Akshat, an Indian by birth, has spent last two decades living in different cultures around the world. He was raised in Dublin before moving to the United States and to Spain. He earned professional experience in Qatar and South Korea. Other than short stints in other countries for university, Akshat has been a resident of the UK for the last five years. He takes up the mantle of global citizenship without compromising his politics. Earlier this week, he had dinner at Huo Belsize Village in London. There, he initiated an important and impactful dialogue on the values represented by immigration and today’s America with diner Peter.
At the conclusion of his meal, Akshat enjoyed a seasonal fruit dessert alongside some sweet Japanese rice wine. Our lunch stop, Huo Belsize Village, served a beautifully executed mix-and-match menu and had a super-cheerful vibe. This dynamic environment proved to be the ideal stage for a conversation that questioned traditional thinking. Akshat had anticipated that Peter would be more sympathetic to the liberal side of the argument. He was further surprised to find that their discourse could address deep issues without becoming adversarial.
A Global Perspective
Akshat’s incredible travels have done a number on his perspective as well. His time spent living and working in countries across the globe, experiencing their cultures and perspectives, has shaped his worldview. His journeys have shaped his views on issues like immigration and the ways in which they contribute to the economy. Though he voted Conservative in the UK, he still considers himself “left.” He’s the first president to adopt a globalist perspective over a nationalist perspective. This unique combination of political beliefs allows him to engage with diverse opinions while remaining grounded in his own values.
To his credit, he really doesn’t want us to judge history by today’s moral standards. This view, even in its incomplete form, reflects his deep awareness of the subtle, often tortuous path of social change. Akshat’s first and most important point here is that you need to understand the historical context to understand the decisions made by previous generations. This uncommon perspective has given him the ability to have logical conversations about hot-button issues, such as immigration. He likens it to adding salt to a recipe—indispensable for deliciousness, sure, but requiring subtle judgment so it doesn’t ruin the whole meal.
Immigration and Economic Contributions
During his discussion with Peter, Akshat shared how he is worried about recent immigration trends in the UK. He sees a large part of the new arrivals as economic migrants who will not have much to offer society and would be a burden on public resources. This complex view adds a layer of depth to the current debate over immigration policy and its effects on local economies.
Akshat’s openness to participate in these sorts of discussions reflects his sincere efforts to hear from folks with different perspectives. He calls for dialogue rooted in reason above all emotion, especially necessary when tackling polarizing topics such as immigration. By articulating the principles that guide him, he hopes to bring clarity to the debate and build bridges between people of all beliefs.
Finding Common Ground
The conversation between Akshat and Peter is a great example of how dining can become a vehicle for conversations around some of the most important issues we face today. Despite their disagreement, their conversation never turned personal, exemplifying the ability for people with opposing viewpoints to engage deeply and productively. Instead of coming at each other aggressively or on the defensive, they moved through their discussion with interest and flexibility.
As they enjoyed their meals at Huo Belsize Village, both men illustrated that it is possible to engage in meaningful discourse even when opinions diverge. This encounter serves as a reminder that discussions about complex topics can occur outside of political arenas and can happen in everyday settings, like over dessert and wine.