Inspiring Reflections from Sudan to Cherish

In my previous post, I provided context about my initial hesitation before moving to Sudan and how remarkable my journey turned out to be during my stay of 8 years.

This experience highlights a common aspect of life – many of our experiences exceed our expectations when we actually live them, often surpassing the perceptions portrayed by the media.

Sudan endured severe economic sanctions for over two decades, which restricted access to technology and financial markets. However, the Sudanese people displayed incredible innovation and resilience, akin to the Indian concept of "Jugaad," to partially overcome these sanctions, benefiting both organizations and individuals.

Sudan is undoubtedly a blessed country, with reports suggesting that 70 percent of the Nile's water flows through its territory. The confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile takes place in Khartoum, and with 90% of the year being sunny, Sudan holds great potential to become a major agricultural hub in Africa.

Through this article, I aim to share some of my experiences that might fill both Indians and Sudanese with pride. It is a celebration of Sudan's nature, culture, and values, as well as an expression of gratitude to the Sudanese people for teaching me invaluable life lessons.

One of the first things that struck me in 2015 was the economic adversity facing Sudan. Over  eight years, the value of the Sudanese pound (SDG) further plummeted from 9 SDG/$ to 580 SDG/$, indicating a significant erosion of the Sudanese economy.

However, when I interacted with the people, I encountered the opposite – everyone wore a smile and exuded optimism. Despite enduring long queues for basic necessities like bread and fuel during many years, both men and women patiently waited, often making way for foreigners with warm smiles.

Speaking of cultural values, Sudanese prioritize attending funerals over weddings, believing that supporting one another in times of sorrow holds greater importance than celebrating in times of joy.

Marriages in Sudan are expensive affairs, with men working diligently to accumulate the necessary funds. Entire families and colleagues contribute to cover the wedding expenses.

Football and music hold a special place in Sudanese hearts. They have a deep love for football, even having won the 1970 Africa Cup of Nations, and their music, soothing and played in restaurants and theaters, is cherished.

Sudanese also share a fondness for Indian movies, with Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan being household names. Their sweet tooth matches that of Indians.

Sudan places a strong emphasis on women in leadership roles. As Sudan’s best private sector company, "DAL Group", we recruited top graduates, with over 50 percent of them being women. The world witnessed the pivotal role Sudanese women played in the 2019 Sudan revolution. Roadside tea stalls are often managed by women, creating a colorful and friendly place for a catch-up amongst friends.

Happiness for Sudanese goes beyond the conventional definition. Their lives revolve around family, with a deep respect and love for parents. Extended families function as cohesive units, offering support in times of need, which has been instrumental in facing economic challenges. Gratitude is a huge underlying human expression that pervades Sudanese approach to life. Sharing meals from the same plate fosters closer bonds and minimizes waste.

Sudanese are content and not driven solely by ambition. There's a noticeable absence of the rat race often seen elsewhere. They are willing to work collaboratively, value seniority and experience, and welcome feedback with positivity.

Respect is a fundamental aspect of their relationships, especially in the employer-employee dynamic, where cordiality prevails, and expats are embraced for their knowledge transfer.

Education holds great importance for Sudanese parents, who invest considerable time in supporting their children's studies. I've personally witnessed my Sudanese colleagues dedicating hours daily to help their children with their education, leading to impressive language skills development. Even my driver of 8 years became fluent in English and later taught his 4 children some basics of English language.

Charity flows naturally in Sudanese culture. Virtually everyone contributes to support those less fortunate, creating a robust social support system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed employees dipping into their pockets to aid those in need.

I hope this post provides you with valuable insights into Sudan and its wonderful people.

Please help spread the word about Sudan and join me in hoping for the return of peace and normalcy to this remarkable country.

#ReflectingOnThePast #SudaneseCulture #SudanInMyHeart #SudanExperience #RamMallya