Indians can be found almost everywhere in the world! This is not a myth and being true, it has contributed to the opinion foreigners have formed of the country and its people. Foreigners have been visiting India since its discovery; enchanted by tales they heard, both from Indians traveling abroad and from foreigners returning from India. A lot of their perceptions are based on myths and truth that have been clubbed to form an opinion that does gross injustice to this country. Most of these myths are based on some form of the truth and it would help all foreigners to understand them so that they can enjoy their visit to the country
All bearded, saffron clad men and women are sadhus or spiritual gurus
For centuries the West has attributed to India all kinds of mystic charms, spirituality and mumbo jumbo! Whereas it is true that many Indians follow religious rituals with fervor and sincerity, very few of them roam the streets as spiritual gurus! Most of the roaming kinds are con men making fast bucks out of unsuspecting locals and foreigners. Unless you are being guided and introduced by a trusted friend, don’t believe any person claiming to be a sadhu!
Indians are traditional
Most Indians are traditional about certain things. It is not appropriate to walk into some houses clad in revealing clothes like a mini skirt and halter-top. It is also true that a scantily clad woman is viewed negatively and as such could find herself in dangerous situations. Perhaps metropolises are safer but a general guideline would be to wear clothes that cover you and travel with a trusted male friend whenever possible.
You won’t get beef in India
This is partially true. Most Hindus do not eat beef owing to which most restaurants do not have it on their menus. Even places like McDonald’s had to withdraw beef burgers from their menu! There are places you can order beef but it is difficult and rare. Similarly, pork is unavailable in several restaurants.
Indians are poor and illiterate
A majority of the Indian population is still living under the poverty line. India is a developing country with the second largest population in the world. The British ruled the country for 200 years during which time a lot of wealth was misused and even now there is a disproportionate distribution of funds. Within half a century, the country has shown remarkable growth and enterprise and has produced some of the finest professionals of the world in every field! The fact, however, remains that an average Indian has a tough time making ends meet and schooling is out of reach for many Indians.
Indian streets are full of naked kids with running noses
Its true that media has portrayed a sorry image of India to procure foreign funds but it also true that India still has streets with naked and runny-nosed children! There are families who produce children so that they have a larger group to pick rags or beg.
Indian women don’t have a voice
Women activists in India would perhaps not agree to this but the truth is that most women in India don’t have a voice. They are paid less than their male counterparts are, and they still do the lion’s share of work at home! Indian women go to work and are homemakers at the same time. They are not super women, just women who have been brought up to believe ‘they can’ and that ‘they should not talk back’! Things are gradually changing in the urban scenario, but there is still a long way to go for the entire female population.
Animals roam on Indian streets
Not entirely true but yes, you can find cows on even the streets of Mumbai! In smaller towns, the problem is more severe but metropolitans are mostly free of monkeys and cows!
India is full of beauty and wisdom
True! The diversity of nature and people creates an unparalleled harmony! Each state has its own language and color and yet a common vein runs through the country. India is blessed with vivid natural bounties; from mountains to plains to plateaus and coastline. The development of the tourism sector has made this accessible to foreigners. It is best to take advantage of Indian government sites to plan a holiday and discover the beauty of India. Indian spirituality and wisdom has guided many civilizations but the new world has impacted this country too. You can, however, experience this serene spirituality and wisdom in the temples and holy shrines sprinkled throughout the country. It helps, however, to remember that spirituality is not a commodity specific to a country, it is a belief balanced by ambience and believers.
Indians are very loving and hospitable people
This is also true but don’t expect Indians to open their doors to strangers and welcome them home! That would hardly be practical! If you have been invited then expect to be treated with lavish Indian hospitality. It is also common in Indian homes that you would be asked to eat with the male members and children of the family and the hostess would not join you at the table. She would eat later and this should not offend you. It is merely to serve you hot food and chappatis!
Hindi speaking Hindus reside in India
Hindi is the national language, but a large population cannot speak it, as different states and cultures have their own regional languages. Northern India is mostly Hindi speaking or speaks a dialect of Hindi. With the success of Hindi films, however, Hindi has become more prevalent in the country. Hinduism is practiced in India but the country is host to almost all the world religions.
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Another commom myth: Indian writers can't write.
This might be "partially true" too cause all writers are not created equal.
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