Zubair Ahmed at the BBC office in Mumbai has been my Indian encyclopaedia; my thanks to him and also to Monica Chadha, who was so generous with her time

When I asked my colleagues at the BBC Mumbai Bureau how I should say goodbye in Hindi, they were split.

Eventually they agreed that it is "Tata!"

I told them that's an English word popularised by the BBC - but it seems there is a new type of Hindi is emerging - a blend of Hindi and English, a kind of Hinglish. I will miss that loads.

Coming to the end of my first visit to India, I cannot help but look back at the fun it has been, but also the hardships I've witnessed.

Undoubtedly India is in the throes of an economic boom, boasting fast-paced, thriving and exciting cities.

Yet in the midst of the miracle are people who move like they will die the next moment.

Contrasts

	Mumbai's poverty is often very distressing

Minutes later, I was on the street and a tiny girl came towards me through the busy traffic to beg for small change. She could have been knocked down, you know. What a contrast!

I have found the poverty very shocking and distressing.

My hero

As a child I would hero-worship the famous blockbusting Bollywood actor, Mithun Chakraborty, and one of the high points of my visit was my conversation with him!

He was out of town so although we didn't meet face to face, I was thrilled to be able to interview him on the telephone.

We discussed the African film industry and he declared himself willing "anytime" to collaborate with our film-makers.

I was wearing the widest smile by the time I hung up.

HIV and Aids

India's HIV prevalence rate is lower than Africa's, but in numbers, it's a massive four million people who are affected. Others say it is even higher.

	Stigmatisation is a problem for people living with HIV and Aids in India

I visited some people living with the HIV and Aids at the Humsafar Trust. Some of them had been living with the condition for up to seven years and were unperturbed; but they told me that what really bothers them is the issue of denial and discrimination.

Dr Nirup Borges assured me that the issue of stigmatisation was being overcome, and he believes the disease should be tackled at source and urges prevention by the use of condoms.

A prostitute told me that no free or subsidised condoms are available at night when they do the most busines which leaves them with the dangerous choice of paying for them or going with out.

Wonderful people

I have found the Mumbai Kites (as the city's residents are known) are always happy and helpful, the women are beautiful, my colleagues at the BBC office are wonderful, talented professionals - All good.

During my stay, I have seen those made ugly by poverty, but I also think I saw those beautified by wealth.

I have already told you what I will miss most of India, I have so many fond memories, especially of Mumbai. The city that never sleeps.

I hope to be able to come back here before too long.

Tata! India and Indians! May our paths cross again soon and may you seek to know more about the proud land of Africa, the cradle of civilisation.

Peace!