TAMILNADU, INDIA—On his first voyage to India in December 2015, Robert Sun, creator of the award-winning First In Math educational program, got a taste of traditional Indian hospitality—where the guest is royalty.
His arrival was heralded by a large group of students and educators from Shree Sarasswathi Vidhyaah Mandheer (SSVM) World School, who came to the Coimbatore airport to receive Sun and welcome him to a two-week tour of India. Donning hand-made badges and bearing flags with his picture, they garlanded Sun with fresh flowers and draped him in the traditional silk shawl.
Many greetings, meetings and feasts kept Sun busy during his two-week visit to India. Among other engagements, he was a featured speaker at the 76th IPSC Principal’s Conclave held at The Lawrence School, Ooty. Above, two dancers perform a classical dance recital.
At SSVM, Dr. Manimekalai Mohan, founder and managing trustee, along with her husband, S.Mohan Doss, trustee, and lead administrator, Mr. Karthikeyan, welcomed Sun with a garland of 1001 fresh cardamoms. Later, students performed the traditional Indian Bharatnatyam classical dance recital in front of a gorgeously-decorated, hand-painted backdrop celebrating the elements of the First In Math program.
SSVM’s top First In Math player, Narain Loganathan, offered insightful words in a speech that preceded an even more inspiring address by Sun to the entire faculty, students and several hundred parents.
In addition to enjoying the speakers, the guest of honor was impressed with the entertainment. “The dancers were incredible, everything was so colorful and rich,” says Sun, who explains that his description of the dancers could also be applied to the local cuisine. “The meals were delicious and so well-prepared.”
Sun enjoys a traditional banana leaf lunch.
“The reception I received at the airport, at SSVM—and really from everyone in India—was so warm and such an honor,” says Sun.
We look forward to publishing several additional reports on Sun’s journey, including coverage of the IPSC Conclave and meetings with top educators and entrepreneurs in India.