Review by Book Club India: Full review at: http://www.bookclubindia.net/blog/160/4//notfor.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'More than ever, Indians represent the essence of living in a globalized, highly interconnected environment. Kalyan has used these candid vignettes of his experiences outside India to illustrate the many complexities, delights and lessons of being an internationally minded, insatiably curious and forward thinking global Indian. Whether preparing for studies or working abroad, visiting friends and relatives, or embarking on leisure travel, Kalyan has provided valuable nuggets of insight for any outward bound reader, as well as to those returning to India to experience firsthand the transformation of the nation.
Mr.Shanker Annaswamy, Regional GM, IBM India & South Asia -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I loved your style of presentation, your candid narration of your personal experiences and learnings in the different countriesyou visited and particularly your sense of humour! The feelings are very natural and real as every Indian goes through the same globalization experience! You are, nodoubt, a gifted natural story-teller selecting a theme or moral for every one page story. The humorous incidents narrated in style as anecdotes, brief in size, fitting exactly in one page are indeed delightful to read! The cartoons are very appropriate and marvelously presented for different themes,cultures and habits!
Your book, as a whole, is highly informative,educative and entertaining! My sincere appreciation, verbal handshake and salutations to you and I wish to compliment you for writing this wonderful book, which I am sure will be very useful as a guide to the old as well as the young generations.
- Lion Dr. P S C Pal MJF, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am LOVING it!!!
- Prof Farrokh L, Rutgers USA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Resident Indians are not Non-Reliable Indians. Most of them want to do something for the country that made them what they are, while contributing to their countries of arrival. What Mr Kalyan Vaidya has done is immensely practical. Instead of talking in abstract terms, he has written a primer for newer NRIs on how to make the best of a globalising world. In the process, he has given a leg up to young Indians in India who want to go East or West.
These short essays, illustrated delightfully, show in down-to-earth ways how Indians can use their great and living cultural heritage to succeed in a multicultural world. In the process, Mr Vaidya has also opened for foreigners a window on the new India. It is a commendable effort. -- Mr..Asad-ul Iqbal Latif, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your book of anecdotes and narratives did make an interesting reading
Mr.N.Balasubramaniyan IAS, Secretary, Ministry of OIA. Delhi
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A very readable book and fun filled and humorous. Given this age of people having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) the chapter lengths are just wonderful. We both relished it.
Mr Nagaraj, CEO at an MNC, Shanghai
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It made for a really great read while on holiday. (I liked the bite-size stories, especially when traveling with little kids it made it easy to break away). I found several of your situations quite familiar to my own travels in the world, well aside from the vegetarian requirement :-)
Global Director, top Oil & Gas MNC, UK
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is a nice relaxing short reading. I like it very much; it is really fun..... Adding some life comments opens up people's minds and hearts. Thanks for your great book. I owe you a dinner.
Ms.Tang, Vice President Top MNC, Shanghai -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The natural matter-of-fact with which Mr.Kalyan has put forth his wide experiences and learnings across 15 countries in this book is really laudable. The cartoon representation and the simple anecdotic mode adopted to highlight the require-ments for a successful life is endearing. I hope that all youngsters particularly students will read this art-piece and replenish their wisdom with the practical aspects of life. I enjoyed reading this book and wish happy reading to all.
Dr.P.Mannar Jawahar, Vice Chancellor Anna University Chennai
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very interesting, thought-provoking with a touch of humor!
Dr.Sridhar, Executive, top MNC, USA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finished your book and it is superb. Neat and simple. Very informative and covered all the avenues for abroad seekers. All along, I just had a feeling of you narrating the story to me.
Mr.Venkat. Business owner, Granite Industry, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I marvel at Kalyan’s ability to capture under seven heads, a bewildering range of human experiences and I might add a large span of geography. I consider it a deft use of the literary technique of ‘miniature personal essays’. These writings put him in the class of some of the best practitioners, such as Devendra Nath Sharma, of this not so common a literary form. The texts are all, amazingly, compact in spread. They simultaneously entertain and educate. This, indeed is a rare combination. I thoroughly enjoyed savoring the writing!
