A dream realized

　　Nidhi SoniAN Indian with a slightly oriental visage, Ramnik Soni is amused to be mistaken as Chinese. “When I was very young, I dreamt of China, of it being a very green country, although I never thought I would visit it.”Working with Schlumberger, the French-American oilfield services corporate, in the Middle East and India and traveling to Europe and America, Ramnik finds his experience in China “different, yet amazing.”“There’s a lot to learn from the warm, polite and hardworking race. Managing a staff of 80 percent Chinese is not difficult. They learn quickly and are very dedicated, and they know how to deliver.”His encounters with Chinese people on a professional, as well as personal level, have shown that people are, by and large, very hospitable, friendly and warm-hearted.Ramnik is particularly impressed with the way Shenzhen has developed into a cosmopolitan hub over the past few years. “Hong Kong is a nice get-away for weekends but it cannot beat Shenzhen in its scenic beauty and expanse. “With newer places for recreation and partying, Shenzhen is fast grabbing the spotlight,” he said. In his spare time, Ramnik enjoys swimming or a game of tennis at the Whale Garden Club in Jingshan, Shekou. Recently introduced to golf at the Shekou driving range, he has taken a liking to the game. But his greatest passion is reading about theology and leadership. “I am fascinated by Taoism and its universal applicability.”Both he and his wife are fond of Chinese food, especially Sichuan fare. On the second day after their arrival, the couple was thrilled to discover an Indian restaurant next to their hotel in Shekou.