INDIA CULTURE
-Our Task of Cross Culture Understanding-
Introduction
One of the most striking features about India, which any foreign traveler must appreciate, is the size and diversity of this country. Given its vastness and variety, there is no single way to understand India. In fact, one observer once commented that 'India as a nation exists only in the minds of its population.' Many travelers find India unpredictable and confusing because they fail to grasp this point. The following paragraphs will give a perspective to understand one's experience of India.
Geography
India is the seventh largest country in the world in terms of size, with a total landmass of 3,287,590 sq km. Located in South Asia, it has land boundary of 14,107km with its neighbors [Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal and Bhutan] and a coastline of 7,000km, which stretches across the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean.
Population
The population of India is more than 1 billion, which makes it the second most population country in the world [after China]. Virtually all major world religions and ethnic strains can be found in India, though a majority of Indians come from the Indo-Aryan race [72%], followed by Dravidians [25%].
Politic System
India has 7 national political parties, and more than 40 political parties recognized by the Election Commission.
The President is the head of state, but it is largely a ceremonial post. The actual legislative power resides with the council of ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the party in the majority.
Voting age is 18 years.
Cadres of civil servants, who represent the bureaucracy, support the political leadership for executing the government policies. These government officers are selected through a very tough competitive examination across the country, and represent an intelligent and elite class.
The judiciary in India is independent of political/ governmental influences. It has often made decisions which are critical of--or even against--the government's official policies. This occurs if such policies are believed by the judiciary to go against the basic spirit of the Indian Constitution.
India used to be a closed control-and-command economy until the early '90s. Since then it has opened its economy, and allows foreign investments in most industries except a few strategic ones.
India's main stock exchange, the Bombay Stock Exchange, has around 6,500 listed companies, which is second only to NYSE. A total number of 9,600 companies are listed across India's 21 stock exchanges. It has the third largest investor base in the world.
The national currency is the Indian Rupee, and is denoted as 'Rs.' Prior to the 90s, the value of the Rupee was controlled through government intervention. Since the liberalization of the Indian economy in the 90s, the Rupee has become a floating currency.
Starting as one of the least-developed countries, India has emerged as a global player in many industries. Some examples:
It is the largest producer of tea in the world, accounting for more than 30% of global production;
India is the second-largest cement producing country in the world;
- 1. INDRIANI
More tips
Feet are considered unclean in India, so avoid pointing your feet at another person. In the case that your feet or shoes touch another person, you are expected to apologize by saying 'sorry.'
Indians do not maintain continuous eye-contact while talking with others. Direct eye-contact may be seen as intrusive. On the other hand, do not feel uncomfortable if you find an Indian gazing at you; this is because Indians are curious-, to the extent of sometimes being intrusive-, about foreigners.
The comfortable distance to be maintained during an interaction is much closer in India than in most Western countries. In general, a distance of about 2 or 2 ½ feet is seen as comfortable. However, since India has very high population density, in public spaces [e.g., public transport, a queue, etc.], don't be surprised if you find people almost rubbing against you.
The public spaces [e.g., markets, roads, public transportation, etc.] in India are far more crowded than in the West. You need to be careful while crossing roads, and of pick-pockets who can steal your purse/ wallet.
You are likely to find beggars in most public places. It is advisable to ignore them. Since if you give them alms, you are likely to be pestered by many others.
Most Indians are very courteous to foreigners. However, many also see foreigners as a target for being swindled. You need to be careful about people who try to give you 'great deals'; do check their credentials before giving them money.
- 2. ULIL INAYAH MUTMAINNAH.
Acceptable public conduct
The traditional way of greeting in India is performed by holding your palms together, as in praying, and saying 'Namaste' [nah-mas-tay] or 'Namaskar' [nah-mas-kar], with a slight bow.
While, the Namaste or Namaskar are Hindu ways of greeting, they are also accepted among all other communities. These other communities, however, also have their own traditional greetings. For instance, among Muslims, the traditional greeting is 'Salaam-Wale-Kum', which is responded to by saying 'Wale-kum-Salaam.' Similarly, Sikhs traditionally greet each other by saying 'Sat-Siree-Akaal.'