Prof.Vinayshil Gautam IIT Delhi, Director – SpiceJet SAIL, GAIL
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kalyan has managed to weave pearls of wisdom emanating out of his cultural background, moral values and upbringing, professional experience and cross-cultural exposure through wide travel into an enjoyable reading experience. It will help an aspiring global professional leap frog to greater levels of success Dr.B.Mahadevan, Dean-Admin, IIM-Bangalore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The book is interesting. We did experience all the things you've mentioned during the Foreign Ministry Services in various countries but we never thought we can publish a book on our travel experience. Great idea. Diplomat in the Embassy of a G-8 Nation, New Delhi
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great work! The best I liked is the comment that you put in the first paragraph of page 139. I have noticed that many times during my travel. Many have to struggle with visa application to travel to a "superior" country, even though they are much more qualified and have a respectful job, the passport indeed "draws them down" to feel helpless and inferior. I liked your shrimp experience in Japan. I had a similar experience with beef in Taiwan. I can connect with many experiences that you have gained. Great work!
Dr.Shaligram P, Prof. NTU, Singapore -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have truly enjoyed reading the book.......you are a natural story teller - the language is simple, very communicative and not pompous in many ways. Your plan to capture your experience in different environments and cultures is excellent. I did resonate with some......having worked in different environments I do seem to recognize how we become more effective, resilient and enriched when we show empathy and understanding to others from different countries and cultures. Your book will help some people "think" - particularly in the USA.
- CEO of a Technology Company, USA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your book is awesome...I like the style...and rather than making learnings preachy..you have made it a nice story....great...it will be a hit with travellers as well as with youth.... - CEO of a Post graduation Finishing Skills Academy, India ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I read the book - in one go ! It is very ineteresting and I find the output is true to your committment. Great job. I did not feel like reading a first-time author - honestly. I have given the book to my friend (of course, have told him to return it after reading !) to read when he visited my home and saw the book with me and asked for it - obviously the title and the get-up of the book attracted him (!). Keep creating. - Book Marketing Guru, India -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is very light reading and very well written & relevant. I read out a few aloud to my son too.
- Acclaimed Author & independent Consultant, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow..! This is a terriffic effort Kalyan. I was reminded of my uncle who has also similarly travelled all over the world and used to regale us, as kids, with anecdotes of his travels. They were truly inspiring and created the urge in me to travel a lot. I am sure this work will do the same for many others.
- Director, Asia-pacific, GE Commercial Finance, Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Am proud to be associated with a learned, practical minded & a realistic author whose anecdotes relates to so many thousands who are part of this giant diaspora. Having lived in Singapore and China for a few years, personally I was able to connect with some of the experiences highlighted in the book. I am certain this lovely book would be a huge success in India
Mr.Menon, IT Consultant, India
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I did a quick reading and, let me tell you, it is great. Your writing bring back memories of your always-thoughtful reflections on anything we cared to discuss when at school together. You do us proud, Kalyan.
- Professor at Univ of North Carolina, Charlotte, USA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a good read and very informative; more importantly, narrated in simple language. It is a good material for leisure reading - CEO, Investment Holdings, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really enjoyed reading the book. There are a number of incidents that one can relate to from personal experience, & the fact that the book is comprised of short episodes makes it really readable. I think the book will also have a lot of relevance to Indians in SE Asia, & I am sure you must be trying to market it there also
- CEO of a leading QualityAccreditation firm, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had an opportunity to read your book and it made a highly pleasurable reading. Written in lucid and simple style it manages to convey some common truths which we tend to overlook. You have covered almost the entire globe and talked about activities ranging from eating to TV to driving!! That must have been a huge task gathering anecdotes involving so many variety of activities.
My particular favourite is about Unique Practices and the Crocodile Hunter!! Thanks for sharing the book with me.
- Principal, eminent International School, Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting and useful !
