The phenomenon of superiority complexes and fictitious concepts of superpowers has historically shaped our perceptions and actions. Originally, I had no intention to address this topic, but following numerous experiences and conversations with numerous individuals, I determined to investigate the difficulties and struggles of being an Indian in a foreign country. As an Indian, I have frequently grappled with these issues, particularly in foreign nations where cultural narratives and personal experiences intersect. Despite our assertions of a prosperous culture, strong familial ties, and hospitality, my experiences in Europe and the United Kingdom have questioned these self-perceptions. In this article, I examine the intricacies of being an Indian abroad, emphasizing the sometimes contradictory and challenging interactions with fellow Indians and contrasting them with encounters with individuals from other cultures.
The Disconnect Between Indians Towards Fellow Indians
From a young age, many of us have been exposed to narratives that emphasize the superiority of our culture while portraying Western countries, particularly the British, in a negative light due to their colonial past. However, my experiences in more than 20 European countries and the UK have presented a different perspective and challenged many of these beliefs. Rather than being a problem, as some might assume, I have found that the issue often lies within the Indian community itself.
I shared my observations with Dr. XYZ of AIIMS, who reflected, “It haunts me, and I constantly ask myself: Do Indians feel insecure around other fellow Indians? Why don’t Indians welcome, smile, or feel happy when they see each other?” In one instance, a mother asked her son, “Where are your Indian friends who went with you?” The son replied, “Don’t ask about them; I have better friends than them.” This raises questions: What criteria defines “better,” and what factors make foreigners seem more desirable than Indians?
Numerous Indian acquaintances of mine who have traveled to or resided in Western nations for work or education have reported similar experiences. Some have experienced melancholy, found themselves stranded in remote areas, endured frigid conditions in Switzerland, or abruptly ended trips in Denmark. While I have a lengthy list of unfavorable experiences, I treasure a single positive encounter with an Indian from Kerala who was living in Germany. In the United Kingdom, after an interval of twelve days, an Indian finally greeted me with a smile, possibly because I was a customer and he was a server, but nonetheless, he did so. Notably, this individual hailed from Kerala, despite having interacted with, shared lodgings, meals, and daily routines with thousands of other Indians who had never done the same.
Discussions with other Indians who have traveled to or resided in Western nations reveal a shared perspective: unfavorable experiences with fellow Indians are prevalent. Indians in foreign lands, particularly those who possess a Hindutva-influenced mindset, frequently exhibit a superiority complex that manifests in unfriendly and dismissive behaviors towards other Indians. This is in stark contrast to the more amicable and supportive interactions reported with Bangladeshis and Pakistanis. These fellow South Asians, particularly those who are untainted by political narratives, tend to exhibit genuine warmth and camaraderie.
The Dichotomy of Cultural Perceptions
My recent social media posts have highlighted personal observations and sparked discussions that have resonated with many others. There is a striking contrast between the attitudes of Indians abroad and the humility observed among British locals. Despite our historical grievances, many Britishers are humble, generous, and polite, greeting strangers warmly and offering help. In contrast, many Indians abroad seem to avoid each other, perhaps resenting the presence of their compatriots, as evidenced by the sentiment, “Ye bhi aagye, inhi se to bhag ke yaha aaya…” (Here, they come, the very people I escaped from).
The body language and attitudes of Indians abroad often reflect their discomfort and reluctance to engage. It appears that many Indians carry their caste identities with them, along with a tendency towards manipulated behavior and a dual-faced attitude that contradicts the values that our culture purports to uphold. As a researcher, I strive to observe society and behavior objectively, often uncovering uncomfortable truths about our community’s attitudes and behaviors.
An instance that exemplifies this contrast took place when I visited the United Kingdom. I noticed that British individuals, despite their colonial past with various countries, were more cordial and gracious. Everyday actions such as greeting strangers on the street, providing directions, or engaging in casual conversation and laughter were prevalent. On the other hand, my experiences with Indians frequently felt strained, as if there was an underlying sense of competition or distrust. This behavior contradicts our self-perception as a warm and inviting culture.
Challenging the Superpower Mentality
Acknowledging flaws in our community is not an anti-national act; rather, it is a necessary step towards improvement. It takes courage to confront these issues instead of perpetuating a false narrative of cultural superiority. While I respect and love my motherland, this does not mean that it goes beyond criticism. Similarly, acknowledging flaws within a community is crucial for growth.
The failure to tackle these matters not only perpetuates destructive conduct, but also impedes our progress as a society. One of the most striking aspects of this issue is how deeply ingrained it is in our national psyche. The idea of India as a “superpower” often blinds us to the realities of our own behavior. Instead of confronting significant social challenges, such as poverty, education, and healthcare, we sometimes concentrate on projecting an image of preeminence. This façade does little to address the underlying problems and only serves to estrange us further from one another and the rest of the world.
A Personal Reflection: Moving Forward
Sharing my experiences and observations is not meant to malign my fellow Indians but to spark a necessary conversation. Many Indians have had similar, often terrible, experiences with their compatriots abroad, irrespective of religion, caste, or class. These shared experiences highlight a broader issue within the community that needs to be addressed. Acknowledging flaws and working towards improvement is the only way forward. Through this self-reflection and willingness to change, we can truly live up to the ideals we proudly claim.
By fostering a culture of openness, support, and genuine connection, we can begin to bridge the divide that often separates us from each other and the broader global community. The journey of being an Indian in a foreign country is fraught with complexity. While we take pride in our rich culture and heritage, it is crucial to confront uncomfortable truths about our behavior and attitudes. The superiority complex that some of us carry abroad does more harm than good, fostering an environment of competition rather than a camaraderie.
Recognizing the challenges we face and seeking self-improvement can help us remove barriers that divide us. Adopting a culture of humility, openness, and authentic connection can enhance our relationships and strengthen our standing on the world stage. Through shared efforts, we can embody the values we hold and build a more inclusive and supportive community.
Istikhar Ali is a DAAD fellow at the Centre of Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS), Universität Göttingen and PhD scholar at the Centre for Social Medicine and Community Health (CSMCH), Jawaharlal Nehru University. Currently, working on the marginalisation and health-related issues of Muslims in India.
