Ten Things You Should Never Do In India

 

India is a land of enormous internal diversity. On your journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the cultures and things you encounter are lot more diverse and complicated than you think. There are many actions which seem to be normal to you but are extremely offensive in certain areas. Here we list ten things which is considered as offensive or bad throughout the country.

Religious discussions

You can freely discuss about anything in India, especially politics. Most people will have an opinion but they will not mind their opinion being contradicted. But be careful while including the religion into any of your discussions especially with the strangers since it is one of the sensitive areas in the minds of Indian people and they will feel offended for no reason!

Public display of affection

The beautiful backwater sceneries in Kerala and the story of Taj Mahal- the symbol of love may make you romantic. But think twice before performing any acts of love in public since the people around you in India is very conservative and doesn’t want to watch or do public displays of affection.

Left Hand Rule

You can give rest to your left hand while you are in India. Indian people never eat with their left hand or they won’t pass or receive anything with it. So remember – never give any gifts, money or anything with your left hand.

Feet Rule

According to Indian culture, the head is considered as the superior part of the body and feet, the inferior. So try not to touch anything important with your feet, especially books. Also never point your feet at someone and if you do, express your apologies immediately. However touching elder’s feet is considered as a sign of respect in India.

Clothing Rule

Majority of Indian people dress conservatively and it is advisable if you do the same, especially when you are in rural areas. It is better not to wear revealing or tight clothing especially when you visit places of religious significance.

Handshake rule

In India, it is generally not acceptable for men to shake hands with a woman until and unless she offers the same. If she extends her hand, you should reciprocate otherwise it is better to join your palms and wish her in Indian style.

Shoes rule

It is generally considered as good manners to remove shoes and sandals before you enter someone’s home. In some temples, people are not allowed to enter into holy areas with their shirts on.

Gift rules

The rules related to gifts vary in different parts of India. In some areas it is considered as an offence to gift white flowers since they are used in funerals. Gifting alcohol and animal-skin made products are considered as offensive in some other areas. Generally it is better to carry some sweets along with you when you are invited to someone’s home.

Smoking and drinking in Public

In India, it is offensive to consume alcohol or smoke in public. Even if you smoke, remember to ask the permission, otherwise it is considered rude. You are also not allowed to hunt or hurt animals, especially cow, which is considered as a holy animal in many areas.

Last but not the least, there are a lot of spiritually elevated people in each and every corner of India who offers magic remedies and spiritual salvation and there is no way you can distinguish the crooks. So as a traveler, it is advisable not to get into their traps and lose your money.

 

Full text of PM’s letter to Anna Hazare

Letter from PM

 

The Prime Minister has written to Shri Anna Hazare on the Lokpal issue.

 

The text of the letter is as follows:

 

“Over the last few days, I have watched with increasing concern the state of your health. Despite the

differences between the Government and your team, I do not think that anybody is or should be in any

doubt about the deep and abiding concern which I and our Government share about your health, arising

from your continuing fast. I have no hesitation in saying that we need your views and actions in the

service of the nation, from a robust physical condition and not in the context of frail or failing health.

 

I have maintained that your and our object is identical viz. to reduce significantly, if not eliminate, the

scourge of corruption from this country. At worst, our paths and methodologies may differ, though I do

believe that even those differences have been exaggerated. The Government is committed to passing a

constitutionally valid and the best possible Lok Pal legislation with inputs from Civil Society with the

broadest possible consensus. We are ready to talk to anybody. However, we will have to keep in mind

Parliamentary supremacy and constitutional obligations in matters of legislation. As a Government we

respect and are responsible to the Will of the Indian People as represented by Parliament.

 

As you are aware, the Lok Pal bill is now before a Standing Committee of Parliament. I have made it

clear earlier and would like to restate that all options are open before the Standing Committee.

Undoubtedly, they would be entitled to consider, in detail and clause by clause, subject to their

discretion, not only the Bill introduced by us but the Jan Lokpal Bill and other versions like those

prepared by Ms. Aruna Roy. Equally, I do maintain that they are fully entitled to make any changes to

the Bill introduced by the Govt. and referred to them. In that view of the matter, the formal non

introduction of the Jan Lokpal Bill version by the government is irrelevant and would largely boil down to

a semantic debate.

 

Nevertheless, in view of the concern repeatedly expressed by your team that the Jan Lokpal Bill version

should be before Parliament, but more particularly and more importantly, in view of my deep and

abiding concern for your health, our government is prepared to request the Speaker, Lok Sabha to

formally refer the Jan Lokpal Bill also to the Standing Committee for their holistic consideration

alongwith everything else. Furthermore, if you have any anxieties about time and speed, the

Government can formally request the Standing Committee to try, subject to its discretion and the

necessity to reflect deeply and spend adequate time on an important Bill, and fast track their

deliberations to the extent reasonably feasible.

 

I would like to say that this letter and each suggestion herein is actuated solely by the twin

considerations of deep and genuine concern about your health and the emergence of a strong and

effective Lok Pal Act in accordance with established constitutional precept and practice.

 

I do hope that you will consider my suggestions and end your fast to regain full health and vitality.”