Also visit our Reception WIKI on aiesec.net http://www.myaiesec.net/content/viewwiki.do?contentid=10250313
Content 1. Letter…………………………………………………………………………………….3 2. About AIESEC Mumbai……………………………………………………………....4 3. Mumbai at a Glance………………………………………………………………...5 4. Understanding the Culture and other information……………………………..6 5. Religious Festivals and Holidays…………………………………………………….8 6. Money………………………………………………………………………………….10 7. Pricing and Tipping…………………………………………………………………..11 8. Ways to get around………………………………………………………………....12 9. Pre Arrival……………………………………………………………………………...17 10. The Check List…………………………………………………………………20 11. Aamchi Mumbai(On arrival)………………………………………………..21 12. Bombay Blues(first few days, registration)………………………………..22 13. Cultural Tolerance and Western Outlook………………………………..23 14. Your Security…………………………………………………………………...24 15. Fascinating Facts about Mumbai…………………………………………25 16. For our beloved Trainees……………………………………………………………………..28 17. Contact Us……………………………………………………………………………….29
Dear Trainee! Greetings from the city of Mumbai! We at Mumbai, first of all congratulate you on finding your internship! Welcome to the city that is a place where people from all over the country and the world come together. The financial capital of the country.The city that never sleeps. The Maximum City. All names that people refer to what we call home, Mumbai. And now your home for however long your internship will be for. Welcome to a place of diversity and of course a city that is known through out to be the face of the modern, multi –cultural and multi faceted India. You are about to start your journey to have hopefully one of the greatest experiences in your life, an AIESEC experience. A journey with lots of interesting people, vadapav, chai and some awesome fun! But before you can start your journey, we at AIESEC Mumbai have decided to make a survival kit so that your journey here is memorable and so that you can acquaint yourself with what Mumbai and India really is. Read up on the internet, pore over the guidebooks and understand where youâ€&#x;re going to be coming. So hope to see you soon with your bag and baggage but leave behind your prejudices and misconceptions. We look forward to getting to know you and spending time together.
AIESECly yours,
About AIESEC Mumbai AIESEC in Mumbai was established in 1981 by Meera Sanyal, Sudeep Malhotra, Nikhil Khattau. Since then it has always been the pioneering local committee in the Indian network, being placed number one since inception until the last decade. 29 years later, it has emerged to become a leading local committee, one which ranks among the very best in the AIESEC network. It was also awarded a Gold Certificate from AIESEC International in the recent past acknowledging its quality exchanges.
Empower, an event mainly focused on providing new ideas and broadening horizons amongst the student, giving them an opportunity to explore the various kinds of opportunities which can be pursued as a career.
Balakalakaar was another event organized by us that concentrated on finding artistic talent in the underprivileged children in the city. A series of Art, Dance and Craft workshops were held in the municipal schools for children between the age group of 5-13. The goal behind this event is to create an impact and recognize every talent that exists in these young minds. E-summit an initiative by AIESEC in Mumbai, focused on providing an opportunity to students who wish to be an entrepreneur. This event conducted workshops at management colleges/schools which included a panel of esteemed young entrepreneurs, encouraging these students to start working on their ideas at an early stage. The event also had a B-plan competition
Mumbai at a Glance Mumbai (formerly called Bombay), is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The seven islands that came to constitute Bombay were home to communities of fishing colonies. For centuries, the islands came under the control of successive kingdoms and indigenous empires before being ceded to Portuguese settlers and subsequently to the British East India Company. Today, Mumbai, apart from being Indiaâ€&#x;s largest city, is the commercial/financial and entertainment capital of India.Mumbai's business opportunities, as well as its potential to offer a higher standard of living, attract migrants from all over India and, in turn, make the city a potpourri of many communities and cultures.
Most of India's major television and satellite networks, as well as its major publishing houses, are headquartered in Mumbai. The centre of the Indian movie industry, Bollywood, is the largest film producer in India and one of the largest in the world. In April 2008, Mumbai was ranked seventh in the list of "Top Ten Cities for Billionaires" by Forbes magazine, and first in terms of those billionaires' average wealth. Mumbai has a tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet and dry climate, with seven months of dryness and peak of rains in July. The cold season from December to February is followed by the summer season from March to June.
