My friend Padmaja (Podmoza in our circles) has recently left for the US of A to study more Economics. As is usually the case, a lot of us had been making lists of all that we simply had to tell Podmoza ( Za here on) before she boarded that plane. We have managed to convey most of what we wanted to but what remains are some hopelessly inane tips and pointers that we are still bursting with. Suchitra and I decided that this blog would probably be an appropriate place to spill it all out. That way, anyone else who would like to add to this list can easily do so.
Za, this is for you from Such and me ( so you already know what to expect :D):
1. Develop an exotic accent to create an 'exotic foreigner' image. We don't want you to be associated with any 'typical Indian student in American University' image. No Za, no stereotypes for you! Do weird things like making the accent sound different at different times of the day.
2. Read whacky journal articles like the one that links the Wizard of Oz with events related to the Gold Standard and quote them somewhere in your discussions.
3. Do invent your own Theory of Everything. Ensure that you can answer questions on anything. ( We have an example of one such theory on Pimples which shall be e-mailed to you)
4. Silly questions deserve sillier answers. We do not think you will face too many of those but it would be wise to be prepared. Trace your links to some Indian royal family just in case the topic arises. If the topic does come up, tell the authorities that by your line's constitution, you refuse to pay for education.
5. This one's important- Rave about Bangy and MCC and the coffee and the Adigas vada sambhar and the CTR food!! Do your bit to save our city from getting stuck with the plain old Silicon Valley/ Electronic City image. Deliver a "Power of CTR Masala Dosa" lecture series to anyone who you think deserves to hear it.
There are a lot more tips coming your way Za. But we prefer to give our tips in small doses. Anyone else who has similar/dissimilar tips regarding Economics/ campus life/ Life/ anything at all to offer to Podmoza is welcome!
P.S- Za. we miss you man! Keep us updated on all that you find exciting in the Economics you learn!
