Republic of India

1. Republic of India By: Whitney Yarber

2. Introduction • Location • Southern Asia • Consists of entire Indian Peninsula • Portions of Asian mainland • Territory • Nearly 1.3 million sq. miles • 1/3 of U.S. • North- snow-capped Himalayas • South- tropical forests

3. Introduction • Government • Federal Republic • Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches • 25 states with 476 districts • Foreign Relations • United Nations, Nonaligned Movement, etc. • Caste System • Divides Indian society • Occupations, clothing, etc. Religion in India

4. Business Greetings • Conducted formally • Punctuality is important • Small talk first • Address professors with title that fits their status • Exchange of business cards • Right hand only • Handshakes are common • “Namaste” is bowing slightly • Only shake woman’s hand if she initiates it

5. Business Dress • Men • Suit and tie • Jacket may be removed in summer • Women • Conservative dresses or pantsuits • Accessories • Avoid leather belts or handbags • Hindus respect cows

6. Business Cards • Have enough for everyone • Present so the recipient may read the card as it is handed to them • Use right hand • Have any degree or honor on card • No degree? Use “Sir” or “Madam” • Do not translate into Hindi or other languages

7. Business Introductions • Religion, education, and social class are important factors • The eldest person must be greeted first • Hand shaking is acceptable • Men do not shake hands with women for religious purposes • Only do business with those you know • Trust and respect are big factors • Third party introductions are common

8. Dining Etiquette/Table Manners • Say NO to the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks • This is part of the Indian culture • Dress modestly and conservatively • Take off shoes before entering house or restaurant • Do not order pork or alcohol • Most food is eaten with the fingers • Always use right hand to eat • Leave small amount of food to indicate you are satisfied • Wait to be told where to sit • Guest of honor is served first, then men, and children last

9. Gift Giving • Indians believe this is the transition into the next life • Value is not important, but sincerity • Cash is given to friends and members of the extended family • Birth, death, and marriage • Do NOT bring frangipani or white flowers • Used at funerals • Use reds, yellows, and greens to wrap presents • Symbolizes luck

10. Gift Giving • NO leather gifts or alcohol products • Gifts are not open upon being received • Dinner guests are not required to bring gifts • Gifts from men are said to come from both he and is wife (or other female relative)

11. Conclusion Overall, culture has a large impact on how Indian government operates, how others are treated, and everyday life. The people of India take their religions and beliefs very seriously, and demand that they are respected in an approach that is easy for outsiders to adapt to.

12. References http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/india.htm http://www.google.com http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/India.html http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/india-country-profile.html