John Dunne is a biologist, a park ranger, a journalist and is now working for the US Foreign Service
John Dunne is a biologist, a park ranger, a journalist and is now working for the US Foreign Service
A firefighter, a biologist, a park ranger, a journalist and now a consular officer of the US Foreign Service, Mr John Dunne has donned many hats, but his eyes light up every time he talks about his experience hiking and living in the woods.
John, who has worked with the National Park Service hiking through the woods of Alaska, California and Mexico says, "I have thoroughly enjoyed working as a firefighter with the national park. Hiking in the woods sometimes with no food, no sleep, no tents; working for 24 hours in a tight team; it was very exciting but also dangerous."
John joined the Foreign Service in 2005 and has toured Baghdad and is now in Mumbai as a consular officer issuing visas. "I miss the jungles and the woods, and once I retire, I want to go back to the national parks. But I also love what I do now. I have always wanted a job that would let me explore different countries, their cultures, and this seemed ideal."
John has degrees in Biology, English and Journalism, and has also worked in the National History unit of the National Geographic channel for two years. "The work was demanding, but it was interesting stuff. Television is fast paced," he says.
John gave a presentation on June 16 on the National Park Service, as part of the monthly Monday sessions held in the American Center. He spoke about the national park service, the history of national parks, the problems they face and the importance of their conservation. "It is important to conserve wilderness. There is a threat for biodiversity and the ecology in the US and in India. These presentations serve as an excellent platform for the exchange of ideas, of cultures. Working here gives us the opportunity to share our experiences," he says.
According to him, "India is just like the national parks. Both are rich in their culture and history."
Ask him what he loves the most about Mumbai, and "mango" is the quick reply. Shocking as the effect was, he continues, "Mumbai is unique and so completely the opposite of the woods. It is crazy, but I love it. What I like the most about this place is its acceptance of the cultural and religious diversity".
John's interest in different cultures is one of the reasons he joined the Foreign Service. The interest was created by the stories he heard from his grandfather who was a public diplomacy officer. "I love opportunities for cultural exchange, where I can learn about different cultures and tell people about our culture. Our planet is too small. We live in a small world and we are no longer isolated from each other," he says.
John who is currently enjoying his stay in Mumbai has also been trying to learn Hindi. When asked to say something in Hindi, he signs off with, "Aapse milkar bahut khushi hui", [It was a pleasure meeting you] in a perfect American accent.
[The US Consulate organises monthly sessions for the exchange of ideas and discussions on various issues. "Mumbai Mondays are an opportunity for our members and the Indian public to have an informal dialogue on a variety of issues relating to American culture, history, and politics. We invite the public to join us for our next Mumbai Monday which will focus on US Independence Day celebrations and will take place on July 21 at 6pm at the American Center", says Christine Dal Bello, spokesperson, US Consulate General, Mumbai.]
s_surekha@dnaindia.net
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