‘India is sort of a second dwelling for me… aur mera dil toh half Hindustani hai’: Slovak Ambassador to India Robert Maxian | Delhi Information

He’s fluent in English, German, Russian and Hungarian and is aware of primary Hindi. He’s married with two sons.

Maxian spoke to The Indian Categorical as a part of a collection of interviews with Ambassadors about Delhi — their dwelling.

Edited excerpts:

Locations within the metropolis you like visiting typically?

Previous Delhi, to me, is one of the best place… it is vitally vibrant. I really like Chandni Chowk the place individuals are promoting and cooking meals, actually residing there – the whole lot occurs on the road. Many locations fascinate me in Previous Delhi like Khari Baoli, Jama Masjid, the e book market and so on.

I’d at all times take my delegations to Chandni Chowk or different locations in Previous Delhi, urging them to journey by cycle rickshaws. At first, they might be hesitant however later they might inform me it was one of the best expertise of their lives – to see the true India.

Lodhi Backyard is unbelievable. Then there’s Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, Qutub Minar, Mahavira Statue (Ahinsa Sthal), Bahai Home of Worship… there’s something for everybody.

Three issues that stood out throughout your keep?

My most memorable go to to India was in 1991. I had come for a one-year post-graduate diploma programme in international commerce on the very prestigious IIFT, New Delhi. It was organised beneath the scholarship, ITEC. It was a really difficult interval. India was a closed economic system on the time however had began to open itself with reforms to the world. A really comparable course of had began in my nation throughout that point as properly.

Secondly, our youngsters grew up in India – the older one Michal was 5 years previous and the youthful Thomas got here to India at 4 months previous. Each studied on the British Faculty in Delhi. So me and my spouse are linked to India principally via our youngsters and that is very emotional for us.

The third factor would in all probability be coming again as an envoy and seeing the revolutionary adjustments in Delhi and India general.

Does the site visitors trouble you?

Site visitors is definitely a difficulty. However as a consequence of flyovers and the Metro, it has decreased vastly… I bear in mind it was far worse throughout our second posting in India from 2004 to 2009. I feel the Metro has partly compensated for the elevated variety of automobiles on the roads. I like driving my automotive in Delhi, particularly on Saturday and Sunday when there’s much less site visitors. There are some peak hours – now we have to deal with these. I feel post-2009, the site visitors has been managed to an extent.

Favorite meals within the metropolis?

Indian meals is primary on this planet. My favorite is Bukhara in ITC, which is a signature restaurant, the place I at all times take my delegations. I’m going right here for 3 mixtures – dal makhani, naan and sikandari raan. To digest the meals, I’d suggest lassi or a glass of beer.
We additionally like eating in Hyatt – there’s a Chinese language and an Italian restaurant and a Mongolian barbecue. I like that these two locations are strategically situated close to the Slovak embassy.

I additionally like to cook dinner Indian dishes. I can cook dinner butter rooster, dal, murgh malai. Earlier, I needed to depend on recipes however now I do know the precise course of and the components. My household has a ardour for Indian meals.

How is Delhi totally different from different locations that you just’ve visited?

Delhi is vibrant and its individuals are optimistic… Folks right here by no means say no as a result of they at all times wish to please you with their solutions. Nonetheless, it’s a must to learn them between the traces. In Delhi, you possibly can simply make contacts and connections with folks. They’re very frank and approachable. They’ve an enormous coronary heart… at all times keen to assist. The mix of colonial buildings and greenery is in contrast to something I’ve seen anyplace.

If you wish to see fashionable India, you possibly can go to Gurgaon or Noida. They’ve skyscrapers and fashionable IT centres. That is reverse to what you see in lots of components of Delhi – as a result of development right here has its limits.

Something you’ll recommend the directors work on to make Delhi a greater place?

I feel extra common cleansing of Delhi is required. However it is usually in regards to the mindset of Delhiites. They need to cease throwing waste on the streets. Extra must be carried out to deal with the excessive ranges of air pollution. We’re restricted indoors and counting on air purifiers. Automobiles, stubble burning and Diwali – all of those contribute to elevating the air pollution ranges in Delhi. The tragedy is that Delhi’s air pollution coincides with one of the best time to go to and discover town (temperature-wise).

Is there any metropolis in your nation that reminds you of Delhi?

I don’t suppose so. Though, I feel Nainital is similar to some small villages in Japanese Slovakia. We have now mountains, rivers, lakes, wineries, valleys and round 200 castles – and the best per capita on this planet. I invite you to go to Slovakia and you may be amazed by our various panorama and sweetness.

How would you describe Delhi to somebody again dwelling?

I’d advise folks to go to Delhi from October to February… and to separate your keep successfully. You want separate days for numerous components – someday needs to be reserved for South Delhi (like Qutub Minar), some days needs to be deliberate for Previous Delhi and so on. I’d additionally advise them to remain in a cushty lodge the place they will have a pleasing time stress-free after their buzzing journeys. Determining the logistics and having a spot to rejuvenate are key.

At all times take the assistance of guides, each books and folks. Do your homework beforehand. I’d suggest individuals travelling right here to do the triangle – Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. This was very tough 20 years in the past but it surely’s doable right this moment since connectivity is significantly better.

Recollections that may at all times stick with you?

My recollections of this place are linked to its folks. I’ve been to many international locations as a diplomat, however in no different nation have my connections been so robust with their folks. In India, I made strong friendships and contacts which can stick with me for many years. I additionally admire the very wealthy historical past of India, yoga and handicrafts. It’s phenomenal what Indian fingers can create – such intricate merchandise you’ll not discover in different components of the world.

In truth, my first go to to India in 1991 was linked to Bollywood films. The romantic drama “Saajan” with Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan and others was highest highest-grossing movie of the 12 months. Dekha hai pehli baar, Saajan ki aankhon mein pyaar – I really like this music very a lot. I really feel very linked to this era via music. My different favourites embrace “Pardesi jaana nahi” and the marginally provocative “Chholi ke peeche kya hai”. Bollywood films from the early 90s are an enormous a part of my reminiscence.

What’s going to you miss if you say goodbye?

Delhi is a really vibrant, vibrant and inexperienced metropolis surrounded by colonial buildings – I really like this mix. For instance, the world between India Gate and Rajpath and all of the greenery there – one of the best factor is that they’re properly maintained. I’ll miss the colors of Delhi, and the scent of Delhi.

I’ll miss the folks essentially the most. They’re very pleasant and easygoing. I heard a saying in India – don’t resolve the issue, fairly have a glass of tea and the issue shall be solved itself. Generally, I really feel this strategy is of nice relevance.

Since we’re so connected to India, it is going to be very tough to depart it. As I’ve already talked about – Bharat mere liye doosre ghar jaisa hai… aur mera dil to half Hindustani hai.