Season’s greetings and India update

Hello
Hope you all are doing great. I hope you had the fortune or the fortitude to make it through what has been, for many, a very challenging year.

If your current situation has you questioning yourself remember what Jerry Frenz once said “Success is not measured by what you accomplish. It is measured by the opposition you encounter and the courage with which you maintain your struggle against the odds”.

Looking Ahead
WISHING YOU And your family A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND
May the new year bring you THE best of health, wealth and peace.

As most of you may know we have now relocated to Mumbai-India since last 7 weeks. We all are settling well here. Aayush is taking little longer due to the fact he has to wake up at 5:30 and travel to Santa Cruz. He’s still getting accustomed with education system, friends, Hindi, interaction etc. Aarshi is all set at Shishuvan. I am still trying to figure out best times and best routes to Marol Andheri as there have been many days it has taken me 1.5 hours or more to travel 12 miles (18 KMS). I have tried all possible routes so far but traffic in Mumbai is so unpredictable. Parul is settling well and have not given up her ambition on cultural events etc and even though it’s been 5 weeks since we are settling in total new life, she already participated in fashion show at Aayush’s school’s annual day.

Local Grapevine – Real estate prices have corrected about 20-30% and general fear for deeper and steeper correction is all over. Infrastructure and Services – while there seems to have been significant improvements in services of all kinds it still has a long way to go. Dealing with Banks, Broadband Service providers, Mobile operators, Carpenters, School Admissions etc. all needs to have continuous follow up and reminders to get even a small thing done. Some people might get frustrated by this but all I would say is be ready for this – accept it and work with the system. Things will happen –a bit too slow. However, many bridges under construction all over Mumbai including 4 on Dr. Ambedkar Rd. and couple on Western Express Way and finally Metro and Mono Rail work on full swing will hopefully smooth Mumbai’s ever increasing traffic.

Professionally this has been best month for me and my venture Smarte. Most people have conversation around crude and commodity prices and overall business slowdown in so called 6-7% GDP growth in India (One of the best in the world for 2008). Long term point of view people in general are much more positive, enthusiastic and RICH.

Finally, besides the exciting work, there is more to India than its technology and exponential growth potential. We are looking forward to embracing its rich culture, heritage, and warm people and their enticing energy.

Thank you for everything that you all have done that made difference in our life. If you happen to visit Mumbai-India please do stay in touch and if possible do visit us.
Our US number (408) 834 8842 works most of the time in India and our local numbers are Sanjay’s cell is 98671 53512 and Parul’s cell is 90040 39743.

Thanks – Sanjay, Parul, Aayush and Aarshi Gala