- Owner of a business in ITES space, India ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The book was a breezy read with some 'gyan' subtly told. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
The read brought back a lot of memories from my own travel trips. The most I liked about the book was your idea of having a cartoon for each of your anecdote. Makes the reading even more interesting as it gave me the feel of being on scene. Another highlight of the book is you have shared a lot about the globe to the east of India! This read was a breath of fresh air and I did wish I had read this before I landed here. Another interesting observation I made is you emphasize on the 'value system' that you have been brought up with and at the same time look at broadening the mind set for new thought process. This itself is a big lesson to the youngsters - They need not alter much of themselves to have to be a global citizen. It would be an ideal gift/read for students in their late-teens wanting to go and explore the world. It sure gives a doze of "beware" warnings as well to get one prepared before setting off to explore! - PhD student at Nanyang Tech Univ., Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday morning i found the book to be by the side of (bed ) of my daughter and when i enquired she (studying 6th standard) said that she read some pages in the book and found the same interesting but not understood fully . i told her that we should read the book together so that i can explain / clarify the doubts. - General Manager in a top MNC, India -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have already read a few of the first stories from it for the kids (6 year old twins). Quite interesting and also funny – like getting a massage! – others, are more difficult for the kids to understand, like cultural sensitivities. Well done! I think it is a readable book, with lovely little anecdotes. I am sure people will enjoy it.
- Independent Marketing Consultant, Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I found it very interesting. You have used a novel method of telling anecdotes from your personal life to illuminate key characteristics of life in foreign countries. Behind the deceptively simple style, a lot of thought must have gone into selecting the right stories and expressing them in a clear language for the common man. This book will meet with a good reception.
- Dr.Raju V.Ramanujam, Prof., Nanyang Tech Univ., Singapore
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I finished the book one stretch - though I started from page 1, later I just picked a random page and started reading. It is sort of eating a fruit - an apple or banana, you can bite anywhere and it tastes the same. One thing struck me was I have experienced some of these events myself, but the fact was I did not see beyond the normal. All the best for the success of your book, it deserves to be read again and again to see beyond the normal.
- Management Consultant, India
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Useful. Reads a little dry if one reads at one sitting. Very few discernable accolades to Indians overall – is that a fair representation? Knowing you and your capability and capacity I am sure many such were showered upon you but do not seem to have made an impression high enough to report as a learning or is that the innate south Indian “I shall not blow my own trumpet” thing coming through?
We should learn from the Americans – they are able to market themselves on every small aspect and are not as concerned whether the world sees them as blowing their own trumpet! - Director, Accumen Consultants, Bangalore ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The stories are very entertaining, but I must say some of the cultural references go over my head. Nonetheless, I think many of your stories are universal and the reader does not have to be Indian to appreciate them.
I decided to try out the book on my kids too. My son (10) said the stories were funny but my daugher (17) said it was not interesting. Age effect ? Cynicism of teenagers ?
- Dr.Ngiam ST. Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very interesting and informative. It gives me a feeling as if written by a professional writer. I believe that everyday we are learning from our own mistakes and also from others' mistakes. Much more from BOOKS. The latest in that list is your book.
- Mr.Srinivasan, Retired Executive, India
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really enjoyed the book & its narration. Some of the contents really apply to me even to this day...specially the first one...!! Sometime I feel how true these gestures are towards achieving our goals & future life... The narrations were simple & to the point, which I really liked....
As you are aware that I am crossroads of mid-life. Hence this book added to my understanding of the Life now & beyond & what to look forward towards the future jobs that I am to get. This is where the contents of your book stuck me with the right note.... Never lose friendship & relationship...
- Mr.S.N.Prasanna, Executive, India
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I find it written in simple language, which makes it easy reading. Even my mother has been reading it - she is quite impressed !!!
I think young Indians travelling abroad may find the book useful and interesting as it gives them an insight into local cultures and etiquette. This insight is provided to them in a non-sermonizing format. Rather, since it is based on personal experiences, youngsters will easily be able to relate to it.
- Sr.Corporate Executive, Netherlands
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Straight from the heart style, I thought. Got a few more insights into Kalyan's persona which reinforced my view that you are a solid guy - like the Rock of Gibraltar !
- CEO of Chemicals business, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your book is like a breath of fresh air and I agree with Mr.Soota-you seem to be a 'natural story teller'. Well done !