Shaking hands is also an acceptable way to greet people among urban and westernized Indians.
Among the younger urban Indians, a 'Hello' or 'Hi' with a wave of the hand is also an acceptable form of greeting when making informal contact.
In general, Indian society is conservative about heterosexual physical contact and relationships. Refrain from greeting people with hugs and kisses.
Shaking hands with women, since it involves physical touch, is not universally accepted in Indian society. Among the urban westernized Indians, you may find some Indian women offering to shake hands. However, it is advisable to shake hands only when it is offered. In most other situations, 'Namaste' is the safest way to greet. In fact, it will also be appreciated as a gesture of friendliness.
It is customary to allow women and guests to proceed before yourself.
The acceptable way to beckon someone is to hold your hand out, palm downward, and make a scooping motion with fingers. Beckoning someone with a wagging finger, with the palm upward is seen as an authoritarian and condescending signal, and will be perceived as an insult.
Do not point to someone with your finger, since that is likely to be interpreted as an accusatory gesture. Use of hand and palm or chin is a more acceptable way of pointing towards someone.
Standing erectly with your hands on your hips is likely to be seen as an aggressive and dominating posture.
Among Indians, it is normal for them to use their hands to gesticulate while talking with each other. Folded hands, or hands in one's pockets while talking are likely to be perceived as arrogant gestures.
Whistling and winking are usually perceived as rude and unacceptable behaviors, as they have sexual connotations.
Talking to a woman who is walking alone is not advisable, since it is likely to be seen as a proposition or other inappropriate gesture.
Seniority, age and authority are respected in India, both in business and in public life.
NAME
Addressing others with respect
When addressing a person, it is advisable to prefix the name with a 'Mr.', 'Mrs'. or 'Miss', or the professional title of the person ['Doctor' or 'Professor'] unless the person asks you to refer to him by his/her first name.
In general, people are addressed by their name [without the prefix] only by close acquaintances, family members, or by someone who is older or superior in authority.
The naming conventions in the southern states of India [Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala] are different when compared to other parts of the country [often broadly referred to as North India, though it also encompasses the eastern and western regions of the country]
In North India, most people have a family name [e.g., Sharma, Patel, Singh, etc.], and the names are written in the western style--first name followed by the surname. Sometimes, there may also be a middle name, such as 'Chandra', 'Kumar', 'Prasad', etc. For instance, Mr. Praveen Chandra Kulkarni will be addressed as Mr. Kulkarni--or as Praveen, if the relationship is informal.
In contrast, in southern states, men do not have a family name. Instead, the name of one's father and/or the ancestral village/town is used for the purpose. These are normally abbreviated and prefixed before the first name. For instance, a south Indian name 'Kamundari Ranganthan Gurumurthy' will be written as 'K. R. Gurumurthy', signifying that the person's ancestral place is 'Kamundari', father's name is 'Ranganathan', and his first name is 'Gurumurthy'. He will be addressed as Mr. Gurumurthy--or if the relationship is informal, as just Gurumurthy.
Due to assimilation in the local culture, often even non-Hindu communities follow the same naming conventions in the southern states. For instance, the former President of India, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, is a Muslim from southern India, and the initials in his name are an abbreviation of his lineage [Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen].
Women normally adapt the husband's name [family name in North India, and first name in southern India] after marriage.
Changing Conventions
It must be mentioned that with time and social mobility, the naming conventions are also changing. For instance, many south Indian families have started adapting the north Indian naming conventions.
Since the family name in north India also denotes the person's caste--and therefore, place in the social hierarchy--some liberal-minded north Indians do not use the family name [or use their father's name instead].
There is an increasing trend among educated professional women of keeping their maiden name after marriage.
- 3. ANITA
HOSPITALITY
Indian hospitality is legendary. The maxim of hospitality in India has crossed generations and is not only learned but truly believed by each individual. The Sanskrit saying, "Atithi Devo Bhava," or "the guest is truly your god," dictates the respect granted to guests in India ("Indian " 1). Each one is treated with the utmost consideration and each Indian extends more than his hand to a visitor. From the Indian man on the street, who when asked for directions, accompanies his company to their destination, to an Indian couple's wedding invitation to a foreign visitor, to the sign reading, "The Holy City Welcomes You" at the Varanasi airport, India extends her arms wide to make a guest feel at home. Indian hospitality is not only spontaneous but also quiet. The Indian people are as Geeta Heble, a proud Indian woman, describes, "not ostentatious in speech or in treatment of guests" ( Heble Interview). For all Indians, hospitality, though not ostentatious, is a priority. The Indian people feel that their guests must be given proper hospitality, which certainly requires extreme care and attention.
