I could not quite believe my eyes when I read back in March that 2024 was to be branded as the Year of Wales in India. In fact, I chuckled a bit. My recent story is very much entwined with the Year of Wales in India, and I feel compelled to share it with you.
In October of 2023, I took the bold decision to abandon the shores of my hometown in Rhyl, Denbighshire, to emigrate to Pune, Maharashtra. I had been in a long-term, long-distance relationship with my then fiancé (now wife) and had taken it upon myself to complete our romance story more akin to a late 90s Shah Rukh Khan Bollywood movie than real life: by moving to India to complete our marriage. On October 3rd, I arrived in India, and, on November 9th, we were lawfully wed here in Pune.
For over one year, I have resided happily here in Pune. I have consumed many (many) a delicious thali banquet; I have gained an addiction to masala masti (spiced buttermilk); I have learned to speak Hindi, as well as some words in Marathi; I have visited plenty of historic sites; I have begun wearing Modi-Nehru jackets and, most importantly, I have learned to live as an Indian – something I am proud to say, such is my affinity with the country I today call home.
I adore my adopted country and whilst, admittedly, there is an obvious culture shock (though perhaps less so for me, as a religious education teacher who has long been interested in Indian culture and religion), and occasionally some creeping hiraeth, it has been made more the easier by the support of my wife, who has been my constant rock. Additionally, I have been a vegetarian for years now – vegetarian Indian food (referred to here as “pure veg”) is a paradise for me. From the aforementioned Rajasthani thali, to incredible pure veg street food like pani puri, I have been well and truly spoiled gastronomically and have barely felt the culture shock.
So, returning to the Year of Wales in India. I believe it is a tremendous thing to promote the relationship between the two countries – Wales and India. Whilst there are many differences between the two countries, I have also encountered some striking similarities, such as:
- If you visit a friend or family member in either country, you are almost certain to be welcomed with a “paned” or “chai” – tea!
- Both countries place a strong emphasis on regional languages. Whereas Wales has just the one (Cymraeg), it is certainly interesting to see the efforts made in preserving it, as well as the passion of those defending it, and how similar they are to those in Maharashtra who, oftentimes, will be far more insistent on speaking in Marathi than the more widely spoken Hindi.
- Both countries are stunningly glittered with mountains, valleys and plenty of greenery. This was a big surprise to me when I came to India, as I assumed the surreal heat here would make the greenery less visible. I was wrong!
- A surprising one: a south Wales accent is not actually that different from a south Indian accent!
So, in short, there are some similarities between these two countries which are not often thought of as similar. Having noticed these similarities, and having experienced them firsthand, has gifted me with an even greater appreciation for the Year of Wales in India and the efforts made to celebrate the culture of both countries.
Being a Welshman who just so happens to be in India during the Year of Wales in India is something of a privilege and an honour to me. My Modi-Nehru jacket is adjourned with two pin badges: the Welsh and Indian flags, side by side. I wear them not only as a celebration of two countries and two cultures, but two countries and two cultures which are closest to my heart and forever intricately linked by the wonderful marriage I share with my wife.
Author Bio:
Niklas George is a Welsh historian and teacher living in Pune, India. In October of 2023, he launched the social media account “Welsh Histories”, which has rapidly grown to amass more than 50,000 social media followers. He has also launched Welsh Histories Magazine and welshhistories.co.uk. Lastly, Niklas also runs the Facebook account “Cymro in India”, which is more of a vlog focused on his life in India.