Mumbai's culture is a blend of traditional festivals, food, music, and theatres. It offers a cosmopolitan and diverse lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment and night life, available in a form and abundance comparable to that in other world capitals. Mumbai's history as a major trading centre has led to a diverse range of cultures, religions and cuisines coexisting in the city. This unique blend of cultures is due to the migration of people from all over India since the British period.
Understanding the Culture and other information Some of the more unfamiliar aspects of Indian culture are listed below: Sacred Cows: To many Indians, cows are sacred. In fact most animals are considered sacred in India and thus a large proportion of the country is vegetarian. Cows are generally so revered that they are allowed to do more or less what they want. It is not at all unusual to see a cow wandering along the streets of a busy city, or sitting in the middle of a road blocking traffic. However beef is available in India, mainly in high-class establishments.
Family: Traditionally, Indians live in a joint family structure, where the grandparents, uncles and aunts live in the same house as their children. Most Indian children live with their parents till they get married. Family bonds are generally very strong and divorce rates are low. These days however, in urban areas there has been a general trend towards more nuclear families.
Body Language: The characteristic Indian bobbing of the head from side to side means „yes‟ or „I'll consider it‟, but it looks to a westerner like „no‟. Nodding means a definite „Yes‟, and simple shaking of the head means „No‟. Expressing affection between the sexes in public is not common and frowned upon. It is common to see two men or two women holding hands or arm in arm though as a sign of friendship. Eating Habits: Most Indians eat with their hands, specifically their right hand. Spoons and forks should be available at most restaurants though you may have to ask for them in some restaurants. In the north, food is served on metal plates known as Thali's and in the South it is served on Banana leaves. Religious do's and don'ts form a large part of what can and cannot be eaten.
Privacy: Ones own space is often not possible in India, overpopulated as it is, and it is. The Western notion of privacy would leave an Indian very lonely. Indians tend to be a helpful and curious bunch so strangers may ask you questions that you may consider personal, but many are just trying to be friendly.
Dress Code: Although western clothing is very common in Mumbai, you should avoid shorts/skirts that are too short and shirts/blouses with low necklines when walking around the streets. This does not apply for men. Save your sexy outfits for a party or club. Remember to dress conservatively whenever you plan to visit any religious center such a church, temple or mosque. Most Indian companies also require employees to dress formally. Owing to the pollution, white clothing is often difficult to maintain.
Pollution: Pollution levels in Mumbai are fairly high (but livable) with a nice rosy smog surrounding the city in all the wrong places. Dust and noise levels are also quite high, so if
you suffer from asthma or other related illnesses,
remember to bring precautions!
Cleanliness: Mumbai isnâ€&#x;t a city well known for its cleanliness though it tries really hard. In truth, Mumbai canâ€&#x;t be looked at as a city that has grown, more like it has swollen and many basic civic services canâ€&#x;t keep up with the mass influx of people into the city. There is lack of trash bins on the major roads, which encourages people to litter. You might just see a dustbin on the roads though, so make sure you use it. Staying Healthy: Despite their lack of civic sense, Indians place great importance on their personal hygiene. Many have a bath at least once a day and wash their clothes as often - you need it here! Always drink filtered water or mineral water (remember to check the seal of the bottle before you buy). Never drink water from the roadside or at any of the lower-class establishments. Similarly, try to avoid eating from roadside stalls, no matter how popular they seem to be. Keep all food and perishables in the fridge and covered. If you cut yourself or suffer any other injury immediately wash the wound and see a doctor. There are plenty of pharmacists in Mumbai, so getting medicine should not be a problem.
Religious Festivals & Holidays India is a land of many diverse religions and practices. Almost all of the major world religions have a presence in India. Traditionally festivals and holidays form a large part of the Indian psyche. This is generally a time of merriment and joy or solemn remembrance depending on the occasion. Some of the more popular festivals and national holidays are listed below.
Republic Day - India became a republic on the 26th of January 1950 and in commemoration of the fact, Republic Day is celebrated every year on this date. The main attractions on this day are the parades especially in New Delhi and the Presidentâ€&#x;s address to the nation.
Holi - A Hindu festival to celebrate the end of winter. Usually held in February/March. Tends to be very exuberant with dancing, singing and throwing coloured water and powder. Beware of wearing any new clothes on this day!
Gurpurab - Is held in celebration of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion. It usually takes place in the month of April.
