The fight against prejudice. The daily struggle to fulfil his dream when he is away from what is dearest to him, friends and the habit’s of a lifetime. To be considered only an outsider, an agent of crime, degradation and (today) of dangerous epidemies. James, now smiles behind his black moustache and eyes lost in memories. His story unravels along thousands of miles. He left Kerala (the region of southern India where he was born, known to us especially for the Marines case) to end up in the sunny coffee plantations of Uganda, passing through Rome, where he decides to settle and start a family: a wife and three children. The most valuable gem-stones more valuable than the ones he sells in his business.
Today he is enjoying success, the fruits of his dedication and commitment never ceasing to repeat and speak of his profound faith. The the same which, in his early years in Italy, brought him to pray and to find a way. “I am a Christian and Catholic, in India we are 3% out of a population of 1 billion. More or less the same number of Catholics as in Italy “he adds proudly. Siju (his real name) was predestined and he begged God to help him achieve his objective: to enter the world of commerce. His job then as a butler at the service of the wealthy family Brachetti Peretti, at the summit of the oil holding company Api, could have been sufficient for him. It did ensure him and his wife more than a dignified life. But no, Giacomo was still looking out for his Klondike.
“The answer” came unexpectedly from a jewelry centre, thanks to the encounter with a stranger and what seemed a few,
insignificant words. “Indians are best at diamonds “. “It was a sign from above-says Siju today – I realized that was my way “. He flew to India, bought 500 Euros worth diamonds and returned to Italy. The sale of those diamonds made his lucky number one strike! “For the following few years, I kept on working as a butler and during my breaks I would go around with the salesmen to all of the best shops in Rome. After some time, everyone in the sector got to know me. “.
The came the moment when a choice had to be made. With credibility and his own personal company behind him, Siju decided to leave his job as buttler. The leap into the unknown did not frighten him the least, not even when in 2010, he met up with the first economic problems. “Some companies were not paying me and so I prayed again. The answer was quick to come “. James understood that whoever dares hesitate in business, gets lost. “I knew I had to differenziate with the products. With a partner I opened up a travel- agency. Then I started exporting. Second-hand clothing from Naples to India. Finally I go tinto the coffee business. “. But success did not lead James to forget his origins. “I was given so much – he says – and I wondered what I could do to help those who were less fortunate “. So Siju managed in turning his fortune on one occasion for doing good to others by offering work to the poor on his plantations in Uganda.
The story of James is but just one of the many success stories of 400 thousand foreign entrepreneurs who produce wealth in our country. According to a survey at the beginning 2014, their work accounts for 11.2% of Italian Gdp ($ 200 billion). Not only do they create employment (one need only. Think of 3 million Italians employed in their businesses) and pay over to Inps something like 10 billion Euros annually for pension schemes. Their strength springs especially from the life that they have left behind. The memory of hunger, poverty and in many cases of abuses against them in their countries of origin, which spurs them on and to face life’s adversities. Naturally, there are difficulties and more often than not, there is distrust on the part of the ordinary man in the street.”If I had to give advice to anyone who is in Italy, I would tell him to learn the language. Otherwise he will always be considered a foreigner, “says James.
In short, the tale of “Italians-good people”, those that immigrated with their cardboard suitcases, seems now relegated to dusty schoolbooks. We have been a population of migrants, but our ability to welcome has gradually reduced having increased our well-being. For this reason, Siju’s life and those like him who have found their lot in our country is a slap to prejudice. Whoever keeps on considering these people as being aliens in our own backyard, unapproachable, and dangerous.
And who blindfold their eyes, cannot see the amazing opportunity they are to us all.
Translation provided by Marina Stronati