Reflections on Delhi: Insights from Paraguay’s Ambassador to India

Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, Paraguay’s Ambassador to India, has expressed his admiration for Delhi, particularly noting its resilience during the Covid pandemic. He shares insights on his favorite places, traffic challenges, and the city’s culinary diversity while drawing parallels with his homeland. Ramos also reflects on his memorable experiences and the kindness of Delhi’s people.

Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, the Ambassador of Paraguay to India, has spent seven years in Delhi and has developed a deep appreciation for the city. He highlights its food, cultural diversity, and the friendly nature of its citizens, though he particularly commends Delhi’s resilience during the Covid pandemic. Ramos, an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School, has significant experience in trade negotiations and financial program development, contributing to initiatives such as the first Country Development Bank in Paraguay.

Having engaged in extensive professional roles, including president of the National Petroleum Corporation and director of the Central Bank of Paraguay, he speaks multiple languages, including Spanish and Portuguese, alongside English. In an interview with The Indian Express, Ramos shares his favorite spots in Delhi, naming Aravalli and Nehru Park for their greenery and conducive atmosphere for outdoor exercise, akin to Paraguay’s climate.

Regarding his experiences, he remarks on the lack of rainfall compared to Paraguay, the chaotic traffic, and, notably, the effective management of the Covid pandemic. While acknowledging the challenge of air pollution, Ramos notes his reliance on air filters and occasional escapes from the city to enjoy cleaner environments. He expresses admiration for India’s shift to renewable energy, paralleling Paraguay’s own energy production from hydropower.

On the subject of Delhi’s traffic, he humorously compares local drivers to Formula 1 racers, admitting that he typically avoids driving in congested conditions but enjoys driving on quieter Sundays. Ramos appreciates the diverse culinary heritage of India, favoring milder dishes such as butter chicken and dosas. He relates the city’s greenery to his homeland, drawing parallels between Asuncion’s trees and the Tajibo, the national tree of Paraguay.

Ramos finds Delhi unique due to its vastness and cultural diversity, noting the absence of a centralized downtown area. He reminisces about spending time with his mother during the pandemic, viewing it as a rare positive outcome of the situation. Ultimately, he will cherish the kindness of the people and his recreational activities, such as tennis and golf, which he will miss when he departs.

Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, the Paraguayan Ambassador to India, has developed a profound connection with Delhi over his seven years of residence. He appreciates the city’s resilience during the pandemic, its cultural richness, and the kindness of its people. His experiences reflect a blend of admiration for India’s advancements, as well as fond personal memories that will stay with him long after his departure.

Original Source: indianexpress.com