"Chennai, my India."

“Chennai, my India.”

Fabio Salvadori reveals the still little-known face of India: the city of Chennai and its dynamic reality.

Kuwait, London, and Spain (Valencia, to be precise). And then, again, Qatar. Fabio Salvadori has always moved with an international projection. A degree in Computer Science in his pocket, a past as an innovation leader and Chief Technology Officer in several companies, and a present as a mentor, coach, author, facilitator, and consultant, Fabio has for some time now added the Indian city of Chennai to his list of places to work from. Located in the south of the great Asian country, it is not exactly the first of the cities that may come to mind when one thinks of India. With Fabio, we try to find out more about this amazing reality.

Fabio, how come Chennai specifically?

Actually it was Chennai that chose me! Two years ago I wrote the book “Impact,” with Sujith Ravindran, which was released by Ayros Publisher. It is a book dedicated to the possibility of rediscovering one’s innovative potential by working on oneself. And it was working with Sujith (Indian coach and trainer, ed.) on the practical implementation of the concepts in the book that I came across this city, which is stimulating and very interesting, and which I have started to frequent for several months out of the year-in fact, in a few days I will be there again for an event with an incubator.

What makes Chennai so inspiring?

Chennai is a young city, not particularly large, at least not by Indian standards (“only,” so to speak, 4.5 million inhabitants, ed.), in which there are several communities with which it is easy to connect: digital nomads, expats active in the technology sector, developers, entrepreneurs, innovators and local activists open to discussion. In addition, there is no shortage of co-working spaces, startups, scaleups, accelerators and events. Added to this is a true authenticity, which, in my opinion, is a decisive factor in really getting in touch with what is different from us, and thus growing.

To whom would you recommend Chennai as a destination for an overseas experience?

Those who wish to experiment or concretize a project of their own will find in Chennai a reality where they can give themselves this possibility, moreover at low cost compared to many other cities and countries. I am thinking especially of those who have recently finished their university studies: getting in touch with India can generate some great opportunities.

Any suggestions for those considering Chennai and moving there for a period of time?

India, especially for first-time visitors, can be objectively shocking. Everything is particularly intense. The suggestion, therefore, is to prepare well for your stay, making all the necessary contacts, planning what you will then go on to do, and creating from Italy the right conditions.

In your opinion, can Chennai become a city in the new geography of those seeking an overseas experience?

In a world that is reshaping its geopolitical profile, India will become increasingly relevant: it is certainly a complex and challenging nation, but it has a very young average population, it is focusing heavily on digital and innovation, and English is spoken widely. These are all decisive factors for anyone who looks to the future with curiosity. In this sense, Chennai is one of those places not to be missed because of its entrepreneurial vibrancy, technological skills and innovation spaces. Plus the people are friendly, the food is great, the nature is wonderful, and there is the second longest beach in the world.

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