‘India is like a second home for me… aur mera dil toh half Hindustani hai’: Slovak Ambassador to India Robert Maxian

For Slovak Ambassador to India Robert Maxian, the country is like a second home. As an envoy, he has been in Delhi since March 2022 but has spent 15 years in India. He describes the city as vibrant and its people optimistic, loves visiting Chandni Chowk, sampling Indian cuisine and Bollywood music.

In 1991-1992, on his first visit, Maxian pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in International Trade at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi. Between 2004 and 2009, he was the First Secretary and Head of Commercial Section, Embassy of the Slovak Republic, New Delhi. Before his posting in India, he was Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Slovak Republic, Budapest, Hungary from 2019-2021.

He is fluent in English, German, Russian and Hungarian and knows basic Hindi. He is married with two sons.

Maxian spoke to The Indian Express as part of a series of interviews with Ambassadors about Delhi — their home.

Edited excerpts:

Places in the city you love visiting often?

Old Delhi, to me, is the best place… it is very vibrant. I love Chandni Chowk where people are selling and cooking food, literally living there – everything happens on the street. Many places fascinate me in Old Delhi like Khari Baoli, Jama Masjid, the book market etc.

I would always take my delegations to Chandni Chowk or other places in Old Delhi, urging them to travel by cycle rickshaws. At first, they would be hesitant but later they would tell me it was the best experience of their lives – to see the real India.

Lodhi Garden is fantastic. Then there is Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, Qutub Minar, Mahavira Statue (Ahinsa Sthal), Bahai House of Worship… there is something for everyone.

Three things that stood out during your stay?

My most memorable visit to India was in 1991. I had come for a one-year post-graduate diploma programme in foreign trade at the very prestigious IIFT, New Delhi. It was organised under the scholarship, ITEC. It was a very challenging period. India was a closed economy at the time but had started to open itself with reforms to the world. A very similar process had started in my country during that time as well.

Secondly, our children grew up in India – the older one Michal was five years old and the younger Thomas came to India at four months old. Both studied at the British School in Delhi. So me and my wife are connected to India mostly through our children and this is very emotional for us.

The third thing would probably be coming back as an ambassador and seeing the revolutionary changes in Delhi and India overall.

Does the traffic bother you?

Traffic is surely an issue. But due to flyovers and the Metro, it has reduced greatly… I remember it was far worse during our second posting in India from 2004 to 2009. I think the Metro has partly compensated for the increased number of cars on the roads. I like driving my car in Delhi, especially on Saturday and Sunday when there is less traffic. There are some peak hours – we have to cope with these. I think post-2009, the traffic has been managed to an extent.

Favourite food in the city?

Indian food is number one in the world. My favourite is Bukhara in ITC, which is a signature restaurant, where I always take my delegations. I go here for three combinations – dal makhani, naan and sikandari raan. To digest the food, I would recommend lassi or a glass of beer.
We also like dining in Hyatt – there is a Chinese and an Italian restaurant and a Mongolian barbecue. I like that these two places are strategically located near the Slovak embassy.

I also love to cook Indian dishes. I can cook butter chicken, dal, murgh malai. Earlier, I had to rely on recipes but now I know the exact process and the ingredients. My family has a passion for Indian food.

How is Delhi different from other places that you’ve visited?

Delhi is vibrant and its people are optimistic… People here never say no because they always want to please you with their answers. However, you have to read them between the lines. In Delhi, you can easily make contacts and connections with people. They’re very frank and approachable. They have a big heart… always eager to help. The combination of colonial buildings and greenery is unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere.

If you want to see modern India, you can go to Gurgaon or Noida. They have skyscrapers and modern IT centres. This is opposite to what you see in many parts of Delhi – because construction here has its limits.

Anything you would suggest the administrators work on to make Delhi a better place?

I think more regular cleaning of Delhi is required. But it is also about the mindset of Delhiites. They should stop throwing waste on the streets. More needs to be done to tackle the high levels of pollution. We are restricted indoors and relying on air purifiers. Vehicles, stubble burning and Diwali – all of these contribute to raising the pollution levels in Delhi. The tragedy is that Delhi’s pollution coincides with the best time to visit and explore the city (temperature-wise).

Is there any city in your country that reminds you of Delhi?

I don’t think so. Although, I think Nainital is very similar to some small villages in Eastern Slovakia. We have mountains, rivers, lakes, wineries, valleys and around 200 castles – and the highest per capita in the world. I invite you to visit Slovakia and you will be amazed by our diverse landscape and beauty.

How would you describe Delhi to someone back home?

I would advise people to visit Delhi from October to February… and to split your stay effectively. You need separate days for various parts – one day should be reserved for South Delhi (like Qutub Minar), some days should be planned for Old Delhi etc. I would also advise them to stay in a comfortable hotel where they can have a pleasant time relaxing after their buzzing trips. Figuring out the logistics and having a place to rejuvenate are key.

Always take the help of guides, both books and people. Do your homework beforehand. I would recommend persons travelling here to do the triangle – Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. This was very difficult 20 years ago but it’s doable today since connectivity is much better.

Memories that will always stay with you?

My memories of this place are connected to its people. I’ve been to many countries as a diplomat, but in no other country have my connections been so strong with their people. In India, I made solid friendships and contacts which will stay with me for decades. I also admire the very rich history of India, yoga and handicrafts. It is phenomenal what Indian hands can create – such intricate products you will not find in other parts of the world.

In fact, my first visit to India in 1991 was connected to Bollywood movies. The romantic drama “Saajan” with Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan and others was highest highest-grossing film of the year. Dekha hai pehli baar, Saajan ki aankhon mein pyaar – I love this song very much. I feel very connected to this period through music. My other favourites include “Pardesi jaana nahi” and the slightly provocative “Chholi ke peeche kya hai”. Bollywood movies from the early 90s are a big part of my memory.

What will you miss when you say goodbye?

Delhi is a very colourful, vibrant and green city surrounded by colonial buildings – I love this combination. For example, the area between India Gate and Rajpath and all the greenery there – the best thing is that they’re nicely maintained. I will miss the colours of Delhi, and the smell of Delhi.

I will miss the people the most. They are very friendly and easygoing. I heard a saying in India – don’t solve the problem, rather have a glass of tea and the problem will be solved itself. Sometimes, I feel this approach is of great relevance.

Since we’re so attached to India, it will be very difficult to leave it. As I have already mentioned – Bharat mere liye doosre ghar jaisa hai… aur mera dil to half Hindustani hai.

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