On India

I found this article quite interesting. Its writing style is also a good example of The Blundell Technique -something my former boss, Oon Yeoh taught me about feature writing. The writer begins with 2 paragraphs (The Lead) which gives a cute little description of a mall in India. This is followed by a one paragraph-long sum up of what the piece is essentially going to be about (The Nutgraph). The last paragraph (Conclusion) ties in with the nutgraph. If you're interested in some good writing tips, it's available on Oon's site, right here.

The article basically talks about the US's potential diplomatic repositioning from Europe to Asia. The US is desperately seeking out new political alliances in Asia (especially China and now, India) because its relations with Europe is waning. The Atlantic Alliance, a term referring to the partnership between the US and Europe is clearly coming apart. As the EU is being dominated by France and Germany, both clearly anti-American, the US needs to find new friends.

I think that development of India's IT industry may also be one of America's motives in cultivating friendship with India. I read an article the other day about Bangalore being India's version of Silicon Valley. A few years ago, US companies were India-bound to outsource mostly mundane programming jobs. Now, firms are going there in search of dynamic, young Indian software experts to develop new programs.

Random facts:
1. According to the piece, there's a sign at the escalator of the Indian mall saying: 'Be careful of your sari while riding the stairs'.
2. I turned down dinner at Tao's place tonight (green curry) for vegetable curry at my hall. I basically tasted a lot of turmeric, I think. I feel like banana leaf rice. With curry that's so spicy it makes you sweat. Oh yeah.