- Top Exec. in Infrastructure space, India
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We were delighted to read it. A good concept that was well executed. The articles were thought provoking and engaging.
- Ph.D. student at Univ of Georgia, USA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just finished reading; a must read for indians (global or not); an interesting recount of two decades worth of learnings and experiences compressed into 130 pages. My mother in law enjoyed the book - In her words " People can identify themselves with some of the situations, the language used is simple and the book can be enjoyed by people of all ages."
I observed her reading out some of the chapters to my kids and engaging them in discussion.
- a mid-career Executive, Australia
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The book is very engrossing and I could not leave it until I finished reading it completely. I relived many of my own moments of truths, of my Sony days wherein I had an opportunity to visit SE Asian countries as well as work with my counterparts in these countries.
You have encapsulated these experiences in the most lucid and hitting way and your book can serve as a heads up to all those aspiring youngsters who wish to work in these countries and visit these countries on business. It is a great work by you, Kalyan. Kudos to you
- Director of a business in IT space, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I enjoyed reading this book.
- Ms.Shefali Chaturvedi, CEO Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre, CII, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You have shared interesting stories and experiences
- Dean at eminent International School, Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We read the book and found it both very interesting and insightful. Keep the insights and good humor coming.
- Mr.Suresh & family (of 'reverse brain drain'), India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting snippets.. We enjoyed it!!
- Ms.Jay, Consultant, Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
its a great bed-side book where you can pick up any page and you have done a great job to keep the attention of readers all through. it was almost autobiographical, which gave it a bondng between the reader and the author, so it was like your experiencing the moment together.
the sketch only added value.......the only thing i had a problem was the title, though it was a good phrase, it really did not match the content..all the very best and hope this leads to many more books! - Ms.Nidhi B, Designer Passionné, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was quite a pleasant and interesting read - Country Business Manager, Top MNC, Singapore ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoyed reading the book, looking forward for your next book
- Dr.Priya R, India
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The book is an excellent effort in terms of topics covered - we face almost each one of the issues you mention. I congratulate you for bringing to forefront the issues faced by a teetotaller, non-smoker and ek-patni guy!
I am pleased by your optimism on India's future - I await your next book "For a Few Rupees More!" -Dr.Narayanan S, USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The book is superb! Enjoyed it!
- Private Banker, Singapore
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very nice !
- Sr Executive. Singapore
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am now waiting for the movie….My wife is done reading, its my turn now. She really enjoyed it…
- Principal at top Consulting firm, Singapore
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is awesome! I cannot appreciate enough your sharp memory, excellent writing skills and subtle remarks. Well thought out on every front. I enjoyed the closing comments as well.
- Mid career Executive, USA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well done! I found the anecdotes are very true and simple to comprehend and the theme is a great way to summarise the take aways from each of the anecdotes with visual aided cartoons to supplement your memory retention. My suggestion would be that some of the themes could have been enriched a bit more. Your effort is worth every sweat you put into this maiden book and I'm sure with your wisdom, global experiences, we can expect more to come in the near future.
- Sr. Executive, top MNC, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An entertaining and easy read for young Indians who want to be successful global citizens.
A humorous reminder for the rest of us of how strange and interesting the world can be when encountering different cultures
- Linda M Hurley, International Business Consultant, Australia
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very interesting read. Your take on the experiences has a refreshingly different perspective than what sounds obvious.
- Sr Vice President, top IT/ BPO organization, Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your book made interesting reading.
_ Headmistress, top educational institution, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I started with the book and read a few chapters; after that it was hijacked by my son & wife. He used one of the stories for his school homework; my wife liked your style of writing. What I liked about the book was your simple story telling with MORALs at the end. While I was reading, it was as though you were speaking to me as we do at our usual tea/coffee sessions.
Kalyan you have the hidden talent of natural story telling with your vast experiences and looking at subjects in a deeper and philosophical way, which is very unique. I am sure you will be putting it to greater use.
