Ask any foreigner about the impressions, held by their group, of India and there is a common thread of thought. They all love the warmth and friendliness of Indians. When Russian interns Daria Amhanaya and Gullaz Bainazarova first landed in India in the City of Destiny, it was not just the friendly demeanour of people that charmed them; the serene beauty of the coastline had a mesmerising effect on them, for it was something they had “never seen before”. “It’s the first time I saw the sea and the beaches. Vizag is such a lovely antidote to the busy, crowded life of Moscow! We had seen India in movies in our childhood, now that we are here in this exotic land it feels like a dream come true,” they said in unison.
In the city for a six-month internship of the exchange programme of AIESEC, both young Russians are fascinated by the India experience, the Vizag charm in particular. AIESEC, an international non-governmental not-for-profit organization, provides young people with leadership development and cross-cultural global internship and volunteer exchange experience across the globe. The AIESEC network that touches 125 countries has more than 80 student members from various educational institutions representing the Vizag chapter. As part of the internship programme of AIESEC, the Russians will be learning various modalities of hospitality sector at The Park during their stay here.
While the beaches were their first rendezvous with the city’s beauty, they were quick to taste the region’s signature delicacy — its famous biryani. “It was delicious. We would like to taste more types of Indian cuisine, though we are yet to get used to the spicy flavours. In fact there are similarities between Russian and Indian dishes. For instance, we take a lot of rice and potatoes just like the Indians,” said 24-year-old Daria, who is doing an internship on guest relations at the hotel.
Next on their itinerary during their off-days will be to learn surfing. “I had only seen pictures of beaches till now. Now that I am staying in a sea city, I would love to explore more,” said Gullaz, who is getting trained in the food and beverages department.
For them, the rows of coconut trees dotting the coastline appear as exotic as the beaches. “In Russia, coconuts are highly priced and very rarely found,” they said. Quiz them about one Indian trait that they loved and they say without a second thought: “It is the big fat Indian wedding! There is so much of colour, music and extravagance to it. In Russia, weddings are a small affair,” say the Russians.
Two Russian interns are in the city on a six-month exchange programme of AIESEC
