As I head back and while in a 4 hour layover at Frankfurt, some reflections
1. India is bloody amazing. The opportunity to build, live well, be free. Europe is reeling under the effects of the war, an ageing demographic, crazy energy prices, and so many issues.
2. Racism exists and it hurts when it happens to you. My skin colour and beard type made me vulnerable to it and there were at least 5 occasions it was blatant. Including in business class and 5 star hotels.
3. Varan bhaat bhaji poli (Dal Chawal Sabzi Roti) is more important as you grow older. Can prob go 6 meals before I start craving.
4. Indian weather and pollution probably is a 50% productivity and 75% health sink. The amount one can walk in easier climates just makes life so much healthier in every way.
5. The common European clearly considers India a superpower of the future. But we need to seriously work hard (enterprise and industry, govt and workers) over 5-10 years. Stability, safety and policy that is industry friendly is crucial. Our currency (literally and otherwise) today is weaker than the narrative.
6. Hearing a stranger speak Marathi on the streets creates an extreme longing to have a chat. In Delhi for sure, but in Dublin 10x. :)
7. Nothing beats Indian hospitality. Airlines, hotels, tourist guides, restaurants, everything. 10x the quality and 1/10th the price.
This is it for now.
I'm so happy to be building a company in India. Our employee and partner base is mostly Indian. Our taxes are 100% to Indian govt.
I wish our cost base was Indian but the world order isn't there yet :)
Whether we build a large business or a small one, only time will tell.
But Indian it will always be. And boy am I proud of that. ❤️
P.S - attaching an unrelated click from the streets of Santorini. The cutest puppy ever.