Our host was the CEO of a German Company, fast expanding in India. In four years, the company had increased from 60 employees to 600 and more investment was planned. They had recently migrated from a small office in the most exclusive neighborhood of the city, to a huge new corporate office in the newly developed outskirts. The reality of the world economic situation is palpably obvious, as India doubles its gross domestic product and surges ahead, with a growth rate in double figures. All around, are the echoes of a country under construction and at the expatriate dinner parties, this view is reinforced by top executives flying in and out of the country, from Europe. Unlike, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy, the German economy is showing an improvement, based on its investments and expansion in emerging markets.
But tonight was a special occasion.....their home was some miles from the city, out in the countryside, of this part of Gujarat. The moon was up and the sky was clear and dark, the air felt fresher, cooler, than the city. After a half hour drive, along dark country roads, we arrived at our destination and passed through the double gates, as the armed guard waved us on. Immediately, one entered a different world - coloured lights decorated everything - Las Vegas style. Shallow steps, led up to a wide open porch and entrance way, which in turn led into a huge hall of enormous opulence. The CEO and his wife were there to greet guests. She, dressed from head to toe in scarlet, was the 'belle of the ball', diamonds glittered from her jewelry and sparkled from her high heel sandals! This was her official Birthday Party, but it was also an opportunity to show off their Corporate image in India and in Gujarat.
Their vast mansion glowing with lights, led out onto a vast lawn, whose perimeter was also encircled with lights, bright enough to rival an airport runway. Enrico Englesias songs were piped from hidden speakers - drinks, from a well stocked bar, were served to the mixture of expats from a variety of European countries and local Indians, who ran high profile businesses in the town. The host and hostess, being foreign nationals, had a license to consume and serve alcohol on their premises. Otherwise, Gujarat is a strictly 'dry' State, and imposes a two-day prison sentence and heavy fine, on anyone breaking the law. Foreigners are allowed a certain number of units of alcohol per week and their licenses are stamped accordingly, in a carefully monitored system.
Speeches were made, fireworks went off with precision, at just the right moment and the buffet dinner was provided by the best restaurant in town. Here was Indian entertainment, colour, romance and emotion, executed with German efficiency. A match made in heaven. "It's difficult for us to understand their way of thinking" said the visiting German Executive from Dresden. "We expect them (Indian employees) to think like us, but they don't - and so it's a challenge, as we aim to expand the company ...the potential is vast....but when I go back to Dresden, I appreciate what we have in Germany - it's taught me not to take things for granted back at home."
But tonight was a special occasion.....their home was some miles from the city, out in the countryside, of this part of Gujarat. The moon was up and the sky was clear and dark, the air felt fresher, cooler, than the city. After a half hour drive, along dark country roads, we arrived at our destination and passed through the double gates, as the armed guard waved us on. Immediately, one entered a different world - coloured lights decorated everything - Las Vegas style. Shallow steps, led up to a wide open porch and entrance way, which in turn led into a huge hall of enormous opulence. The CEO and his wife were there to greet guests. She, dressed from head to toe in scarlet, was the 'belle of the ball', diamonds glittered from her jewelry and sparkled from her high heel sandals! This was her official Birthday Party, but it was also an opportunity to show off their Corporate image in India and in Gujarat.
Their vast mansion glowing with lights, led out onto a vast lawn, whose perimeter was also encircled with lights, bright enough to rival an airport runway. Enrico Englesias songs were piped from hidden speakers - drinks, from a well stocked bar, were served to the mixture of expats from a variety of European countries and local Indians, who ran high profile businesses in the town. The host and hostess, being foreign nationals, had a license to consume and serve alcohol on their premises. Otherwise, Gujarat is a strictly 'dry' State, and imposes a two-day prison sentence and heavy fine, on anyone breaking the law. Foreigners are allowed a certain number of units of alcohol per week and their licenses are stamped accordingly, in a carefully monitored system.
Speeches were made, fireworks went off with precision, at just the right moment and the buffet dinner was provided by the best restaurant in town. Here was Indian entertainment, colour, romance and emotion, executed with German efficiency. A match made in heaven. "It's difficult for us to understand their way of thinking" said the visiting German Executive from Dresden. "We expect them (Indian employees) to think like us, but they don't - and so it's a challenge, as we aim to expand the company ...the potential is vast....but when I go back to Dresden, I appreciate what we have in Germany - it's taught me not to take things for granted back at home."
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