become one just by living those values - there are no barriers to entry. We've all seen and heard about those born in orthodox Brahmin families living unbrahminical life - in reality birth doesn't get you anything and you if you want to become one just modify your lifestyle and outlook. It may take a few years for it to start its pay back and a few generations to start making a change in your DNA.

Next time someone tags you a Brahmin, feel proud and live up to the real meaning of the word. Not sure if the Brahmin tag will do you anything good in this society driven my materialism and discrimination, but if you live the real meaning of the world, you will reap the benefits. Remember, values cannot belong to any caste or creed or religion, and it depends on the inner quality of the person - irrespective of birth, family or faith. Let's all become real Brahmins keep this world happy, clean, and intellectually charged.

Masterchef or Machiavelli?

I just finished watching Season 5 of Masterchef US, and I must confess that some amazing cooking and inspiring talent came on this show. Week after week, watching the 19 episodes made me hungry even after a heavy meal and sometimes I caught me biting my nails in nervousness. At times, I felt the comments of the three judges and personalities of contestants were unreasonable and played to the gallery. Should I blame the typical American reality Television?

Be it the creative and super-sized Willy, muttering Malibu Leslie in his 50s, super confident Courtney or mysterious Mediterranean Elizabeth, they brought fierce passion to the Masterchef sets. The backgrounds of these home cooks may not be appealing, but I must agree that America definitely has grit and contestants have what it takes to compete, showcase their talent and prove their worth to win the title. 

But this season winner, Courtney's behavior when it came to team cooking sucked. Her fuming spirit came through in her personality and tongue. She played her games when it came to pairing up wrong people together and eliminating strong competitors. Is it the capitalistic attitude? 

What does Masterchef test in a person: acerbic tongue, short fuse, conniving personality, manipulating skills? Looking at who won the title this time, Masterchef doesn't need one to be a team player or possess leadership skills. 

That takes me back to the question, what takes it to be successful in life? Is it expertise, leadership or both? 

Courtney is a individual contributor and in a group she morphs into a hyena. This is something we all see in our professional lives. Her micromanaging and volatile personality makes her a fire-spitting monster, a trait that we again see in many of our colleagues and managers. 

So, what does Masterchef test in contestants? Is it their skill or spitefulness? 

Courtney may posses skills to be a good chef, but has many shortfalls to be a Masterchef. If she were to open a restaurant, I'm certain the attrition rate would make her the one employee restaurant in America. 

If a home cook must graduate to be a Masterchef, he/she must possess or cultivate the leadership and team management dimension to be truly successful in the real world. Can't talent and goodness co-exist?

I sincerely hope Masterchef producers will reshape the reality show to inspire talent and not belittle them for shock-value. I hope Gordon Ramsay and his colleagues in real life are more than Masterchefs and not Machiavellis.

JJ Verdict and Some Learnings

I've been up since 4.45am Paris time watching Indian television online from the moment Jayalalitha  and her coterie left their home in Chennai before Rahu Kaalam. I had 4 cups of filter coffee (a true Tambrahm) discussed with Tamil friends on Skype (they understand Amma Puranam), followed trolls on Twitter and awaited justice like others. A tweet even said Jayatv was playing the movie "Viduthalai". Would the day pan out in her favor?

I was discussing with a friend that Karnataka is her home ground and losing in your home pitch is a humiliation. Let's not forget that she decimated every party in the recent Lok Sabha Election, hardly 4 months ago.

After two hours of wait, I felt that the Bangalore special court should have used smoke signals like the Papal Community to communicate with the anxious public. At one time, I even thought may be the Judge is having her BMI measured to ensure if it is proportionate to her wealth. But that is not what disproportionate asset case is about.

If she was convicted, the future of Tamil Nadu seemed dark (like power cuts), given the current ruling party is a one woman show and the opposition is tongue tied in the assembly. The last time a national party like Congress ruled Tamil Nadu was 50 years ago and ever since the throne of corruption was occupied by the two Dravidian parties. Despite not speaking Hindi, the DMK ministers perpetrated the 2G scam. DMK didn't even contest the recent Mayoral and Municipality elections, which shows how confident they were about their win or humiliation.

While awaiting the verdict one of my friend messaged me on Whatsapp saying that she must be forgiven by the court. But then I asked him why do we forgive a person who denies her wrongdoings? Logically, doesn't forgiveness come after confession and realization? 

Jayalalitha is a complex individual made of courage, insubordination, dishonesty, and arrogance. When the Government employees picketed lines in Chennai, she boldly invoked ESMA and sent many of them home. When the courts asked her to appear she got an exemption disregarding judiciary. Moreover, she used her power to tamper evidences and delay justice before the SC finally got involved and moved the DA case to Karnataka. And she also walked out when the interviewer on the Hard Talk show on BBC grilled her on her cases. Given her volatile temper, insubordination, and how ministers prostrated and worshipped her, isn't confession too much to expect from Amma? 

Finally, like the contrived Bollywood climax, she complains of chest pain and brings the famous Paneer Pugaielai (tobacco) back after the verdict. Urrgh! 

When I went back to check the social media trolls, none except Mr. Swamy from BJP expressed their emotion on Twitter, a platform that is popular among the ruling party at the centre. A few who shared, went with a boiler plate text that said we respect judiciary. Some BJP supporters tweeted that Jaya's verdict eclipsed Modi's US trip and his UNGA speech. I'm sure Jaya didn't want to steal Modi's thunder. There were also no tweets from Rajapakse, her bitter enemy.

Today is also Purattasi Saturday, a special day for Perumal and specially Varadaraja Perumal. Btw, let's recall how she heckled Kanchi Seers a few years ago acussing them of a murder at the same temple and arresting them in a pre-dawn raid in Mehboob Nagar in Andhra Pradesh. And now it is all coming back. Even before the Amma Cement dried up, her wall of fame came down with shame.

