Categories
Study Abroad India

The Chennakesava Temple (July 26th, 2014)

DSC_0930

On our return from Mysore to Bangalore, Dr. Vijay gave us the option to detour to view an old stone temple in Somanathapura. I am so happy that we did because it turned out to be my favorite site. The Chennakesava Temple was built in the 1200’s and represents a great example of Hoysala architecture. The temple is surrounded by a large yard which leads to a courtyard in where the temple is located. In order to enter the physical temple courtyard, it was required that we remove our shoes. As you walk through the small doorway, the large courtyard focuses on a massive stone structure surrounded by small stone rooms. The entire temple is carved with intricate stories and images that data back to between 1269-1550 A.D (as described on a plaque within the courtyard). The structure is breathtaking with amazing detail and care given for every inch of the temple. I have never seen anything quite like it. While there, I felt a certain tranquility and peace yet somber quiet. It was a truly memorable visit and a sight that would be only given justice in person.

DSC_0941

 

By: Daniel Wyrock

Categories
Study Abroad India

A Trip to Timken (July 22nd, 2014)

The Timken Company (Bangalore)
The Timken Company (Bangalore)

One of my favorite company tours was our visit to the Timken Company’s Bangalore Campus. The Timken Company was a name familiar back at home as it’s World Head Quarters is located about 25 minutes south of the University of Akron in North Canton. Before our visit, I never understood what they did, but upon seeing and hearing about their company, I was pleasantly surprised to learn more. On the warm and sunny Tuesday afternoon, we arrived at Timken and were greeted by a beautiful campus that would rival any corporate building in America. Complete with vast windows and meticulous landscaping, Timken’s compound was stunning. After a brief introduction, we were given in-depth presentations by several staff members regarding the history of the company, its products, and its current expansion in India. [For those who don’t know, (me previously included) Timken is a manufacturer of industrial products that focus on friction management; specifically, Timken is known for the roller bearings that they make.] The presentations were full of valuable information and gave us a good picture of Timken and its operations in India, of which there are several. The specific campus we visited in Bangalore houses their IT and tech support for the entire company. After our presentations, we were given a more in-depth tour of the campus with stops in bearing testing facilities, repair shops, as well as some small scale manufacturing locations. In our time at Timken, the staff treated us very well and I felt as though we left as truly informed guests. In all, the Timken Company visit was a worthwhile and beneficial tour.

By: Daniel Wyrock

Categories
Study Abroad India

An Introduction to India (July 21st 2014)

One of our first lectures on Monday, July 21st was a presentation by Mr. Nishith Mohanty, Head of Human resources for Manipal Education & Hospital Group. This lecture was focused on cross cultural management aspects of doing business in India. In Mr. Mohanty’s presentation, we were given several key points that offered a strong foundation to understanding India. First, he mentioned that between 40-45% of the the population is under the age of 35. Among those people, English is considered the unifying language. The economy of India is interesting by offering what he called “Socialist sympathetic polices”. In a surprising and intriguing point, Mr. Mohanty mentioned that by Indian law, corporations must spend at least 2% of their profits on Corporate Social Responsibility projects, such as community focused activities. In a helpful clarification, Mr. Mohanty stated that the mannerisms of people in India are rooted in the idea that politeness is preferred to directness. He said that for many foreigners doing business in India, this represents a challenge as people in India may not understand a task or assignment and often, out of social norms, will not delve deeper to clarify confusion. This may lead to a tendency to over promise and not deliver what was expected. This is not a reason to avoid working with India, but is a point to remember. In order to remedy this, he recommended correcting with feelings, not just facts. Overall, Mr. Nishith Mohanty’s presentation severed as a good primary for the people and experiences we were about to have in India.

 

(Standing) Mr. Nishith Mohanty (Seated Left to Right) Daniel Wyrock, Suzanne Gradisher, Meghann Geiger, Jennifer Kundrat
(Standing) Mr. Nishith Mohanty (Seated Left to Right) Daniel Wyrock, Suzanne Gradisher, Meghann Geiger, Jennifer Kundrat

 

By: Daniel Wyrock