Thinking 🤔 difference between occidental and Indian

We were born in India and are native to the country. We completed our schooling and earned several university degrees in India. As a result, we have a deep understanding of the Indian system and society.

On the other hand, we have also finished several university degrees in Europe and have been living and working here for many years. Approximately half of our lives have been spent in Europe, allowing us to become well-acquainted with the Occidental system and society.

This dual experience enables us to discern the differences between India and Europe, identify their strengths, and compare various situations to improve infrastructure, habits, and society. 

However, we make an effort to understand both the European perspective on India and the Indian perspective on Europe.

If someone argues that India is superior, we disagree; similarly, we reject the notion that Europe is superior. 

Each region has its unique qualities, and recognizing these nuances requires extensive periods of living and engaging with both Indian and Occidental societies. 

Offering opinions about a society without firsthand experience of living and facing its challenges is unwise.

We recall a time when we were driving back to our European city with 3 people in the car after visiting a nearby urban area.

In Europe, it is common for developers to construct small residential areas (urbanizations) close to cities with modern infrastructures, as permitted by city halls. These areas primarily consist of housing, ranging from single-family homes to multi-family residential spaces and even mobile homes. The choice of residence depends on available finances and family decisions.

During this drive, we encountered a European person who engaged in a lengthy monologue about India upon realizing our Indian background. 

We listened attentively, occasionally responding to questions posed by the speaker. 

However, the person's speech continued uninterrupted for half an hour, then an additional hour.

The speaker described India as a place of poverty, where people lack the means for food and live in dire conditions. They asserted that India lacks proper infrastructure, banks, medical facilities, and education. 

According to the person, Indian houses emit an unpleasant odor, and the entire country has an unfavorable smell. 

Although Indian cuisine is acknowledged to be tasty, it is deemed detrimental to health. 

The speaker claimed that Indians don't find jobs in their own country and migrate to Europe in pursuit of better opportunities. 

In contrast, Europeans are portrayed as having high-paying jobs and luxurious lifestyles. 

Indians, according to the speaker, accept low salaries in Europe, contributing to the misconception that Europeans are superior in every aspect.

As the lecture continued, we grew weary. 

Eventually, we inquired about the number of times the person had visited India. 

Throughout this conversation, we, along with our European friends in the car, communicated through glances, gestures, and touches, sharing our disbelief and disagreement with the speaker's assessment.

The answer was surprising: the person had never been to India. 

The perceptions were based on an environment situated at least 7 hours away by air from Europe. 

Laughter erupted among us upon hearing this revelation.

This situation illustrates the impact of television programs, books, and movies in Western countries that often portray India inaccurately. 

Such media contribute to forming a distorted perception of India. While these portrayals may serve business interests, they create a disconnect from reality.

Interestingly, we recall a story a friend shared with us during our time in India. 

A foreign team was creating a documentary for foreign television, focusing on shops, buildings, and appearances along a prominent street in our city. 

The team deliberately filmed only one side of the street, which displayed old buildings and a modest appearance. 

In contrast, the other side featured modern buildings, giving the impression of affluence. 

When confronted about this selective approach, the documentary creators revealed their intent to emphasize negativity, as it was more likely to sell in the television market. This illustrates how such documentaries can perpetuate a skewed perspective.

Turning to Indian perceptions of the Occident, a common misconception is that people in Western countries rarely bathe and rely on powders and creams for cleanliness due to extreme cold. 

However, this belief is unfounded. 

Bathing habits vary from person to person and are not solely determined by geography. 

Many people worldwide, including in Western countries and India, prefer daily bathing. 

Furthermore, Western countries often have a consistent supply of hot water in households, unlike India where hot water availability can be limited due to the climate.

Another common Indian perception is that Western countries lack poverty and are predominantly affluent. 

While it's true that Western countries generally have higher economic standards, poverty and socioeconomic disparities still exist.

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