Easter & Good Friday - Falls in the month of April and is commemorated by the Christians as the date of the crucifixion & resurrection of Christ. It tends to be a much more solemn festival
Independence Day Celebrated every year on the 15th of August in memory of India gaining her independence from British Colonial rule on 15th August 1947.
Ganesh Chaturthi - A festival dedicated to the Hindu God Ganesh, god of wisdom and prosperity. Usually takes place in August/September and is very lively. Ganesh Chaturthi is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of the year in the Hindu calendar.
Gandhi Jayanti - The birth date of the „Father of the Nation‟: Mahatma Gandhi; celebrated on the 2nd of October every year.
RakshaBandhan - A more somber Hindu festival in which girls tie a rakhi(amulet) on the their brothers wrist as a sign of togetherness and protection. Also known as NarialPurnima.
Dussehra - This Hindu festival takes place during the months of September/August. It is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. It is also known as Navratri (festival of Nine Nights). In Mumbai and the neighboring state of Gujarat, the nine nights are party time with Dandiya, a traditional dance. In old traditional villages, a play is put in place where they re enact the Ramayana – a traditional Indian myth. In the end of the play, the evil character Ravana dies. Thus to show this, a large dummy of Ravana is put on fire. This symbolizes the end of evil.
Diwali - The happiest festival of the Hindu calendar, commemorating the return of the God Rama from his exile. It is known as the Festival of Lights, as at night hundreds of oil lamps are lit along with the bursting of firecrackers. The noisiest and liveliest festival in India.
Ramazan (Id) - Id is the celebration of the end of the holy month of Ramadan in the Muslim calendar. Id is clebrated by visiting people and eating biryani and having shir-khurma to your hearts content!!
Christmas - Celebrated by Christians as the birth date of Jesus Christ on the 25th of December every year. Is accompanied by carol singing, eating and general merriment.
Money! The Indian currency is the rupee and is the only currency that will be accepted as a medium of exchange in Mumbai. Notes come in 5,10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 and also 1000 denominations. Coins are of 1, 2 and 5 rupees and 25 and 50 paise in denomination.
The notes will look like this, (except it wonâ€&#x;t have specimen written on it).
Exchanging Money
You can exchange money at banks or with change agents at fixed rates. They will give you a receipt - which you must keep! (You will later need it for tax clearance upon your departure) - and you will need to show your passport and give your signature. Please don‟t exchange money on the street or at unauthorized places, it is a legal offence, severely punishable by law and you could also get counterfeit currency. Traveler‟s cheques are also exchanged or taken as payment in a lot of places, but usually with a small charge. The current exchange rate is : US Dollar: Rs 54.38 Euro: Rs 70.85 UK Pound: Rs 84.17
Pricing, Bills & Tipping The cost of living in Mumbai tends to be cheap, at least by Western standards. A full meal should cost no more than Rs 150 at a mid level restaurant. But then costs can vary extremely, depending on your lifestyle. As Mumbai is a big city, you‟ll be surprised at how fast money can flow from your fingers. Keep a budget. Cash is the most accepted type of payment. Higher-class establishments will accept credit cards. But when paying for groceries, etc, the usual payment method would be in cash. Tips are not essential, especially if you have received bad service. Tips are usually between 5 & 10 % of the total bill amount. You don‟t need to carry an exorbitant amount of money on you at all times, there are ATM‟s in the city though which you can withdraw money, but we would recommend you carry at least Rs 300/- on you in case of emergencies. Carrying small change (chhuta) is also very important if you want to make phone calls, ride the bus, etc.) Avoid getting 500 rupee bills when you exchange money and if you can‟t, pay at restaurants, they will usually give you change on big bills. Another thing is that in Mumbai you will have problems with bills that are torn. Look at the bills when you get them and ask for another note if it is not OK. A big hole in the white part of the note is OK! But if avoidable, ask the party to give you another note. When you‟re in Mumbai you can‟t escape being accosted by beggars. A lot of people make their living simply by begging for money and since you are a foreigner they will try to take advantage of that fact (they know foreigners are more sympathetic to them than Indians). DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY! Most of them will waste it on buying drugs and you giving them money will only serve to encourage them. Many also don‟t work because they have found they can make a living
begging. There are plenty of charities and orphanages you can give your money too where it will be put to much better use. After all this if you really do feel sorry for them, give them some food or drink.
Ways to get Around 1. Taxis Taxis are by far the easiest way of getting around, but also the most expensive. If you look at the map of Mumbai, you see that the city is actually very long in length but not very broad. Thus, often one has to travel a lot to get from one place to another.
