Hyderabad, March: An email from Sai Nagesh after his visit to Pakistan for the 1st one day match.

Folks,

  This mail has nothing to do with work. just wanted to share
  certain very overwhelming experiences. Had been to Karachi for the
   1st one dayer in Pakistan.

   1. Imagine 39,990 Pakistanis & 50  of us Indians cheering lustily
      'for' each other, throwing chocolates at us !!. Quite a few
      were carrying the flags of both countries imaginatively stitched
      together. Then they all stood to give a standing ovation to the
       Indian  cricket team !

   2. Guy on the street selling 'bhuttas' refused to accept money
       saying that we were 'mehmaan' in their country !!

   3. People rushing to shake our hands on the streets & asking us to
      come to their home for dinner

   4. Restaurant owners refusing to accept the bill payment after
      coming to know that we were from India

   5. Everybody we met & we met quite a few, had some relative staying
      in India.

   6. Star plus is the most favourite channel in Karachi

   7. There was a TV star called Heena ?? who was sitting in the
      stadium, one Pakistani put up a impromptu banner saying "heena,
      will u marry me ?"!!

   8. Shops gave us 40 to 50% discount ...........India again

   9. Taxis, autos, army guys......the list is
      endless.......everywhere loads of courtesy, respect.....
       more than we would get in our own country !!!!!

      It is really sad that we have an impression of that country that
      is  so negative. this experience teaches one that......"Perception is not reality".

-Warm Regards
Sai Nagesh,
Director- Mktg & Corporate Affairs,
Group M Media India.