We are a 70-year young democracy and there are the occasional pitfalls that have become more rampant. But there are several things that make us a great country. When you’re not sure what to tell that long-lost cousin in America or the colleague who is planning their first work trip from Europe, this list may help. Also, a great way to create Public Relations for the young democracy with a rich past.
Heritage
a) Ancient Architecture including Qutub Minar, Hampi ruins and Palaces in Rajasthan
b) Mughal Monuments like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort
c) British Era Buildings including the Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, now called CST
d) Religious Structures including Lotus Temple and Golden Temple
e) Government complexes including the Presidents House and Parliament House
f) Erotic Art in Khajuraho besides the Ellora and Ajanta caves
g) Himalayan ranges and Gangetic plains
Culture
a) Folk Dances including those from tribal belts
b) Classical Dances like Odissi, Kathak and Bharatanatyam
c) Puppetry
d) Bollywood
e) Languages
f) Yoga
g) Festivals including Diwali, Holi and Ganesh Utsav
Food
a) Biryani trail (Lucknow-Hyderabad-Mangalore)
b) Naan and Butter Masala (Punjabi food)
c) Tandoori (North Indian)
d) Sea food – great on the coastal regions
e) Udupi – great for breakfast and for those who follow a vegetarian diet; Includes Dosas and Idlis
f) Sweets – Ranges from Gulab Jamuns to Laddus to Barfis and Halwas
g) Indian-style Continental and Oriental cuisines available across the board
Regions
a) North East (nature)
b) Kerala (water bodies)
c) Golden Triangle (Jaipur-Delhi-Agra)
d) Goa (beaches)
e) Madhya Pradesh (Tigers)
f) Kashmir (snow fall and Tulips)
g) Hill Stations (tranquility)
Religion
a) Hinduism
b) Islam
c) Jainism
d) Sikhism
e) Buddhism
f) Christianity
g) Zoroastrianism
People
a) North Eastern people
b) Kashmiris
c) East Indians (West Bengal, Orissa)
d) South Indians (Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Kerala. Karnataka and Goa)
e) West Indians (Maharashtra, Gujarat)
f) North and central Indians (UP, Bihar, Haryana, MP, Rajathan)
g) Punjabis
Brands
a) Tata
b) Godrej
c) Aditya Birla
d) Bharti
e) FabIndia
f) Flipkart
g) Paytm
Travel
a) Vistara
b) Indigo
c) Spicejet
d) Metro trains
e) Palace on Wheels
f) State Bus Networks
g) Ola
Hotels
a) Taj
b) Oberoi
c) Welcomgroup
d) Imperial in Delhi
e) Leela
f) Neemrana
g) Park Hotels
Artifacts
a) Pashmina Shawls
b) Madhubani and Warli paintings
c) Pearls and Silver Jewellery
d) Tea, Spices and Ayurvedic products
e) Sandalwood handicrafts in Bangalore and Wooden Toys from Channapatna
f) Silk from Varanasi to Mysore to Kanchipuram
g) Wooden and marble curios
He is also the Founding Dean of the School of Communications & Reputation (SCoRe).
He can be reached at @amithpr on twitter.
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