Taxis are black with a tinge of yellow on top like in the image above on the left. Taxis may come in various other car models as well. Taxis run by meter as in the image above on the right. When you get into the taxi, ask them to start the meter and give him the address of where ever you want to go. Most of the taxi drivers know where the addresses are if you give them a prominent landmark. If not, keep asking people on the way! The starting fee of the taxi in the meter should be 1.00 in an old meter or if he has a digital meter then Rs 14.00. Once you reach your destination, ask the driver for the conversion card or simply say “card”. He will then show you a document like in the image. Convert the figure in the taxi meter to what‟s written in the card and give the money accordingly. This process doesn‟t have to be followed if the meter is digital. If so, then just pay the driver the amount shown on the digital meter. Make sure you get back your change. And ALWAYS ask for the card. Sometimes these drivers try to take advantage of the fact that you‟re not from town and try to charge you more. Be smart and ask for the card. Taxis are present all over in Mumbai and are abundantly available.
2. Auto rickshaws An auto rickshaw can be called a lot of things in Mumbai i.e. Rickshaw, Auto, Rick, etc! A rickshaw is like a taxi except itâ€&#x;s a 3 wheeled vehicle. These vehicles are a cheaper mode of transport. These vehicles are not present in town – i.e. from Mahim to Churchgate. The rickshaw seats three people maximum.
The starting fee of an auto rickshaw is Rs 15. All autos now have digital meters which directly display the fare you have to pay. So no need for any conversion calculation is required from your end. Itâ€&#x;s as simple as that. The auto rickshaws are quite fun and quite unique to India, so enjoy the ride!
3. Buses The buses in Mumbai are called B.E.S.T buses. These buses look much like the ones in London – the only similar part is that both are red.
Buses are extremely convenient and one of the best ways to travel. A bus stop is easily found anywhere in Mumbai and the buses go practically everywhere. The only issue is trying to figure out which bus goes where. The easiest thing to do is go to a bus stop and ask someone where the particular bus is going. People around usually help you and would put you on to the right bus.
The back door of the bus is where you should enter from and the front door is where you exit from. Be sure to buy a ticket from the conductor who‟s usually dressed in khakhicoloured clothes. There are seats in the front specially for women and the handicapped.
4. Trains Trains is by far one of the best ways to travel. It‟s cheap and fast but sometimes it kills your mind! Most of the population of Mumbai travels by train and thus it makes the trains VERY crowded. But regardless, trains in Mumbai have 3 lines i.e. the western line, the central line and the habour line.
The trains are divided into the second class where anyone can enter – be in man or women, the ladies class – which are special bogies only assigned for women travelers and first class – which is limited to people who buy a first class ticket. This is also divided into General First class for men and for women and a specific first class only for women passengers. Be sure to buy a ticket before you get onto the train. One also needs to buy a ticket if you go on the platform. You can buy this at the ticket counter somewhere in the beginning of the station. Make sure you do buy a ticket. If not, ticketless traveling is a major offense in Mumbai and you could be fined or even taken to jail. To make life easier, you can buy a pass, preferably a first class pass. These passes can be bought either for a month or for three months and can be bought at any station. You can
specify from where to where you‟ll mostly be traveling and they shall issue you a pass accordingly. With this pass, you won‟t need to buy a ticket at the platform for however long your pass is valid to. The saying goes that if you‟ve survived a Mumbai Local train, then you can survive anything. So come on, and put your survival to a test!
Pre-Arrival This is the most important part of the booklet. Make sure you read it carefully and thoroughly!
Your VISA Since you will be working in India, you will need a Visa. Depending on the type of internship, the visa information is given below:
For DT/TT Trainees: Duration Less than 6 Months : 1. Intern Visa 2. Tourist Visa 3. X Visa 4. Cultural
Duration More than 6 Months: 1. Business Visa 2. Work Visa 3. Exchange Visa
For MT/TT Trainees: For MT/TT internships in India, you will require a BUSINESS VISA ONLY irrespective of your duration! To apply for that you will need the following:
A letter from the company you will working for, with a current date, directed to the Indian Embassy in your country stating the purpose of your stay and asking them to give you a 1 or 2 year visa or maybe a shorter duration. A letter from AIESEC Mumbai stating that you will be a trainee working on an internship with us. The acceptances note from the company with their signature and stamp accepting you as their intern.
