If you're a non-Indian who hasn't visited India, I'm sure that you'd believe some of the myths too. As for Indians in India and abroad, you must be tired of listening to these myths. If you're someone who falls in either of these categories, this blog is for you!
Here are some of the myths about Indians and the truth about them:
1. Indians do not speak English:
Opposed to contrary belief, more than 80% can speak English. Most of this >80% population are English educated. According to BBC news India now claims to be the world's second-largest English-speaking country.
Apart from the obvious knowledge that Indians were ruled by Britishers(who speak English) for over 200 years, there is a large possibility that the language could be inculcated. This does not mean that all Indians speak English. Education in India is still provided in national and local languages. however, more and more of them seems to be leaning towards obtaining the same in English.
This also does not mean that Indians who do not speak English are illiterate. Most of them would be extremely skilled in their own area of expertise and be proficient in their local language or the language that they are taught.
2. All Indians eat with their hands:
This is somewhat true, but not entirely. Indians are comfortable using cutlery and most of the households have them now. However, some Indians (both of those, who posses cutlery and who do not ) choose to eat with their hands. According to The Mysterious India, eating with hands does help in improving our digestion because of the fact that our hands have some bacteria named ”Normal Flora” which can be found on the palms and fingers of our hands which is not harmful but protect us from various damaging microbes in the environment. When we eat with our hands we swallowed flora which is very helpful for our various body parts such as the mouth, throat, and intestine, and it promotes healthy digestion in the gut. Eating with your hands are more hygienic than eating with utensils with the simple fact that you wash your hands multiple times a day rather than utensils which you wash once a day which causes some hygienic problems.
However, if offered and or if availability, Indians are comfortable using cutlery.
3. Indians are always wearing their traditional clothes:
This might be true in some villages in Indian. But, over the years due to modernization, Indians dress just like the rest of the world aka jeans ! Indians do not always wear traditional clothes. It isn't assigned as our casual wear as well. Most of the cities in India and even some villages are remote areas have Indians adored in western wear. A casual day in the cities in India would typically have some men and women dressed in jeans and skirts and some men and women in Kurtis, Dhotis and Saris. But during festivals or weddings, you can see the real vibrant colors of the countries traditional wear. Each state in their own magnificent beauty and it's truly a feast to the eyes!
P.S: Please never go by Bollywood clothing. Nobody dresses like that!
4. India is a Hindu country:
False. Unlike Buddhist countries/ Muslim countries etc., India does not have a religion associated to it. India is a secular country and has over nine religions and does not impose any practices on it's citizens. If you are a christian, you can follow Christianity, if you are a Sikh, you can be a Sikh. You get the point !
There is really nothing more I can say about this.
5. Indians are poor:
India is not a 3rd world country. All Indians are not poor. In-fact, India has billionaires grossing over $16.9 billion. This also does not mean that we are a developed country.
We are working our way through.
These are the most common myths that I've come across. Also, Indiand don't dance on the streets, we are not all dark skinned and women in india also ride bikes. On the top of my head, these are the only ones I could think of.
Let me know what I've missed out!