Arto Sivonen, a Finnish impact strategist and co-founder of Common Ground, has shared profound insights from his time living in Bengaluru, India. Having previously worked in various countries including South Korea, Kenya, and South Africa, Sivonen describes his move to India as an experiment to understand a fundamentally different way of life, one that offers perspectives Finland often lacks.
For Sivonen, Bengaluru represents a unique combination: a city that is both digitally advanced and deeply rooted in everyday realities. He noted that the most striking contrast wasn't infrastructure or technology, but rather the stark differences in human interaction and social dynamics.
A Tale of Two Cultures: Helsinki's Silence vs. Bengaluru's Warmth
Sivonen observed a significant cultural divide in social interaction. He described Finnish society as one where people maintain distance, speak sparingly, and value personal space. This contrasts sharply with India, where he encountered a pervasive sense of communal belonging, encapsulated by the phrase “everything belongs to everyone.”
The constant movement and interaction in Bengaluru even prompted Sivonen to re-evaluate his own need for personal space. He noted that for the first time in his life, he began to pay more attention to his home as a sanctuary for rest and quiet, a direct response to the lively and often overwhelming environment of the Indian city.
Despite the initial sensory overload, Sivonen expressed deep admiration for the openness and mutual support he witnessed. He highlighted the magnificent social skills prevalent in India, where people readily connect and assist each other, a quality he often misses when returning to Finland.
Bengaluru: Where High-Tech Meets Street Reality
Sivonen finds Bengaluru’s blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional street-level realities particularly compelling. He points to the juxtaposition of pervasive online ordering and high-tech industries with common occurrences like power outages, potholes, and even tractors on city streets.
Reflecting on the culinary scene, Sivonen praised the authentic and high-quality Southern Indian street food available in numerous small eateries across the city. However, he also noted a tendency for Bengaluru's higher-end restaurants to mimic European designs and concepts rather than developing a distinct local identity.
Global Strengths for Global Challenges
When considering how different cultures could contribute to solving global issues, Sivonen proposed an ideal mix of three strengths: Finland’s emphasis on equity, Japan’s precision and discipline, and India’s remarkable flexibility and ability to approach problems from multiple angles. He stressed that India's deep history, spirituality, and diversity foster an openness to possibilities, allowing people to hold and process multiple perspectives simultaneously.
In contrast, he suggested that Finland’s inherent simplicity, while efficient, can sometimes limit imagination, leading to a more singular, 'yes-or-no' approach to problem-solving.
Addressing India's Sustainability and Equity Gaps
Despite his appreciation, Sivonen identified India’s most significant challenge as achieving inclusive sustainability that benefits everyone. He highlighted the vast income gap and inequality, questioning the feasibility of sustainability for those struggling to meet daily needs.
Sivonen also critiqued what he perceives as superficial sustainability efforts, where eco-friendly practices are adopted for appearance rather than genuine change. He argued that true sustainability requires addressing fundamental human and equity issues, not just cosmetic alterations.
Building Common Ground: Connecting Across Borders
Sivonen co-founded Common Ground with Bengaluru-based partner Anna Dias to foster global connections and break down silos between cultures. The organization, operational in Bengaluru for several months, plans to expand with offices in Helsinki and Nairobi.
Beyond business, Sivonen is passionate about using design as a tool for social change, encouraging young designers to apply their skills to address meaningful societal challenges rather than solely focusing on commercial projects. He believes design holds immense power that should be harnessed for greater good, a mission he aims to instill in the next generation of creatives.