Ashwani thrives on adventure. That’s why, seven years ago, he decided to quit as professional cricketer in India to get down to serious business. This transition also meant standing on his own feet and moving from the comfort of his parents’ home in New Delhi. He chose Mauritius because it is a “home away from home.”

When Ashwani first arrived in Mauritius and was waiting for his residence permit to go through, he was informed that Interpol was looking for him. Shocked, he later realised that it was just a case of mistaken identity. A few months later, it was all sorted out. That was nearly eight years ago. Most people would be forgiven for wanting to flee there and then. But not Ashwani Sood. The man is made of much more positive stuff!

Think self-confident, think extrovert, think happy go lucky, think positive. This is Ashwani. Nothing fazes this man. He is constantly laughing, he sees no problem in anything and he is having a ball earning a living in Mauritius. After bustling Delhi, does he get bored here? “Not at all, I am constantly going out, there are so many things to do!” Like what? “Golf, tennis, parties, barbecue parties…” he replies matter-of-factly.

On his desk, a huge bowl, full of… golf balls! I laughed and asked why. “To play, of course! It’s not a display, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Another word for the man is unpredictable. Try asking Ashwani what he likes most in Mauritius and he thinks hard before saying simply: “the simple way of life.” When asked to elaborate, he has a most beautiful thing to say: “This is a country where I can live the way I want and be myself.” How’s that for a great answer?

The thing he likes the least? Oh, that’s a tough one… Ashwani thinks… and thinks and thinks. Silence. Eventually, he tells me “I can’t think of anything!” Surprised? Wait, that’s not all… And so I insist. Eventually he jumps from his chair. “I know!” Yes? “There are not enough single girls around!” There we go! Ashwani is a bachelor and, while his parents have expressed the wish to see him settle down, their youngest son remains a romantic at heart. “I believe in doing things my own way and besides, I am not in a hurry…”

As a professional cricketer, Ashwani traveled the world; he has been to over 30 countries. As a businessman dealing in textiles… he travels about once a month. “It’s important, otherwise you might start suffering from claustrophobia!” A “news freak”, Ashwani wakes up every morning and rushes to his computer to find out what has happened in the world while he was slumbering. He hates missing out on things. That’s why he feels a bit lost at the lack of local news in English but, taking everything in stride as usual, Ashwani shrugs his shoulders. “I try to catch the news in Hindi…”

The recurrent complaint of expatriates is the driving in Mauritius. “My God, I come from India, so this is good by my standards!” replies the man. See what I mean? Nothing fazes him…