For convenience sake, we will scan and send you all the documents via email. You can then print them out and hand them over to the authorities concerned. But incase you require the originals please do inform us at least 10 days in advance, so that we can courier or fax it to you and this will take at least one week. (IMPORTANT: PLEASE CONFIRM THIS INFORMATION WITH US VIA EMAILING THE PERSON WHO SENT YOU THE BOOKLET JUST IN CASE THE DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS ARE SUDDENLY CHANGED BY THE EMBASSY) Please ensure that you have your visa in hand at least a week prior to arrival. Also carry all necessary documents mentioned above (including copies) even after you have received your Visa. NOTE: If you face any difficulties in getting the type of Visa mentioned above kindly contact us at the soonest.
Passport & Other Documents Make a photocopy of your passport, visa, ticket, credit card and other important documents you plan to bring with you. Store it separately and in a safe place. In case you lose it, it is much easier to get a duplicate when you have a copy. Remember to leave one copy at home with a friend or family member. The same goes for traveler cheque numbers and telephonenumbers to call in case you lose your credit card. While in Mumbai, you will be required to carry your passport around frequently on the first few days of your stay, that‟s why having a copy of it is all the more important.
Insurance & Medical Care There is no welfare system in India so please ensure that you are adequately insured and bring all related insurance papers with you. Make copies of these also! Consult your doctor early on to plan ahead for getting your vaccinations. Some of them require more than one injection, while some vaccinations should not be given together. It is recommended you seek medical advice at least six weeks before your departure. Record all vaccinations on an International Health Certificate, available from your doctor or government health department, and carry it with you (again, make a copy!). Some important vaccinations you may wish to consider are: Diphtheria & Tetanus: Both these diseases occur worldwide and you should be vaccinated at home. Check if a booster is necessary. Hepatitis A and B: A vaccine we recommend you should get. Cholera: Vaccination is now available and recommended. Rabies: Vaccination should be considered if you come for a long-term traineeship or if you are working with an NGO in remote areas or handling animals. Tuberculosis: Vaccination is usually given in the childhood. Ask your doctor for advice
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Malaria: Malaria occurs in most parts of India. Mumbai thankfully has the distinction of being a city that is mosquito free. But then this depends largely on which part of Mumbai you are living in and the risk is always present. Most doctors will recommend anti-malarial pills.
NOTE: It is not advisable to take malaria tablets for a period longer than 6 months, as it can have painful side effects and can also prevent treatment in case of actual malaria. Medical Care in Mumbai and most of India is at European standards and there are lots of good doctors (about Rs 50/- per consultation) and hospitals. Medication is reasonably cheap and most medicines are available. It is not necessary that you bring a big medical kit with you, just the medicine you need regularly.
Money You will need to bring sufficient money to live for the first month and set yourself up comfortably (300 - 500 US$ should be enough). After that, you can depend on your salary to cover living expenses (if you are not a DT trainee). However, it is unlikely that your salary will be able cover extra expenses like traveling, shopping, etc. If you have a credit card do bring it, along with traveler cheques. Once you open a local bank account in Mumbai you can have money transferred and credited to it.
What to pack As far as clothes go, remember not to pack too much. India is a great place to buy good quality clothes that are reasonably cheap. Just remember that for work you will need formal clothing: trousers, shirt and tie for men and formal dresses, skirt / trouser and blouse for women. Suits are normally not needed for work, but if you have one bring it along. For leisure, bring your jeans, shorts, T-shirts, a bathing suit, etc. If you plan on traveling throughout India, you may wish to bring a jersey or pullover for those colder days, especially in North India. Bring a pair of formal shoes for work and a pair of sneakers and sandals for general wear. After you arrive in Mumbai, you might be asked to make a presentation about yourself and your country. So please carry any material that will help you with this. This could include photographs, handouts, brochures, posters, your local music, local recipes, traditional clothing, national delicacies (tinned, or non-perishable please!), alcohol (gulp!!) and small souvenirs.
Arrival Details: Please notify us at AIESEC Mumbai well in advance (preferably atleast a week) of your exact arrival date with the time, airline and flight number you are arriving on. Most European airlines arrive in the middle of the night, so please be careful about the date! Do confirm all arrival details with us before you leave. We will be there to pick you up.
