Read on Twitter
When I travelled abroad 1st time in my life, to Germany in 1992 for World youth championship, was shocked to see everyone eating food with spoon/knife & fork. Couldn't make head or tails of it. Most Indians even now, struggle to eat with these!
Eating with hands is considered the normal in India. People exposed to western society through travel, internet, tv, restaurants have adapted to using cutlery in public. At home, for most, preferred means of eating is with hands! My personal favourite too! Nothing is compromised!
Every culture have their own way of doing, looking, interpreting and perceiving things. This should be cherished, valued, appreciated and encouraged instead of trying to manipulate by overt/covert means to form a uniform society world wise.
Indians have a tendency to ape west in everything, especially the young generation & those who have studied in English medium schools. It is subtly taught that anything Indian is dirty, less civilised, lack scientific basis and you should move away from your indigenous culture.
I used to feel same when I was young, but having travelled to West often for chess & having lived in India all my life, I appreciate Indian way of doing things have lot of value & common sense. Have lost the guilt/shame since then for following our way of doing things & at peace.
Indian civilisation could not have survived several thousands of years if it was all about being less civilised and lacking scientific temperament. It is more about others & our own not investing time to learn our ways. END.
