The Asians have not learnt their lesson, they say!

Various commentators have responded to this blog, for which I am grateful.

One ndugu (brother) from Kenya, who describes himself as a Black Kenyan says that there is still no "social interaction" between the Asians and the local people. If this is true of all sections of the two communities, I am truly saddened. In all social interactions there has to be a common purpose - business, religion, sport, performing arts and professional links which open up peoples' homes after close working brings them together. Reciprocity is vital as is the need to respect the culture of the host. Food is often an interesting source of definition and intentions. When in Zambia, my boss invited us to a traditional Zambian meal. For us former Ugandan Asians, much of the food was quite familiar and we made quick work of the various dishes on offer. However, the top delicacy was fried caterpillars and we could not bring ourselves to eat them. The host did not take offence when he found out that we were not eating his favourite dish. On an other occasion, we made dry mushroom curry, which did not go down too well with our Zambian friends. It would be good to hear from our commentator from Kenya. What form of social interaction is not taking place and what are the expectations of people from both sides.

Another commentator, this time from Uganda, seems to be saying that the Asian community is 'still' far too much engaged in business and its own affairs. They are not supporting community development projects and helping the poor. What form of support are the Asians in Uganda offering as far as health and welfare is concerned? How are they falling short of achieving common objectives?

I think there is a need to know more about what the commentators have in mind. Both of them raise a common concern - is this reported lack of Asian input going to create adverse consequences for the Asians? In what way?

When in Chengdu, China, do visit the Indian shops

During a recent holiday on the Chinese mainland, it was great to visit the old city of Chengdu, that is the one they have preserved and recreated sections to capture the old glory of the Sichuan capital. It was great fun. The new parts of Chengdu are busy, with major traffic jams during the rush hours. The city is undergoing major expansion and coping with the one major blot on Chinese landscape... smog and general pollution caused by burning coal in factories and from emissions from cars and factories. They are doing something about it, we were told.

Imagine our surprise when the music from the Indian film Swades broke out on a quiet Chengdu afternoon. The music was loud but not intrusive. We were told that music was coming from an Indian restaurant located above a gift shop...it was truly amazing but very welcome. I did not have the time to go check it out but when I had passed the shop earlier, there were only Chinese staff working on the ground floor.

That musical interlude brought back memories of our African friends in Uganda and Kenya who used to sing Hindi songs at popular functions. One of such African musicians was a specialist singer of Mukesh's songs. He was working for Gujarati people and had made a safe choice in copying Mukesh who was one of India's greatest popular singers. It was well known that Gujaratis did not like Mohammed Rafi who was a Muslim, except when he sang Hindi bhajans or religious hymns.

I guess it is a matter of time when a Chinese staff member of the Chengdu shop will be singing songs from Bollywood films. The nearest national border around Chengdu runs along the Tibetan side. Did this factor help to explain why an Indian shop should open up in Chengdu? I hope to post a picture of the shopfront soon.

Can anyone help to explain the Indian influence in Chengdu?