The Checklist: Things to bring (necessary since the trainee house is semi furnished) -
2 bed covers small pillow (cushion) Torch / Flashlight Sunglasses Small Backpack Medical Kit (mentioned above) Sewing Kit Small Travel Kit Travel Iron Spare set of spectacles or / and your prescription Pocket knife / Swiss Army knife Padlock with spare keys Travel alarm clock
Also bring Your country presentation items Food and beverages Pictures /postcards Ethnic costumes Any other things that are unique in your country Your National Flag, if possible
Things to bring (not necessary, recommended) Small Travel Fan Small Stereo system or Walkman Driving License (International only) Passport size photographs Toiletries Any AIESEC material that you feel is unique to your country
NOTE: Common toiletries like soap, shampoo, deodorants, shaving cream, etc. are readily available in Mumbai. If you want you can carry your toiletries for the first few days. Also, it is important to carry a phonebook with all important phone numbers (and e-mail addresses) of friends, family and your AIESEC Mumbai contact noted down. Carry this on you at all times, especially while you are traveling. Again, make a copy if you can. IMP As a final note; do remember to bring originals of all your important documents (passports, Visa, Insurance
papers, AIESEC correspondence) and copies of the same stored separately. Also leave another copy at home with a family member / friend. IMP
Aamchi Mumbai (slang for “Our Mumbai”) On the night of your arrival in Mumbai, there will be a few AIESECers to pick you up from the airport. Expect about 2 AIESECers, however depending on the time of the year, there may be more people to receive you (TIP- look for AIESEC posters or student/(s) wearing an AIESEC T-shirt). You will be dropped by local transport (rickshaw, taxi) either at your trainee house the place where you will be staying for your traineeship term or for a home stay with an AIESECer for the first night, for you to get accustomed to your new surroundings.
At the Airport Fill out the immigration form, which will be given to you in the airplane. If you are asked about your address in Mumbai, tell them you are to be picked up by friends and don‟t know. It does not matter. When you are at the baggage claim, don‟t be surprised if they put the luggage off the belt and between the belts. It might be a little chaotic to find your bags, so take your time & don‟t panic. Trolleys are available for free; you just might have to go looking for them though. Once you have everything, go through customs and exit the airport.
Reception at the Airport On your arrival, the AIESECers outside the airport will meet you. Usually 2 members come together, though sometimes it could be more (we are very enthusiastic about our trainees)! Recognition could be a problem since none of us would have seen the other before. So in order to overcome this, we here in AIESEC have developed a unique method of recognition that involves loud singing, waving banners and placards. So basically, the first people you see making fools of them selves as you exit the airport will most likely be the AIESECers. Again look for people waving an AIESEC poster or someone wearing an AIESEC T-shirt. Once all introductions and other antics are over, you will be taken to your current lodging.
In Case of an Emergency Suppose there is no one to greet you as you exit the airport. Don‟t panic! Just wait! Traffic in Mumbai can be pretty heavy at times and they might just not have arrived as yet. If after 1015 minutes there is still no sign of anybody to meet you, don‟t panic. Do not, under any circumstance try to get into a taxi on your own or get tempted by any offers of hotel rooms by people at the airport. Just head on over to the nearest Phone Booth and make a call either to your Trainee Account Manager, VP Exchange, or any other AIESEC Mumbai Members phone number you have with you. If you are using a P.C.O, you will probably need coins of Rupee 1 in denomination. You should be t these at the money exchange in the airport. If not, you can ask some people at the airport to lend you a couple of coins, they should oblige.