Though the world remembers her opulent walk during foster son's wedding, today the world didn't get to see her repentive (a good assumption?) walk into the jail. Jail time is not bad, it gives her an opportunity to reflect, realize and ruminate. Isn't that the philosophy of life? I hope she doesn't turn more bitter and spiteful. Haven't we witnessed her revengeful past?

Given the length of jail time, I don't think there is much left in her political career. She rose like a Phoenix bird every time she came down, but this time the rise is questionable. She will be 71 when she comes out of jail and at 77, she will be allowed to contest elections again. By then Amma products and schemes would have expired, and her cut outs vanished. Tamilians known for their short memory would have forgotten her good and bad deeds and would have voted for another Cinema star for a Chief Minister. 

Let me end my ramble with some food for thought. My friend said that in astrology we say Chevvai Dosham (Mars dosham), but in JJ's case it is Sahavasa (friendship) Dosham. Friendships can either elevate you like the one between Arjuna and Krishna or pave way for your downfall like the one between Karna and Duriyodhana. So, beware of your friends circle. 

Hope the severity of this verdict will put fear into the erring political class and will be dawn of new era in Tamil Nadu (an end to freebies and corruption). Those involved in Coalgate, 2G, Commonwealth, Saradha, etc.must get ready for their turn. Karma is a bitch and sooner or later it catches up with you. 

Ganesha's day out in Paris

When the French vacated their colonies in India, many Indians felt a deep connect with the French and came along with them to France. But when they came over they carried undeclared priceless items called faith, culture, and tradition in their hearts that airport scanners couldn’t detect. And the Republic of Francaise welcomed them, let them practice their faith and carry on their traditions. The Ganesha Car Festival in Paris is a testimony to the mutual love and affection.

The car festival for Ganesha organized by the Trustees and devotees of the Manikka Vinyagar Temple, rue Pajol, Paris has been a tradition and this year it fell of Aug 31.

 

Discover Mada Street in Paris

Rue du Fbg Saint Denis, can be compared to our North Mada Street in Mylapore or any street around a temple in India. Smell of jasmine and agarbathi competes with spicy curry smell emanating from Sangeetha and Saravana Bhavan. The cash and carry stores sell everything from beetle leaf, banana leaf, tender coconuts, jack fruits, and something that we may never find in India: yes, honey mangoes from Pakistan. The tailor shops, salons and beauty parlors with Indian music and cosmetics only bring back memories of home in a beautiful way.

A day out with devotion

A week before devotees were asked to register their names to be a part of paal kudam (milk pot), thee chatti (fire pan), kavadi (a mini palanquin decorated with peacock feathers). The first two offerings are for mother goddess and the last one is for Karthik, younger brother of Ganesh.

I noticed the fervor when I boarded ligne 5 at Oberkampf. Women were dressed in sarees and children in traditional Indian clothes and it felt like a suburban train journey in Chennai carrying people from Velachery to Mylapore Kapali Temple car festival.

When I arrived at Rue du Fbg Saint Denis, both sidewalks were clean and just washed. All shops suspended their business for the day and had set up a table with lamps, Purna kumbam, and coconuts mounds smeared with turmeric and vermillion to welcome Ganesha and invoke his blessings. They had even decorated the sidewalks with maavilai (mango leaf), thoranam (festoons from coconut leaf). It was a day out with devotion.

India recreated

Women decorated their hair with jasmine flowers and forehead with vermillion, while men were dressed in dhoti and vibuthi smeared on their forehead. Chants on Ganesha from Ganesha Pancharatnam by MS Subbalakshmi to devotional songs by Sirkazhi Govindarajan recreated the same ambience back home.

First came the Nadhaswaram (wind Instrument similar to clarinet) with thavil and melam (Indian drums), followed by women carrying milk pots and fire pans and then followed men in rocking their kavadis back and forth to the chants of Arohara. Coming from a country famous for child labour, it was heartening to see young children carry a kavadi in Paris. Yes, it was responsibility of faith that was being transferred to the next generation.

Nibbling on faith

Just before the car with Ganesha arrived men furiously picked up the coconuts and smashed on the ground. In fact, every store had a coconut mound smeared with vermillion and turmeric. To me the smashing of coconuts sounded like 10,000 wala (fireworkds) on the eve of Diwali. It was heartening to see some local children pick up pieces of coconut and nibble on them.

Propelled by devotion

Despite the car being small compared to the temple cars in India, but the devotion was no less devotion in the gathering. Men held the two thick ropes tied to the car and propelled by the power of devotion.

 Over a few thousands had congregated yesterday morning to take the blessings of Ganesha and I never knew Paris had so many of Indian descent. In fact many locals had also brought their children along with them to watch the spectacle. Culture and tradition is passed on through education and show & tell.

The fashion capital has room for your faith

We’ve often heard and seen fashionistas boorishly printing Indian gods and goddesses in footwear and bikini. Is it even possible to find your respect for your faith in the fashion capital? Did you see the pictures and the videos? So, what do you think?

Let me leave you with the thought that a family friend shared, “You cannot take the India out of an Indian.”

Establishing your tradition and faith in a city where you live is how you it your home. Tradition and culture connects you to the roots and gets passed on to the next generation through practice and getting kids involved early is the trick. So, stay connected to your roots and culture, retain your identity, practice your faith without harming others and remember is what makes the East an attractive destination for the West.

Now you know why I call Paris my second home. Yes, home is where the heart is.

To view videos and more photos: https://app.box.com/s/acjcllsbam62bc5guyu3