Voice of the Diaspora
Ashwini from Bihar: Building Bridges Between India and Mexico
A Bihar native shares his journey of work, culture, and community in Mexico City
Could you introduce yourself—your name and where you're from?
My name is Ashwini. I'm from Patna, Bihar, in India.
How long have you been living in Mexico, and what brought you to this vibrant country?
It's been more than a year now. I came in November 2023, and I've been living here since that time. It's been quite an experience.
What opportunity led you to Mexico—was it work, studies, or something else entirely?
It was for work. My company decided to start a new team here in Mexico. They put out an Excel form for interested employees, I filled it out, and here I am now. It's been an exciting transition.
Did you have other international options available, or was Mexico your first choice?
Actually, this was the first option I got, and I'm really thankful for it. Right now, this is the one opportunity I have, and I'm grateful for how things worked out.
How has your overall experience been in Mexico, particularly regarding the people and culture?
Yeah, I really appreciate the people here. They are so helpful all the time, and the culture is really nice. I genuinely appreciate it. There's a warmth here that makes you feel welcome.
What stands out to you most about Mexican culture that you've experienced?
I've noticed how helpful they are in the moment. Even when you don't understand the language, they will still come and help you out. They also try to include you in things, which I really appreciate. Also, the weather is very nice here, and there's less pollution compared to what we're used to in India.
It's been more than a year now. I came in November 2023, and I've been living here since that time. It's been quite an experience.
What opportunity led you to Mexico—was it work, studies, or something else entirely?
It was for work. My company decided to start a new team here in Mexico. They put out an Excel form for interested employees, I filled it out, and here I am now. It's been an exciting transition.
Did you have other international options available, or was Mexico your first choice?
Actually, this was the first option I got, and I'm really thankful for it. Right now, this is the one opportunity I have, and I'm grateful for how things worked out.
How has your overall experience been in Mexico, particularly regarding the people and culture?
Yeah, I really appreciate the people here. They are so helpful all the time, and the culture is really nice. I genuinely appreciate it. There's a warmth here that makes you feel welcome.
What stands out to you most about Mexican culture that you've experienced?
I've noticed how helpful they are in the moment. Even when you don't understand the language, they will still come and help you out. They also try to include you in things, which I really appreciate. Also, the weather is very nice here, and there's less pollution compared to what we're used to in India.
Do you notice similarities between Indian and Mexican cultures?
Yeah, I've found a lot of similarities. They also have great family values, just like us. They're very inclusive and very helpful as people. A lot of things are similar between the two cultures. Even the food—they have spicy food, we have spicy food. It's kind of different in preparation, but the love for spice works out well for us Indians.
Since we're on the topic of food, what's your favorite Mexican dish that you've discovered?
I like sopa de tortilla a lot—it's become one of my favorites. Then there are churros, of course. I also enjoy chilaquiles. There are a few more things I like, but I don't remember the names at this moment. But yeah, these would be my top picks.
How do you keep Indian traditions alive here—do you celebrate festivals like Holi or Diwali often in Mexico?
Yeah, I try to. I came here with my friends, so we make efforts to celebrate the important festivals that we used to celebrate back in India. We try to take part in events like this Holi celebration we're at today. It brings joy and connects you to India a little bit more, which is important when you're living far from home.
What are your thoughts on this Holi event you're attending today?
It's a nice event. They've done good things organizing it. This is actually my second time here. Last time was quite fun, and I'm hoping this time will be equally enjoyable. It's great to see the Indian community come together like this.
What do you miss most about India, especially around festival times?
I miss festivals quite a bit during those times. When I'm on video calls with family, I feel like I could have been there with them. Sometimes I miss the food from home too. But yeah, being there for my family events and festivals—that's definitely the thing I miss the most.
What challenges have you faced while living in Latin America, particularly in Mexico?
I think one major challenge is that if you know the local language well—Spanish, in this case—it will help you a lot. That's one thing I'm working on. Also, if you try to take part more in their cultural activities and understand how things work here, it makes a difference. Like here, people say "good afternoon" and "good evening" all the time as greetings. Those little cultural things we should really adopt and practice.
How's your Spanish coming along so far?
A little bit. I'm learning, but there's definitely more to go. It's a process, but I'm making progress.
Finally, what message would you like to share with Indians reading this who might be curious about Mexico or considering making a similar move?
I feel that Mexico is a great place, and it's a great opportunity if you want to live in some other country. You won't feel that much difference from India in terms of culture and warmth. It would be a great experience. If you can learn a little bit of Spanish, it will definitely help you. And yeah, I think you should go for it if you get the chance. I'm really enjoying it here, and you might enjoy it too.
Yeah, I've found a lot of similarities. They also have great family values, just like us. They're very inclusive and very helpful as people. A lot of things are similar between the two cultures. Even the food—they have spicy food, we have spicy food. It's kind of different in preparation, but the love for spice works out well for us Indians.
Since we're on the topic of food, what's your favorite Mexican dish that you've discovered?
I like sopa de tortilla a lot—it's become one of my favorites. Then there are churros, of course. I also enjoy chilaquiles. There are a few more things I like, but I don't remember the names at this moment. But yeah, these would be my top picks.
How do you keep Indian traditions alive here—do you celebrate festivals like Holi or Diwali often in Mexico?
Yeah, I try to. I came here with my friends, so we make efforts to celebrate the important festivals that we used to celebrate back in India. We try to take part in events like this Holi celebration we're at today. It brings joy and connects you to India a little bit more, which is important when you're living far from home.
What are your thoughts on this Holi event you're attending today?
It's a nice event. They've done good things organizing it. This is actually my second time here. Last time was quite fun, and I'm hoping this time will be equally enjoyable. It's great to see the Indian community come together like this.
What do you miss most about India, especially around festival times?
I miss festivals quite a bit during those times. When I'm on video calls with family, I feel like I could have been there with them. Sometimes I miss the food from home too. But yeah, being there for my family events and festivals—that's definitely the thing I miss the most.
What challenges have you faced while living in Latin America, particularly in Mexico?
I think one major challenge is that if you know the local language well—Spanish, in this case—it will help you a lot. That's one thing I'm working on. Also, if you try to take part more in their cultural activities and understand how things work here, it makes a difference. Like here, people say "good afternoon" and "good evening" all the time as greetings. Those little cultural things we should really adopt and practice.
How's your Spanish coming along so far?
A little bit. I'm learning, but there's definitely more to go. It's a process, but I'm making progress.
Finally, what message would you like to share with Indians reading this who might be curious about Mexico or considering making a similar move?
I feel that Mexico is a great place, and it's a great opportunity if you want to live in some other country. You won't feel that much difference from India in terms of culture and warmth. It would be a great experience. If you can learn a little bit of Spanish, it will definitely help you. And yeah, I think you should go for it if you get the chance. I'm really enjoying it here, and you might enjoy it too.
Interview conducted at a Holi celebration in Mexico City, March 2026