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Workaholic Tuesdays—An expat woman's take on India: Being European offers interesting advantages

Cristiana Peruzzo shares her thoughts on living and working in Mumbai

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Could you tell us a little bit about what you do for a living and describe your experience of living and working it India this far?
From a professional point of view, moving to India has been one of the best decisions in my life because it coincided with the passing of the New Companies Act making Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandatory in India. I have been living and working in Mumbai for the past six years as the Director for CSR & Sustainability for Innovaid, an advisory firm that specializes in assisting companies and individuals in their philanthropic journey. In addition, I am also a Chief Instructor at The Bombay Stock Exchange, where I am involved in the very interesting mission of increasing the CSR knowledge of companies listed on the BSE and making sure that they adopt a more structured and strategic approach whilst giving back to society. I feel particularly pleased about contributing towards fostering a greater corporate involvement in tackling some of the most pressing social and environmental issues in the country.

On a personal note, living in Mumbai hasn’t always been easy. However, I am now fond of my Indian life with all its anomalies and contradictions. I love being able to interact daily with remarkable people from extremely different social strata, because it truly keeps me well-grounded. Last week for example, I had an epiphany after a business meeting at the Taj, Colaba. In the span of about 15 minutes I went from dealing with some of the wealthiest people in India to rubbing elbows with the machiwallis of Virar in the Mumbai local.

What are the biggest challenges that you have faced as a woman living and working in India?
I feel being European offers interesting advantages whilst working in India. I can definitely take more liberties and be more assertive, even when dealing with the most macho business man. Structured philanthropy is a new concept in India, so there is the perception that there are  lessons to be learned from a woman who has worked extensively in Europe and in the US.

In terms of safety, due to the presence of so many people on the streets, I have always felt safe, even if to be honest, I have experienced a couple of rather unpleasant harassment incidents. Having said that, I have a profound respect for the many Indian women struggling in a very patriarchal mind-set. I have become very conscious of the privilege of not having to conform to the stereotyped female roles and responsibilities so readily imposed on females in India.

I am also very active in the Italian Women's Club, a group of 30 fantastic women trying to foster an environment of sisterhood and supporting one another whilst adjusting to this city, one helping of homemade spaghetti and tiramisu at the time.
 
What are the things that you love and hate about this city?
As an Italian growing up surrounded by history, the preservation of historical architecture has always seemed like an obvious imperative. I still find it remarkably difficult to witness the destruction of old bungalows to be replaced by unsightly high rises. I feel a sort of physical pain when I see magnificent old structures boarded up and hammered down in no time. I would definitely like to see more respect for Mumbai's architectural heritage.

Another thing is the lackluster cultural life compared to some of the Western cities I have lived in. Mumbai has a number of museums, art galleries and other cultural institutions but I feel that high-quality artistic expression is not only scarce, but is still very elitist in nature. I was very happy to see the Symphony Orchestra of India performing a free outdoor concert during the last Kala Ghoda Festival. I hope that more such events could be organised in the future, especially to balance out Bollywood's somewhat monothematic influence.

Furthermore, I am amused by the fact that Mumbai has turned me in a solitude seeker. I come from a close-knit family and I have always cherished being surrounded by people. Nowadays, one of my favourite moments of the day is coming back home after work and being splendidly alone on my terrace.

Do you feel like an outsider or has the city started to feel like home?
Mumbai has definitely started to feel like home and I find it quite amusing when curious strangers ask for my good name and for my country of origin and when they learn I am from Italy, they unequivocally grin and exclaim “Italy? Accha…. Sonia Gandhi!!” Now if only Narendra Modi would understand the immense potential of having an Italian woman by his side!

Here's what other expats had to say:
Yeh hai Mumbai Meri Jaan http://dnai.in/cBiG

Travel can be a nightmare http://dnai.in/cBiF

The horns drive me bonkers http://dnai.in/cBiB

People can't say No! http://dnai.in/cBi8

Shopping can be a challenge http://dnai.in/cBhM

 

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