Problems with Multiculturalism in India

Problems with Multiculturalism in India

Human by nature, we all tend to adapt to change. Whenever exposed to a new surroundings, the experiences always remain with us. For example, when a person goes to visit another country/state, he/she experiences certain traditions and lifestyles in his surroundings and also it becomes a strong memory for him/her. Eventually, when he/she comes back to the daily routine, he/she tends to introduce those traditions in his lifestyle and also encourages others to do it. This kind of attitude gives rise to multiculturalism. We all know that India is a country with various diversifications and has made people immersed into multiculturalism. It has a vast perspective towards multiculturalism and people of all the caste, creed, sex, beliefs, opinions, ideologies, mind-set and backgrounds come together and form what today is seen. When different people from various cultures untie, gather and share their own cultures and traditions among themselves is known as multiculturalism.

India is well known for its ‘Unity in Diversity’ concept but many a time even problems regarding multiculturalism rise in the country and create a havoc for the society. Multiculturalism usually results into positive as well as negative effects on the society. Many people believe that multiculturalism is bad for the country itself and many people believe that it is the best that country can adapt. Everyone have their own perspective regarding multiculturalism and views and opinions on it. Problems regarding multiculturalism normally includes people complaining about their own culture getting suppressed and start feeling inferior. There is always an attitude in people that wishes to protect their own culture and therefore as a result they don’t accept or allow any other culture to be a part of it or to get mixed/mingled with their own culture.

Normally, we can see that people have adapted western culture in India and this has given rise to many debates and sensational issue whether to continue with this kind of nature or not. People say that that culture of India is being polluted and is being forgotten because of the introduction of western culture in the country. People, especially youths have started adapting western culture a bit more than the previous scenarios. For example, every field today can be seen mingled up with the culture of another country or so. May it be food, clothing, music, entertainment, sports or lifestyle, we can easily differentiate between our own culture and the adapted culture. Not only these fields but even festivals have been adapted from the western region which has proved that the adaption of culture can go up to any level and that there are no restrictions regarding it. Traditionally the Indian wear is ‘Kurta-Pyjama’ made of ‘Khadi’ material but because of the adaption of western culture, we are using shirts, trousers, blazers, tuxedos, jeans etc under the influence of western culture. This is not a debatable question for men but when it comes to women, the tables turn around and the character of a women is questioned only because she has adaption western culture and chose to live with it. Traditionally, women are supposed to wear ‘Saree’ or ‘Salwar-Kamees’ and are not allowed to expose their body out in the society but as we can see that women have also adapted different clothing styles under the influence of western culture.

If we stop talking about clothing then food is another main part of culture which according to some prejudiced mind of people has been polluted as well and western culture has dominated it. Eating different kinds of cuisine is questioned by the people as they think that the food should be eaten which is being produced in the country itself. People think that the food culture of India is being disappeared because of the modernisation and adaption. Also, the festivals such as ‘Valentines’ Day’ and ‘Halloween’ which are celebrated in the west, are majorly approached by the people of India. The lifestyle when compared can also be seen differed because of western culture. People of India used to believe that the most adequate time to wake up is before the sunrise and the most adequate time to sleep is when the sunset has just happened, but, because of westernisation, working hours of people has completely altered and due to it, the belief is being broken and hence blame again goes to the working culture of western region.

The most major problem with multiculturalism in India is the superstitious, headstrong, prejudiced mind-set of people. The problem majorly arises due to the lack of knowledge and the unshakable attitude to adapt the change. With the current ignorance there is no room for change. It is often argued that with the modernisation the values of India exist only in the books of history. Accepting different cultures I not wrong and with the increasing technology and flow of time we should tend to adapt, accept and implement the changes for the betterment of the society.