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Primer on India

Recently we were made aware of some changes to Indian tax laws that came as a surprise given that people in the know were not fully aware of the letter of said law.  That prompts me to write the below thoughts on working, living or surviving in India.

The below applies to the chunky part of the bell curve where most of the billion reside.  So here is some wisdom freely shared -


  • Anything can happen anytime.
  • Always expect the unexpected.
  • No power, no water, no autos, everything closed? No problem.  Go back to sleep.
  • If you are a customer you are screwed.  Try not to be.  A customer I mean.  Very monastic.
  • Jugaad.  We can try to find a way to solve any problem.  If you assume that the outcome is acceptable.  Otherwise go back to sleep.
  • Do not ask any questions.   Most likely you will get -
    • An unrelated answer
    • A wrong answer
    • A stare
    • Another question
  • Scratching of male genitalia standing at street corner is permissible for males so equipped - this is India's equivalent of Daily Scratchers
  • Holding hands while walking when the holders are both (or more) males is also acceptable form of social behavior
  • Any fluid can make an appearance from anywhere at anytime.  Sort of a corollary of the first bullet listed.
  • If all this bothers you go back to sleep.

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