Page 68 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 2 | December 2023 - January 2024

KUANON ‘KARAN’
PAMNANI
People, Culture and
Growth Mindset
Coordinator,
Argyll Scott &
Hydrogen Group

It often surprises people
to learn that I have never and the unique blend of traditions that others have spoken about for
visited India, but there are years, making it all the more enticing. I’ve had friends from various
a few underlying reasons for corners of the world share with me the uniqueness and marvels of
this. Ultimately, it boils down the place. The culture, the vibrant colours, the lights, and even
to opportunity and timing. My the constant sound of rickshaws and honking cars on the streets
father had only recently settled in throughout the day – the thought of it all fills me with excitement.
Thailand when I was born, and he
was deeply involved in establishing and growing his business Simultaneously, there’s a profound desire in me to explore the
as an entrepreneur during my early years. Unfortunately, this place from which my culture originates, immersing myself in the
commitment meant there was no opportunity for him to take traditions I’ve been brought up with throughout my life. The main
his young family back to India for a vacation. As life progressed, thing I’m looking forward to is reconnecting with family. Some
academic pursuits and various life commitments became a priority. have been to Thailand and I’ve met them, but it stings that I haven’t
When the opportunity to visit the country finally presented itself, met most of my relatives. Meeting and spending time with all of
our family consciously decided to wait for the alignment of ideal them, and catching up on what I’ve missed, is a top priority. Then
circumstances, especially considering the presence of our relatives there is the street food. You hear mixed reviews but I can assure
there. you, no one has a bad story about Indian food! It’s a bit sad that
I’ve never tasted ‘authentic’ Indian food so when I get the chance,
I’ve consistently heard positive stories about India from friends I’ll be diving into all my favourite dishes. And yes, it might sound
and family, praising various aspects, such as the warm hospitality cliché but I really want to visit historical landmarks like Agra
of the people, historical landmarks, the vibrant street food scene, Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and of course, the Taj Mahal. There’s
and countless other fascinating elements. I would be genuinely something about these iconic places that I’m eager to experience.
thrilled to immerse myself in the rich culture, diverse landscapes,

THATCHAVIT ‘MANAK’
VILASKHAMPHEE
Senior User and
Technical Analyst,
Medtronic

There are multiple lot of underdeveloped areas, but I imagine that there are many
occasions that I almost developed ones as well. In the developed areas, I don’t believe
got to go to India. For it to be much different from Thailand or Malaysia. However, in
example, when I was my mind, since the country is very big, I expect a long commute
young, I almost went to between the cities and a lot of greenery.
study there, but I was too
little to go alone, so my parents I do think the historical sites might exceed my expectations, and
decided to let me study here in I hope there are other areas that do exceed it too. I’d like to
Thailand instead. On other occasions, experience the best of both day tours and night life as well. If I
usually a family or work emergency would can, I’d like to go to cities like New Delhi, as many historical sites
come up, which clashed with my travel schedule. there interest me. I’d also like to go to Bangalore, as it is an IT city
and I have many friends and colleagues there as well. So when I
I’ve heard a lot about India and imagine it to be a place with a very get the chance, definitely in this order: sightseeing, visiting friends,
diverse culture and history. Many people tell me that there are a and trying the food!

68 | MASALA MAGAZINE DEC 2023-JAN 2024