Although the head male of the clan, usually the grandfather or great grandfather, is the most prominent symbol of the family, the women are the backbone of traditional hospitality. Despite fulfilling her duty as a wife and a mother, a true Indian woman takes pride in herself, her family, and her house and will not let a guest go away unfed or unhappy from her home. An Indian woman shows her talents and her warmth through food and is known for her ability to serve fare to her guests, whether they be invited or uninvited ( "Indian" 2).
GIVE GIFING
Gift giving is customary in India, and is seen as a sign of friendship. However, it is generally not expected at the first meeting.
It is advisable not to give expensive gifts, unless you are very close to the person. Normally, large and expensive gifts are given only by family friends and close relatives--and for specific family occasions, such as a wedding. Since Indians try to reciprocate a gift, if it is too expensive, it can cause embarrassment for the recipient.
Use red, yellow, green or blue colored wrapping paper. White and black colors are considered inauspicious.
Normally, gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. However, sometimes your Indian host may insist on your opening the gift, and would expect appreciation for his/her choice.
If you are invited to an Indian's home for dinner, you must take some kind of gift, such as a box of chocolates or flowers. If your host has children, carrying a gift for the child [a toy or a book] is also appreciated.
If you are visiting an Indian during a festival, it is customary to carry a box of sweets.
If you are giving money as a gift, do remember that 11, 51, 101, 501, etc. are considered auspicious numbers. Your gift would be more appreciated if it is in these denominations.
Before the opening up of the Indian economy, many foreign products were not available in India, and would have made a good gift. However, now most foreign-made products are accessible to Indians, and have, consequently, lost their value as a gift. However, Indians do appreciate a gift which is representative of your, or a specific, culture [e.g., Dutch wooden shoes/clogs, a Swiss knife, French perfume, etc.].
If you have worked or lived with Indians, a framed photograph with them as a gift would be viewed as a warm and friendly gesture.
Different flowers have different connotations across India. If you are planning to give flowers, do check with the florist as to what would be appropriate. A bouquet of roses, however, is the safest choice across the country.
Drinking alcohol is culturally not accepted in most parts of India. Many Indians do not drink at home. However, if your host drinks and keeps drinks at home, a bottle of scotch whisky or wine will be appreciated.
Be cautious in giving a leather item as a gift. Since many Hindus are vegetarians, they may not appreciate items made of leather.
A jewelry item is considered an intimate gift, and would be viewed as inappropriate if given by a man to an Indian woman. It is acceptable if the jewelry is given as a gift by a woman; however, gold jewelry is normally exchanged or given only among family and relatives.
- 4. MUKARRAMAH
APPOINTMENT
Making appointments
Indians appreciate punctuality and keeping one's commitments. However, many visitors to India find it very disconcerting that often Indians themselves are quite casual in keeping their time commitments. One of the reasons for this is that in the Indian mind, time is generally not considered as the objective yardstick for planning and scheduling one's activities. Rather, for most Indians, the plans and schedules are contingent on other people and events, and therefore can--and do--get changed.
It is advisable to schedule your appointment at least a couple of months in advance. If you are making your appointments before coming to India, do emphasize that you will be in India for a short period of time, if this is the case. It is also useful to reconfirm your meeting a few days before the agreed upon date.
Though not essential, it often helps in getting an appointment if you have an Indian contact.
There is a distinct difference in the cultures of the government departments and business organizations. Compared to a business organization, it is normally more difficult to get an appointment with officials in a government department. Also, in the government departments, there is a greater likelihood that your appointment may be rescheduled or that you may be kept waiting for as many as several hours before you actually meet the person.
Do be prepared for last minute changes in the time and place of your meeting. It is useful to leave your contact details with the secretary of the person, so that, in case there are changes, you can be informed.
