While he was working for British American Tobacco (BAT) in Singapore, Mohammad Aleem, a native of Pakistan, was asked to choose between Mauritius or Greece for his next posting. ?Mauritius was the best choice, family-wise,? the general manager of BAT Mauritius firmly believes.

Pakistan?s National Day, celebrated today is a very special occasion for him and, with a touch of emotion, Mohammad Aleem explains that he makes it a point to ensure that his four children are well-versed in the history of their native country. ?This day is a symbol of the struggle for freedom my country went through to attain independence.?

Although he is obviously greatly attached to Pakistan, Mohammad Aleem is very happy in Mauritius. Is it because his family has settled so well here? ?Sure! If my family hadn?t settled properly, I would not have been happy. This country is very easy to settle in, and I was pleasantly surprised at how we were all welcomed with open arms.? The whole family seems to enjoy Mauritius very much. His wife is busy - sometimes even more so than he is himself ? active in various ladies groups and social clubs. His children even speak Creole fluently! ?I can understand Creole, but have difficulty speaking it. I think it?s a question of age,? he admits with a laugh.

He lives in Floreal and seems to enjoy its climate, contrary to all expectations. ?It is quite a positive change compared to the severe dry weather we have in the southern part of Pakistan and anyway, it is only five minutes away from the Gymkhana, where I play golf!? He is a lover of sports, and says humorously that he even plays golf «religiously»! Unfortunately cricket, his other passion is hardly practiced here, especially when compared to Pakistan where it is as popular as football is here! That?s one aspect of home he does miss and says he compensates for it with the television and the internet.

But being a very ?mobile person?, he has learnt to accept that every country has its good and bad sides. ?I don?t like the Port-Louis traffic jams ? nobody likes them but it is a reality and we all have to live with it,? he comments very matter-of-factly. He doesn?t like complaining and prefers seeing the positive aspects of Mauritius, like the ?freedom of expression and the tolerant attitudes people have towards each other.?

Mohammad Aleem thinks that, due to his international exposure, he knows how to build relationships with various stakeholders in the community. He indeed enjoys every opportunity he has to speak Hindi (in which he is fluent, as well as his native urdu) either with friends, officials and the tobacco growers when he meets them.

He has made many good friends through his stay in Mauritius and the active part he plays in the community. ?My friends have become like part of my family to me, and I will never lose contact with them.? He adds that Mauritius has made such a lasting impression on him that when he leaves to take up another post elsewhere, he will come back, even if it?s only for holidays.