Five Questions “Bonn is a truly lovely city to raise a family”
Bonn · In this GA-English series, we talk to members of Bonn’s rich and engaging international community. Today, Jayanti Srinivas tells us about her life and her involvement with the Indian Association Bonn.
In the GA-English series FIVE QUESTIONS, we hope to give you a little glimpse into our diverse international community. This month we talk to Jayanti Srinivas. Originally from Mumbai, Jayanti (45) is president of the Indian Association Bonn and a busy working mum. She is a doctor trained in homeopathic medicine and is currently working as a science teacher at the Independent Bonn International School. She and her husband have two sons aged 19 and 14; one is at university in the Netherlands and the other attends Bonn International School.
What brought you to Bonn? How long have you been here and how long do you plan to stay?
We came to Bonn because of my husband’s job with Deutsche Post DHL. We moved with DHL from Mumbai to Brussels and then to Bonn in August 2004, so we’ve been here nearly 15 years and would love to continue living here in the future.
What part of the lifestyle has been the easiest or most challenging to adapt to?
The easiest parts of life in Bonn have been a congenial and welcoming work place for my husband and a wonderful, multicultural school environment for our boys, who first studied at the Independent Bonn International School and then moved to Bonn International School. We were also welcomed by the Indian community in Bonn, which helped us settle in and feel at home.
The biggest challenge I faced was the language. I had just studied French up to C1 level in Brussels and had hoped to begin work there, as I qualified as a homeopathic doctor in India. Having to learn German from scratch as the next foreign language was a bit challenging, though exceedingly rewarding!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends and am actively involved with the Indian Association Bonn, of which I have been President since 2014. We organise events showcasing Indian culture with celebrations such as Holi, the festival of colours and Diwali, the festival of lights. We also promote Indian dance and music, with programs by artists from India among a variety of events during the year.
I am also on the committee for the Boy Scout troop in Bonn as both my boys are scouts. As well as all this, I enjoy singing in an international choir and am an avid reader.
Which season is your favourite in Bonn and why?
Autumn, with its wonderful array of colours! The weather is cooler, and I can never have enough of the wonderful view of the Siebengebirge along the Rhine.
What’s your best insider tip for people living in Bonn?
Bonn is a truly lovely city to raise a family and the rich, multicultural environment encourages open mindedness and a global mindset. But to truly understand and appreciate the city and the wonderful local community, learning the language plays a vital role. So, my tip would be to learn the language as quickly as you can and keep practising it as often as possible. It really does open up a whole new, rich and meaningful perspective to living in Bonn and Germany.
For more information on the Indian Association Bonn, visit their website at www.iab-online.org.