- Sr. Executive, Top MNC, Singapore -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great book! I enjoyed it. In fact, my son just loves the cartoons in the book. Well done!! - Business owner, Malaysia
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your book put a smile on my face - delightfully light, easy reading with your keen observations of people and cultural behaviours. Maybe you could do a follow up book? I think a more serious "how to" book on what first time Indian expats should not do in other countries?
In future books, please provide a glossary of what vernacular words like "desi" mean so that non native Indians can understand that? Will recommend to my friends to read it too! - Seasoned HR leader, Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very well written with simple examples. Should be made mandatory for all the programmers who go abroad from the Tech companies
- President HR, top MNC, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very good and very interesting
- Retd. Executive (Octogenarian), Singapore
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a good read
- Ms.Vanessa K, Executive coach, Singapore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I enjoyed reading your anecdotes.
- Mr.Padraig O S, Business Leader, Australia
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very nice. Lots of information on the global front.
- Mr.S Balakrishnan, Lecturer, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was happy to see that Kalyan has distilled a lot of experience in simple terms and there lies the beauty of his book. It is very difficult to write in simple language! This is what Kalyan has achieved. Each article is short, simply written and carries a piece of advice.
Working relationships spanning diverse cultures and international settings- real or virtual-are an integral part of the lives of most professionals these days. I am sure Kalyan’s book will find a wide and appreciative audience - Mr.BP Rao, Founder, People 1st Consulting, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You have tried a nice comic approach to share your experience and some ethnic facts! A must read book for those who are interested in people's business. I liked your narrative style!! But some places I couldn't associate myself..may be because of my lack of exposure. However great job Sir. It should be appreciated in terms of taking the responsibility for letting the static world know whats happening around!! - Asst Prof. Tata Institue of Social Sciences, India ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loved the book. You kept it simple and the cartoons sort of summed it up nicely. - CFO. Qatar ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I started reading the book this morning and finished it in one go. I liked every aspect of the book, the contents, the presentation, the cartoons and way you had started and closed each chapter. Needless to say, I really like the lead character in your cartoons, resembling Elvis Presley's hairstyle throughout the book. It was nice, too. Another good thing I noticed was, you did not make any judgements in most of the chapters, leaving it to the readers to judge.
The experiences that you have shared in the book, especially the closing note would mean a lot to the aspiring young professionals if they want to get a sneak peek at the world outside, without having to spend 20 years to go through the same themselves! I am sure not many books are available in market to present these experiences. It was a good read indeed. I would recommend my friends and colleagues to read this book (... and of course, to own a copy for themselves, too).
- Mr.Perumal, Executive, Singapore
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Very humorous and thought provoking
- Dr.Lakshminarayanan S, Singapore
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enjoyed reading it. It was fun. I felt the chapters ended too quickly! The book was great pedagogy via story telling and kinda felt that the story ended too quickly. I wish each chapter was a little longer. Do look forward to your second book.
- Mr.Ashok, CEO, India
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wanted to congratulate you on your Excellent book!I read every word of it. Though I haven't travelled extensively, I certainly could relate to quite a bit of the incidents. I also noted the witty and apt cartoons that accompany each topic. With a positive takeaway from each topic, its an Aesop fable for the globalising Indians!
- Mr.Dasarathy. Executive, USA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
it was an interesting read. I liked the way it is written - each at a different place, in a different setting with a nice theme. Nice work. I might loan it to a few of the TCS people around here. May be a good read for people coming to US for the first time.
- Mr.Jonathan J, Executive, USA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
it's truly a wonderful book for any Indian. Your frankness has made this book to bring out the genuineness in your experiences. Great job Kalyan.
- Mr. Vivek T. Executive, USA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s sort of become my topical guidebook in recent times.
- Business Leader, Singapore
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I finished the booking in 2 sittings and thoroughly enjoyed it. My father-in-law, who happens to be in town, commented how much he enjoyed reading the book.
I could relate to the book very well because as a vegetarian and a person on the road, the incidents / anecdotes were mirroring some of the things that I had also experienced!
Great effort and very well done. I am sure that anybody reading it would be thoroughly entertained and at the same time, educated. So when is the next book coming out? - Business Leader, Singapore -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Easy to read and provides some interesting insights - Ms.Natasha K, Melbourne
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|