Sugatha (transliteration), a professor from the Oil Crops Research Center of India, is now working in the Kunming branch of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of Chinese Academy of Sciences. And Oma, a doctoral candidate, is also studying in the branch. Coincidentally, both of them come from south India. Having been living in Yunnan for some time, they are satisfied with the people and the nice weather here. Most importantly, they live happily here.
Life in Yunnan
Sugatha chose to work in Kunming for two reasons. "Being different from Beijing and Shanghai, Kunming is a quiet and harmonious city." said Sugatha, and she also added that when she was working in the United States, she saw many Chinese people who were so warmhearted and were willing to help others all the time. Then, she decided to work in Yunnan and to enjoy the harmonious atmosphere. In the past two months, Sugatha has received much help from her colleagues and students both in her work and life. The hospitality of Kunming people impressed her deeply.
" I know more or less about Yunnan. Shangri-La, Dali and Lijiang are three well-known tourist destinations in Yunnan. But I just have been to Jindian Park, Yeya Lake and Xishuangbanna before." Oma replied. He felt at home in Xishuangbanna, for the weather there is similar to that of his home India. It is a very beautiful place.
Work and study in Yunnan
Oma prefers to biology than mathematics. Moreover, of all the students in India, 90 percent of which are inclined to study engineering, which may lead to a grim employment in the future. So he choose the biology that he is interested in at last.
The reason why Sugatha choose to do research can be partly ascribed to the edification of his father, who is a chemist. Professor Sugatha specializes in Jatropha curcas and castor-oil plant, which belong to oil crops. Jatropha curcas is one of the popular crops that are studied in many research institutes in China, including Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. It can be used as biodiesel and plays a big role in energy conservation, environmental protection and cyclic utilization of resources.
Differences between life in Yunnan and India
In Oma's impression, many TV programs in China are played for recreation, while in India, programs on agriculture account for most. If the city set up more programs for plant and environmental protection, it would be more beautiful.
When it comes to social welfare, Oma said that it is more expensive to go to hospital in India than in Kunming. Medical fee is one of the main expenditure of households. In general, few Indian can enjoy social welfares.
