Those Familiar Tales

Oryem,who is part of a soon-to-be new country,Southern Sudan,feels that the new monarchy government is very different from the old government when the country was united. “The rules and the organisational structure here is very different. It is similar to the monarchy in the UAE. Most of the people also speak Arabic there,” she says.

Even though the two countries do not share a lot of similarities,it is the food and the films in India that Oryem finds most interesting. She says,“They are all so varied. Even the dresses here are so different. For instance,back home we wear the Congo dress that is usually a turban combined with a long top and either skirts or trousers. There are so many food items too here. Back home some of the traditional dishes we make are,’Asida’ that is made of wheat and corn,and the ‘Fufu’ which is a porridge eaten with gravy.”

“I came to India with a very different view in mind and when I came here it was pleasantly different. I love the weather here in Pune,” she says adding,“My family has moved to Qatar now. After my studies I will go back to Qatar. I am not sure whether I will work or study further,but I would love to become independent as soon as possible.”

And what did she love the most about India? “I love the way they celebrate Christmas here. It was very beautiful. Coming here I was not sure if I would have friends,but I made so many of them. It has made me very happy,” she says adding,“The only advice that I have for my friends here is,don’t expect every thing to be the way you want it to be,and don’t judge a book by its cover. It is important to have an open mind.”