Overlooking the fact that we were officially half-way into our trip, last night saw the formal launch of the Study India 2010 programme. It was stressed that the event was formal and that appropriate attire should be worn. Consequently – and causing a striking difference from our earlier placement dishevelment –we all stunningly arrived at the Mumbai Cricket Club excited for a night of formal elegance. However, as
we entered into what many might have believed would be a glamorous banquet room with tables, we found rows of normal looking chairs facing a head table, underneath a canopy of birthday party balloons in aptly Indian and British colour bundles. Once everyone had settled into their row the night continued with the expectant speeches from our hosts, HR College, the British Council, the Deputy British High Commissioner and of course from us – impressively we managed to give five mini-Hindi speeches on top of two animated English speeches. After all the speeches and a short video - made with an accumulation of photos from both this year and last years trip - we all looked longingly over to the buffet table. However, despite the tempting smells and the time clocking 9:30 there was still one more patriotic piece of protocol to complete – the standing and singing of our respective national anthems (including two choruses of “God Save the Queen.”) Thankfully, though we by 9:45 with our stomachs leading the way we all able to pile our plates high with traditional Indian food at the buffet table. However, in our ravenous states we had overlooked a crucial element, taken for granted at English banquets – a table. Consequently, many were bemused and intrigued to find themselves eating on their laps, while sitting in our rows – especially, when previously wondering if there would be a seating plan. Overall, the evening was incredibly surreal but equally very revealing in terms of what both of our cultures expected from a “formal launch dinner.” Many British students were surprised at the night’s proceedings, etiquette and ambiance but thankfully, the after-party at a local night club alleviated the striking cultural differences…
