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Saying cheese in India!

Last Updated 29 April 2011, 14:35 IST
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Holland and the Netherlands are often used as synonyms although Holland refers only to the provinces in the north and south. With affluent historical and traditional legacy, the Dutch people are nevertheless conservative by nature. There are two major cultural sub-divisions in Holland, Randstad and non-Randstad cultures. Randstad culture is typically urban that can be observed in north and south Holland. The non-Randstad culture relates to the historical partition between the predominantly protestant north and catholic south that is separated by Rhine river.

The Netherlands houses outstanding museums and an array of classical innovative musical theatres. Art in fact replicate all over the country in the form of culture and tradition. The Netherlands has the highest museum density in the world with more than 1,000 museum. A land of painters and sculptors, the legacy of art is seen everywhere even today. Holland is identified with tulips (multigenerational event celebrating Dutch heritage and culture), windmills, cheese and wooden shoes.

Meet Elian Bogers from the land of stunning landscape fused with tradition and modernisation, sharing her views on her country and India. Excerpts of an interview with

Manjushree G Naik of City Herald:

Why did you select India for education?

I am here to do one semester course on public health. It is part of my master’s study in Holland. My university, Maastricht University has tie up with Manipal University. I had the option to choose fromThailand, Canada and India. I opted for India because I felt I will get to study more about communicable and non-communicable diseases which are rampant here.


How would you compare education here with the education in your country?

In Holland it is a bit structured and theoretical, whereas in India it is practical and less of theory. Here field trips are more and I find it difficult as I am used to the structured format of education. Fee is high here, especially at Manipal University, and back home the government sponsors the entire educational expenses.

What do you like the most in India? How would you describe India?

It’s most beautiful with temples and beaches and wonderful culture. Besides it is chaotic as people here make lots of noise. You find noise everywhere in India.

What do you find unique that made you to feel special here?

Almost everything, right from jewellery to dress and then food, flowers, all are awesome. So colourful.

Tell me something about your culture and your opinion about Indian tradition and culture?

I don’t find a big difference between the culture of family bonds in the Netherlands and in India. We are closely attached to our parents, and i found exactly the same across India. However, we don’t have big families and large number of people living under a single roof. It is really special that many people share and have fun together here. In Holland, individualism is preferred and we give more importance to self.

Which are the places you visited in India and which is your favourite?

I have visited many places in India since I came here in the month of January. Delhi, Jaipur, Hampi, Agra, Madikeri, Gokarna, Cochin, Assam, Mysore and Goa. I liked Goa because of marvellous beaches.

What about Indians?

People are friendlier. We find people everywhere we go.

What are your experiences in India?

I am enjoying my stay in India. I liked everything here. I am immersed in the different traditions and cultures of this land, in fact learning everything bit by bit. It is learning wherever you go.

How do you find the food and Indian dress?

I love nan and chapathi. Food is spicier. I like dinner more than breakfast because I am used to bread for breakfast at home. Indian dresses are fantastic. I like the varieties of colours used in the prints of clothes. I have got a couple of dresses stitched to carry back home.

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(Published 29 April 2011, 14:35 IST)

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