If you have no luck however, you can always and ask to use the Airport Managers phone, or you can ask one of the duty officers in charge. Once you contacted someone from AIESEC, all should be sorted out! IMP Remember, under no circumstances should you leave the airport without being accompanied by someone from AIESEC IMP
A few emergency contact details that may be of some good help : 1. Police hotline 100 2. Government Disaster Management Cell 22694725 3. Blood Banks 1910 4. Ambulance Services 1298 5. General Complaints 1916 6. Railway Any Emergency 23004000 7. Travel Agents Mumbai 149 8. Airport Police Helpline 28225709
Bombay Blues Your First few days: First Day: It is most probable that you will arrive in Mumbai late at night, and you will spend your first night at the home of your trainee account manager. Use this night and the next day to rest, get used to the new climate and recover from your jet lag. You will probably also taste your first real Indian home cooked meals. Later in the next few days you will be introduced to other members of AIESEC Mumbai. Your introduction to the company: An AIESECer, most likely your TAC (Trainee Account Manager), will introduce you to your company on the first day of work and make sure a comfort zone is established for you at your workplace. Registration: When you are in India for reasons of work, you have to register with the FRRO (Foreigners Police) within two weeks of your arrival. It will cost about Rs. 400/-. For this you will need 5 copies of the following (1 original + 4 photocopies): A letter from your company stating your purpose of stay and the conditions of the agreement, with a recent date 5 passport-size pictures (White Background) 5 Copies of your passport and visa 5 Copies of the guarantors passport (usually President of AIESEC Mumbai) FRRO registration forms, 4 copies ( 1 notary + 4 photocopies)
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A notarized guarantee on a Rs.100 stamp paper that AIESEC is responsible for you if something happens to you (you get a draft of the statement with the forms)
The FRRO is located near CST station, right in the heart of town. The sooner you get it done after you arrive the better, since then it will be out of the way. We will help you with your registration!
Procedure: Contact key account manager, no sooner than you get here and inform him of the type of your visa and the duration of your stay. If you are on a working/ employment/ business visa and will be living for a period of more than 180 days, you will have a statement on your visa page in your passport asking you to register at the Mumbai FRRO (police department). All you need to do is start collecting the above-mentioned documents and within 14 days of arrival, with the help of your TAC get yourself registered. This is a very important procedure; so make sure you get it done in time.
Cultural Tolerance and Western Outlook: Despite current rumors and myths presenting India in semblance to a village, the actual truth is something else. India on the whole is one of the leading Asian nations as far as technology, living conditions and being western goes. No facility that you find in other nations is in truth absent in India. This statement is definitely true as far as Mumbai is concerned. So once you fly down here, you donâ€&#x;t have to worry about missing basic amenities. Plus if you can provide for them, you might have a lot of comforts as well. Weâ€&#x;re referring to hygiene, conditions of roads, electricity, accessibility, modes of travels, available electronic networks, food outlets, housing , and sources of entertainment. The next important point is the broad cultural outlook of the people of Mumbai. We are definite representatives of the Indian culture, and there are definitive religious activities which are performed here. But there is absolutely no discrimination of any sort and nothing that bars you as an individual in practicing and preaching your culture over here. In Mumbai you are judged as the individual you are which is not based on caste, creed ,religion, sex, and national origin. Besides the people over here are friendly and helpful so you should not have any problems in getting around in the leading Indian metro, which is also one of the best linked as far as traveling outside and inside Mumbai is concerned.
Current Political Situation: NATIONAL: It must be clarified that Indian Politics are stable and non- interfering in daily life, despite some reported hassles of corruption at certain levels. At no point of time will your life and movements be constrained by any political law or activity unless it is something basic which is prevalent in all AIESEC countries.
INTERNATIONAL: India is a neutral nation with a mature international policy of NonAlignment. But it is very well equipped to handle the threat of any war. Anyway there is no threat to Mumbai as such even if India indulges in war which it has never done seriously since its 1971 military cameo against Pakistan. Mumbai is clear from any danger in any case. Assurances have also come from high sources that Mumbai is very well equipped to fight BioChemical disasters also. But the overall situation is absolutely safe and calm. Mumbai is all about the fast paced life that its people live and rather enjoy themselves in. Nothing except for work, learning, fun, cultural exchanges, personal accomplishments, new people, a variety of cultural and entertainment options, innovation options and professionalism in a social environment will affect your stay in India.
Your Security: With the normal measures that are required everywhere your safety will be very much assured in the city of Mumbai. Its streets are relatively safe even late in the night, and life goes on till late in the traditional discotheque, restaurants, and coffee shops in a respectable manner, that makes the streets perpetually bustling with life. Besides there are no hassles involved in traveling by bus or train for ladies. However just as a precaution the following steps can be enforced:
Always keep your wallet in your front pocket. Keep your important documents in a secure place and if possible file them for immediate reference and safe-keeping. Store your material in an organized manner. Never leave clothes, money or important documents in a thrown-around manner anywhere in your apartment. Keep a list of important numbers with you all the time, taken from a Mumbai, guide once you land in here. E.g. fire, insurance, police, hospitals, office, home, public stations, help lines etc….do not lose your visa and passport! Be wary of strangers.
