Ambassador Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos of Paraguay praises Delhi for its resilience during the Covid pandemic, diverse food, and greenery. He shares experiences regarding pollution, traffic, and personal connections with the city. Notable memories include time spent with family amid the pandemic, and he anticipates missing the kindness of the people upon his departure.
Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, the Ambassador of Paraguay to India, has developed a deep appreciation for Delhi over his seven-year tenure. His admiration stems from the city’s rich food, diverse culture, and the remarkable resilience demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic. An alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School and an experienced economist, he has contributed extensively to trade facilitation and finance program design throughout his career.
Ramos has held significant positions in Paraguay, including president and CEO of the National Petroleum Corporation and director of the Central Bank. He played a vital role in establishing the first Country Development Bank in his nation. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, he shares his experiences and observations about life in Delhi with The Indian Express.
When asked about his favorite locations in Delhi, Ramos mentioned Aravalli and Nehru Park, where he enjoys outdoor exercises amidst greenery. He reflected on his initial impressions of the city, highlighting the lack of rain, chaotic traffic, and notable management of the Covid pandemic.
Pollution presents a significant challenge for Ramos in Delhi, prompting him to spend time in cleaner environments or indoors equipped with air filters. He noted that Paraguay relies heavily on renewable energy and expressed admiration for India’s shift toward sustainable energy sources.
On the topic of traffic, Ramos humorously likened Delhi’s auto drivers to Formula 1 racers and admitted that although he enjoys driving, heavy traffic limits his options. Sundays allow him some reprieve with quieter roads.
Culinary experiences in Delhi also capture his interest, particularly milder dishes. He appreciates the city’s diverse food scene, enjoying rice with curries, butter chicken, paneer, and dosas, and noted the similarities in greenery between Delhi and his home capital of Asuncion.
In comparison to other cities he has lived in, Ramos emphasized Delhi’s unique size and cultural diversity, contrasting it with the lack of a downtown area. Notably, he cherishes memories spent with his mother during the pandemic, recalling her extended visit as a personal highlight.
Upon his eventual departure from Delhi, he expressed that he would deeply miss the kindness of its people and the recreational activities, particularly tennis and golf, that he enjoyed with friends during weekends.
In conclusion, Ambassador Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos has expressed his profound appreciation for Delhi, citing its resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, rich culinary culture, and vibrant greenery. His experiences illustrate the unique aspects of city life, including challenges with pollution and traffic, while also reflecting on cherished memories and the kindness of its residents. As he prepares to leave, the ambassador will take with him a fondness for the people and the connections he has made.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
