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'We've chosen to live close to Indian culture'

Last Updated 30 December 2012, 12:46 IST

Regis Caudrillier, from France, and his wife Maria Miftah from Sri Lanka, fell in love with each other in Bangalore.

And now, they love the City for all that it has given them — the weather, values of the people as well as many other aspects of life here.

   “I came to Bangalore for a visit for the first time in 1996 and then went back to London for my job. I met Maria’s father in London — and when he wound up his life there and came to Bangalore, I followed a while later to explore opportunities here. It was when I had almost drained my funds and given up that I was offered a job at the Canadian International School, where I taught French,” says Regis.

Since then, things have changed tremendously for Regis. He later met Maria and they settled in Bangalore.

“We love the weather here. There’s so much about Bangalore that one can’t help but love. One can live as modern or as traditionally as one wishes in this City. It’s a mix of the East and the West, and we have chosen to live as close to Indian culture as possible,” says Regis, who works as IB coordinator at Canadian International School.

   He adds, “We decided to settle in India just for the family values that this country imparts — that seems to be fading out back home in France.” Talking about the cultural shades of the City, Regis goes on, “Bangalore’s cultural scenario varies from classical dances like bharatanatyam to Western and contemporary dance styles, hip-hop and so much more. And that’s how France is too, with varied styles of art forms.”

He adds, “I was shocked when I saw how the people here love to talk the little French they know to me — they’re also excited to learn more. And I, in turn, learnt a bit of Kannada, so that I’d be able to fit in. That shows the receptivity of the people here.”

“Even the local schools in the City — and across the country — have French and other
languages as part of their curriculum. That shows how open the culture here is to people from outside,” says Regis, with a smile.

He’s quick to add, “We’ve done a bit of travelling and been to Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and other places — but this City is where we love to be. Even though my coming and staying here was very circumstantial, Bangalore’s where our life is now.”

“In our culture, cooking food together is a family affair — and we see that happen a lot here. People back home have now started eating out more but in India, eating at home together is still something that is done daily,” reflects Regis. Maria adds, “And even though we live in Bangalore, where we can find many options to eat out, we make it a point to cook different, tasty meals at home.”

Regis points out that Bangalore has a conglomeration of people from everywhere and thus, the people are much more considerate and co-operative here.  “Values like sharing, tolerance and compassion are seen in the schools and workplaces here — and that is what makes us stay. Our life centres around our kids, and we want them to grow up in a traditional set-up, where they are considerate and open to all sorts of people.”

He explains further, “Even in the apartment that we stay in, there are annual days and celebrations that everyone joins hands in. The way they all come together to get something done for the practices just amazes me.”

Regis and the family love the South Indian eateries in the City. Regis loves Indian and Mexican food. Maria and Michelle, their daughter, have a girls’ day out at Garuda Mall when they have the time.

Generally, the family’s weekends revolve around Michelle’s taekwondo practice and son Renaud’s soccer practice — but sometimes, they also cook meals for the poor and needy and distribute the food at a church, temple or mosque.

“Our parents taught us to be considerate to others and we want the kids to learn
the same and pass it on. We’ve always felt welcomed by this City, and we’re just
trying to do our share,” say Regis and Maria in unison.

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(Published 30 December 2012, 12:46 IST)

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