Visit to IILM - sample student reflections - Prof. Vipin Gupta

We visited IILM on March 8 for an afternoon of discussion. IILM arranged for an illuminating lecture on the handicrafts, handlooms, and gems and jewelry exports from India, generous delicious South Indian lunch served to the group, and insightful structured reflections on culture and life between IILM and SOM students. We met Mr. Sinha, chairman and managing director, of Handicrafts and Handlooms export promotion council, and Mr. Duggal, regional director, gems and jewelry export promotion council.

The visit to IILM gave us a unique and strategic perspective on Indian handicrafts and gems and jewelry, and made our purchases of these products as souvenirs and gifts more meaningful. We understood how the government of India is committed to the fair price sourcing of these products from the villages and craftspeople, and how women play an important role in this important industry.

We enjoyed South Indian lunch at IILM, the only time during our India visit we got to experience this unique cuisine of India.

The interactions with the IILM students were most valuable, as we had many doubts about the Indian way of life which had stressed us on their visit. Discussions with IILM students help put things such as road and infrastructure conditions in perspective, and helped us appreciate the deeper culture and life in India.

The following reflective comments of the students indicate the value of the IILM visit:

“The handicraft of gemstone and jewelry is one of the most important Indian exports. This brings revenues for the country, and income for many families who are underprivileged and poor. Throughout our stay we had conversations and spoke to some of the more privileged and more educated people, but the handicrafts presentation was very useful to find out more about women in the rural areas, and those that do not get the chance to become educated. Many of these women have started to get involved in jewelry design and putting in use some of their traditional knowledge about different kinds of artifacts. Through these designs women show their culture and their tradition, and at the same time support their homes with constant income. This is important because this is a field where women have been starters and initiators, and have many chances to become leaders and managers.” (Jona Muhameti)

“During a facilitated lecture at the IILM campus, we were able to generate great dialogue concerning likes/ dislikes about both Indian and American cultures. Interestingly, many of the students cited that they did not like that Americans were “money hungry” and that we have “poor family values.” At the conclusion of this discussion I realized the importance of establishing cultural competence. Like our misperceptions of the Indian culture, and like the misperceptions of Indian students regarding Western family values, that became apparent in the discussion, many cultures misinterpret messages as a result of poor cultural understanding and communication. The concept of culturally sensitive leadership is more apparent to me now having been immersed in a foreign culture.” (Lauren Marashio)