“Why in India??? " This was the question that friends and relatives asked young Italians Deborah e Riccardo when, just married, they chose to move to India. She with a degree in Slightly and he in Painting, together they decided to change their lives.
The transfer of Deborah and Riccardo to India
In 2016 the move to India changed the lives of the Italians Deborah and Riccardo. The first impact with Mumbai it was as overwhelming as the humid and asphyxiating heat and, at the same time, intense as thesmell of spices that you can breathe in the streets. Initially, the young Italian couple worked and lived in a residential school, in close contact with students and staff.
It was a unique experience that allowed them to finally do their dream job: she as a teacher of theater and acting, he as a teacher of visual arts. As they say "Pick a job you love, and you won't have to work a day in your life." Certainly the difficulties were not lacking, but the young couple adapted to the new lifestyle. They both learned how to dose the hot water for the shower; or to be satisfied with the food that the place offered, for example the put puri (typical street food). Also, the nearest supermarket was two hours away.
For work reasons, Deborah and Riccardo later moved to Chennai, a warm and conservative city ofSouthern India. Here, they discovered the pleasure of living in a sumptuous complex and, above all, in the privacy of their own home. After various ups and downs, they also managed to obtain an Indian driving license and buy a motorcycle.
Italians living in India
India stands for thermal excursions (morning cold and torrid afternoon heat), busy streets and insistently honked horns, penetrating smells, bright colors (orange, purple, green) and gorgeous dresses. Still, Ayurvedic spices (cumin, ginger, turmeric), jasmine and sandalwood incense that perfume the house; smiles of children on the street, curious and hospitable citizens. India is also sharing a meal on a floor during a school trip, dancing at Dandy Festival and sprinkle with watercolors dancing merrily to the Festival of color.
But living in India also means feeling very strong emotions listening to the stories of courageous women, forced to marry and give up their careers to satisfy a conservative society. Living in India means living with the obvious gap between Social classes. India is neither loved nor hated: India is lived.
Deborah and Riccardo's mission in India
The mission in India of the two Italian teachers is enhance art. As unfortunately often happens, art in India is de-classified as a secondary matter. Parents prefer to finance their children's education for science subjects rather than humanities. Yet, a creative mind does not stop at the first obstacles. In fact, it was thus that Deborah and Riccardo learned to enter the daily life of the local population, contributing to their growth and mental and cultural openness. The two learned and taught in turn the art of tolerance, also making use of meditation and yoga.
Living in a foreign country means accepting its culture, values and habits. It means being open so that different identities (cultural and personal) can integrate.
Past, present and future of the couple
In India, the Italian couple visited magical monuments, such as the Taj Mahal, and tasted masala dosa (sort of savory crepe with spiced potatoes and mixed sauces). In the Chennai school, Deborah created a play entitled Indian Cinderella. Riccardo was able to perfect his art, making it more 'mythological' thanks to the Hindu influence. They both pioneered the art during the harsh quarantine period. In short, the two young Italians never tire of exploring new worlds and new identities. They are always open to new challenges and eager for new adventures.