It is advisable to make the effort to be early in order to keep your appointment. In most Indian cities, the roads are quite crowded, and during high-traffic hours, it can take you a long time to reach your destination.
Indian addresses can be confusing. This is so because the pattern of numbering the buildings varies across different places, even in the same city. This is further complicated by the fact that during the last few years, in many cities, the streets have been renamed. To avoid getting lost, it is useful to check 'how to reach there' from your contact.
Normal office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, in some large cities [e.g., Mumbai], some places of business start working earlier to avoid congested traffic while commuting. Increasingly, among the business organizations, there is also a trend towards a longer working day, which can start as early as 7:30 a.m. and last till 8:00 p.m.
Normally, lunch is for one hour, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
In recent years, there is a trend towards luncheon meetings and 'power breakfasts', which are often the times when business is discussed.
More information on making appointments
Dinner appointments for business purposes are rare. Official dinners are mostly hosted as large gatherings, and are mainly meant for socializing and getting to know each other.
The work-week differs across organizations and sectors: Government offices work Monday-Saturday, with the second Saturday of the month as an additional holiday; most business organizations follow a five-and-a-half day work week; and, most IT and software companies have a five-day work-week, with Saturday and Sunday off.
The business and official work in India are done using the western 'Christian' calendar. The convention for writing dates is dd/mm/yy, e.g., December 25th, 2004 will be written as 25/12/04.
PUNCTUALLITY
The work-week differs across organizations and sectors: Government offices work Monday-Saturday, with the second Saturday of the month as an additional holiday; most business organizations follow a five-and-a-half day work week; and, most IT and software companies have a five-day work-week, with Saturday and Sunday off.
The business and official work in India are done using the western 'Christian' calendar. The convention for writing dates is dd/mm/yy, e.g., December 25th, 2004 will be written as 25/12/04.
In most Indian business organizations, banks and government departments, the Financial Year is calculated from April to March. Since the end of March is the time for closing the financial year, people are very busy. Try to avoid scheduling an appointment around this period. The MNCs, however, mostly follow a January-to-December financial year.
Most Indians take vacations during the summers [April-June] and Mid-December to Mid-January. In addition, in Northern and Eastern India, a favorite time for taking vacations is around October, which coincides with Dussehra/ Pooja holidays [see below].
India has a long list of holidays. Some of these--e.g., Independence Day [January 26th], Independence Day [August 15th], Gandhi Jayanti [October 2nd], and Christmas [December 25th]--are observed according to the western calendar. The others, which are Hindu, Sikh or Muslim festivals--e.g., Pongal/ Makar Sankranti, Holi, Idu'l Zuha, Dussehra, Deepawali, Muharram, Guru Nanak Birthday, etc.--follow the lunar calendar. The dates for the latter holidays are not the same in terms of the western calendar, and therefore, it is advisable to contact the local Indian Embassy/ Consulate to find out the holiday list for that particular year.
- 5. IRSYAD
CONVERSATION
General guidelines
Most Indians enjoy good conversation on a variety of topics. Even in business meetings, it is common and normal to start discussions with 'small talk' on other unrelated issues. In fact, this is seen as a way of building rapport and trust.
In general, Indians are open and friendly, and compared to many countries in the West, have a lesser sense of privacy. It is not unusual for a stranger to start up a conversation with you on a flight or a train journey.
Sometimes, Indians ask questions which can be seen as too personal and intrusive. However, one must remember that discussing one's family and personal life is normal among Indians. In fact, often enquiring about the other person's family is seen as a sign of friendliness.
Conversation in India is as much an exchange of views as it is a mode of building and strengthening relationships. Consequently, complimenting and showing appreciation are quite normal among Indians.
Indians seldom express their disagreement in a direct manner; open disagreement is likely to be interpreted as being hostile and aggressive [though expression of disagreement by someone who is superior or elder is, by and large, acceptable]. Normally, disagreements are openly expressed only with those with whom one has built a trusting relationship. Otherwise, disagreements are expressed in an indirect manner. In most cases - unless, it is a crucial issue - it is advisable to avoid expressing direct disagreement.
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thank u tas postingannya!
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