Why India?

A couple of days ago, Professor Kahai asked us why we came on this trip and what expectations we had going into it. After experiencing all that I have in India, I realized that my answer was so superficial. I wanted credits to go toward my degree. I really had no expectations going into the trip because I knew limited information about India. I really just wanted to travel to India because it is a part of B.R.I.C. I figured that the more experience I had traveling out of the country, the more likely I would be chosen to work abroad when I work for a firm.
After experiencing a taste of India for the past 10 days, I have started to grow accustomed to the peoples’ way of life. I have realized that India is a diverse country full of spirit, hope, and enthusiasm. It is hard to classify a “typical Indian” because everyone here is a part of a different caste, economic class, and religion. What I admire most about India is the tolerance. People are open to different religions and different appearances. The majority of people I have met are kind-hearted and hospitable. They treat people with the upmost respect and America should learn a couple of lessons from India in this regard.

Basic Needs

After overcoming the initial culture shock, I have realized that the Indian people are very similar to Americans. Although we have many different customs, events, and appearances, we all share the same basic needs as humans. We all need water, food, and shelter. I just feel that the average Indian fights harder for basic needs than Americans. Some Indians live day-to-day off the small amounts of money they make from selling knick knacks. Poverty-stricken Indians either micro sell or create different services as a means of income. Indians will aggressively demand money when you take pictures with them, which is almost unheard of in America. The little money that some people make can barely afford food and water. Those who cannot afford to buy bottled water tend to drink the ground water, which is not safe and can make someone very sick. I actually witnessed citizens wash their hair with dirty water on the street. I take water for granted, expecting perfect drinking water from my faucet. If the drinking water is not acceptable, I could always use a Brita filter. It blows my mind that it is so difficult to get acceptable water if you are poor. Also, while these Indians are fighting for their basic needs, I have realized that it makes civilized development so much harder. The children are not receiving an education because many of them are forced to help their parents make money. The children do not have a bright future ahead of them. In contrast, many Americans are raised being praised and told that they can accomplish anything they dream of if they work hard. Unfortunately, some Indian children will not be given the opportunity to succeed in the workforce. Overall, Americans do not realize that a majority of their hardships are nothing in comparison to the hardships that a majority of the Indians face on a daily basis.

Religion and Spirit

After being in India for a week now, I have identified countless similarities and differences. If I covered all of those similarities and differences in this one blog, it would go on for pages. So, I would like to start my first blog with the topic of religion. In America, religion is a sensitive topic to many people. It is considered rude to really discuss people’s religious beliefs if you are not close to that person. In India, it seems as if people are very tolerant and open to different religious beliefs. There are many different religions and all followers seem to admire the beautiful temples, mosques, and churches, regardless of their religion. The architecture of some of the temples is immaculate and beautiful.

Most importantly, I envy the sense of spirituality associated with religion. Religion is embedded in the morale of the culture and I do not see the same excitement for believing in America. In India, the elephant is a sign of good luck. Simple symbols like the elephant give spirituality to life. In America, I feel that we do not have as many uplifting representations that give us a sense of vitality. I am planning to go back to America with a new spiritual sense.