Fascinating Facts: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Mumbai is the most westernized city in India. Mumbai is the financial capital of India. Mumbai is home to Bollywood, the leading Indian film industry. Mumbai is home to most of its film stars, models and celebrities, who are generally seen in a lot of hotspots around town. 5. Mumbai as a city has quite a taste for sport, seeing the number of clubs and games played here. 6. Mumbai has some of the best nightclubs, cafes and bars in India. 7. Mumbai houses a lot of big corporate offices. (Indian and foreign) e.g. HLL, Times of India, Aptech, Tata , Mahindra, Arthur Anderson, Ernst & Young, PWC, KPMG, Morgan Stanley, HSBC, HDFC, Standard Chartered, Citibank, etc 8. Mumbai is ONLY Indian city to have 3 cricket stadiums. 9. Mumbai has some of the best restaurants of India: - China Garden, China Gate, The Jewel of India, Lings Pavilion, Kandahar, Golden Orchid etc 10. Mumbai has the biggest Indian amusement park which is comparable with international standards, Essel World & Water Kingdom in the suburbs of the city. 11. Goa, one of the bet Indian vacation spots is close to Mumbai. 12. Mumbai people are the most outgoing, fun loving, tolerant, open minded, dynamic, and street smart people in ASIA. 13. Mumbai is the only city in India which NEVER sleeps and its also considered to be the SAFEST city in India.
For Our Beloved Trainees Being a part of the worldâ€&#x;s largest youth run organization, we in AIESEC in Mumbai meet and greet new enthusiastic individuals from another city or country almost every day. Going to a new place can be exciting as well as frightening. You are eager to explore new things and know people and also scared to venture on your own. As a local committee of Mumbai, we try our best to integrate our guests from various nations into our culture. Yes, the idea is to overwhelm them with awesomeness and activities that enhance their experience in the city of dreams. Thus was born Karaoke days. We host karaoke every Wednesday and invite all our new and old trainees to loosen up and enjoy. It is a platform, not only for us to meet new people, but also for them to interact amongst themselves and basically have a good time. Our latest addition for our trainees is the Sunday Football League where we make sure the trainees have a team of their own. This not only increases team bond but also forms roots for a friendly relationship. Apart from this, we are constantly engaging them with the local committee activities and forums so that they are updated with the latest happenings in the city and the organization. There are more exciting things being planned for them and will soon be executed one by one.
This Video Shall help you understand more about this small city, we like to call home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29MCqN4kJK8
Apart from all the other activities that take place within our city and the local committee, the Trainee hospitality department in AIESEC in Mumbai makes sure that the interns working in our city are comfortable and have an amazing experience within the city, we have exclusive trainee events held for example Sunday Football league, Global Village and Wednesday Karaoke nights! These events are the best way to interact and meet people within our city ď Š
Sunday Football league
Global Village
Wednesday Karaoke nights
Contact Us – The Executive Body Lateralus!
Names (L to R)
Designation
Email-id
Rishabh Mahnot Kalyani Khona
Director iGCDP Vice-President Business Development and Stakeholders Management Vice-President Buisness Development Vice-President IGCDP LCP Vice-President Talent Management Director iGIP Vice-President oGCDP Vice-President oGIP Director iGCDP Vice-President Quality Management Vice-President Expansions Vice-President Finance
rishabh.mahnot@aiesec.net kalyani.khona@aiesec.net
Vinay Buchasia Pragati Agarwala Gaurav Sathe Nadiya Shaikh
Pranav Pandit Ketaki Sodhi Rahul Solanki Anand Gopinathan Tina Dsouza Bryan D'silva Spoorthi M Bhakti Hinduja Nivedith Keswani Kavya Uchil
Shronit Ladhani Krupa Kapadia
Vice-President Information Management Vice-President iGIP Vice-President oGCDP Director iGIP Vice-President Marketing
vinay.buchasia@aiesec.net pragati.agarwala@aiesec.net gaurav.sathe@aiesec.net nadiya.shaikh1993@aiesec.net pranav.apndit@aiesec.net ketaki.sodhi@aiesec.net rahul.solanki@aiesec.net anand.gopinathan@aiesec.net tina.dsouza092@gmail.com bryan.dsilva@aiesec.net spoorthi.metlapalli@aiesec.net bhakti.hinduja@aiesec.net nivedith.keswani@aiesec.net kavya.uchil1@aiesec.net shronit.ladhani@aiesec.net krupa.kapadia@aiesec.net