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India
References: CIA World Factbook | IIE Open Doors Data '12­'13 | Lonely Planet India
Description :: India
Diversity Network’s Country Diversity Notes provide readily accessible summaries of country­specific
information on potential challenges for students who are from diverse and traditionally marginalized
backgrounds. The notes were created to facilitate the ability of study abroad professionals to find a good
country fit for prospective study abroad students who are uncertain of how they will be received abroad
because of their race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion or disability.
The India diversity note, below, features a country overview as well as information pertinent to the climate
of respect that U.S. students of diverse backgrounds can reasonably expect while living in those countries. It
also offers bulleted information noting facts that may directly relate to student experiences in a given
country. Links for students to pursue additional information resources on the various topics are also offered.
While the note provides a bird’s­eye view of diversity matters in each country as they pertain to U.S.
students, the country information found in the notes is not exhaustive. Advisors should use the information
contained below in collaboration with faculty and staff who have experience in the particular country,
returned study abroad students who are able and feel comfortable to discuss their own observations of
diversity in the country, and the advisor’s own knowledge.
**The Diversity Network encourages comments and updates from members**
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COUNTRY OVERVIEW
India is seventh largest country in the world by land area. With over a billion people, India is second to only
China in population and is the home of an extremely diverse group of people. With such differing cultures
and languages across the whole of India, it can be seen why it is proud of being the largest democracy on
Earth.
The country has a historical legacy of colonization and was most recently controlled by the British Empire
from the mid­1800s to 1947 when India gained independence. The British influence can be seen not only in
the widespread use of English and the way the country is governed but also in social pastimes like afternoon
tea and the passion for cricket.
In recent years, India has remained a popular destination. According to the Institution for International
Education (IIE) Open Doors report, 4,377 U.S. Study Abroad students visited the country in 2012­2013
positioning India as one of the top 15 study abroad destinations. The sheer size of India has allowed for
many opportunities for American students, whether they want to study in urban or rural areas.
When studying in India, many American students may have elaborate visions of decadent palaces and
wealthy maharajas and are stunned by the immense amount of poverty. They should also be prepared for
attention – as foreigners, they will often attract persistent beggars and merchants. While there is also much
good to see in India, many American students are prone to culture shock during their first few days in the
country.
To ease the transition and adapt to life in India, students may need to make some temporary, yet
fundamental compromises in how they present themselves as Americans and as individuals. For example,
female students may not be able to exercise the independence available to them in the United States, and
some personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed.
Ethnic Minorities :: India
Potential Considerations for Students of Color
India is a culturally and ethnically diverse country, with over two thousand ethnic groups. However, it is
considered to be fairly racially homogenous, with various groups concentrated in different parts of India. The
historical legacy of the British colonization is also worth noting. During the height of the British colonization
the importance of skin color became increasingly important and many still place an importance on lighter
skin tone. As a result, African­American/Black students and students with darker complexion in particular
must be wary of the potential prejudices of the police and general public. In many cases, people are simply
curious, although in other cases, students may be stereotyped in a way they are not accustomed to.
Caucasian students, who may be used to being able to blend in easily, may find that it is impossible to fly
under the radar in a country where they will undoubtedly stand out. Additionally due to the territorial
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conflict between India and China, some have reported dislike towards Chinese people, though this may not
be overt when interacting with a student of Asian descent.
Notes:
Lighter skin tone is prized in many parts of India. Many Caucasian students report being treated
differently due to their fair skin or light hair.
It is reported that Indian people are unaware of the negative connotation of the word “Negro” in
reference to a Black person and are also unaware of the other “N­word” in any context.
Additional Links:
Country Report on Human Rights Practices in India for 2014 (See Section on National/Racial/Ethnic
Minorities)
India: An unpredictable, never boring, crazy, amazing place, BlackTravels.com
Racism alive in India: Story of Kim Barrington Narisetti, an African­American professional, The
Economic Times
Their Indian horror: Africans recount everyday racism, Hindustan Times
Tips for Black Travelers, Frommer's India
Sexual Orientation :: India
Potential Considerations for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer Students
Homosexuality has been a heavily debated topic in India over recent years. Historically, sexual relations
between two people of the same sex has been illegal in India, although actual prosecutions are rare. In
2009, this law was overturned by the Delhi High Court after being considered unconstitutional. More
recently, the Supreme Court of India overturned the Delhi High Court re­criminalizing homosexuality. As it
currently stands, sexual activity between same­sex individuals is punishable by up to 10 years
imprisonment. While the culture remains somewhat conservative, increased Western influence has increased
liberalization, especially in the more urbanized areas.
Notes:
There is a vibrant gay community in metropolitan areas and even recent pride marches in cities, but
local police officers have been known to harass queer people on the streets.
There is an increased visibility of LGBTQ people in greater society, but queer people still face societal
pressures such as being forced into heterosexual marriage and face possible harassment in the
workplace.
As India is conservative by nature, many LGBTQ students have opted to not disclose their sexual
orientations, as the topic of sexuality in general is often considered taboo, especially in more rural
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areas.
Additional Links:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Country Report on Human Rights Practices in India
for 2014 (see section on Societal Abuses, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Based on Sexual
Orientation and Gender Identity)
Lesbian and Gay Rights in India, ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex
Association
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Information by Country, India
LGBT Rights in India, Equaldex
Gay and Lesbian Travellers, Lonely Planet India
India, Asia, GlobalGayz.com
Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers, Frommer's India
Physical Disabilities :: India
Potential Considerations for Students with Disabilities
Due to religious beliefs, especially regarding karma and reincarnation, it is often traditionally believed that
disabilities are a result of previous misconduct and are looked upon negatively. Reports have indicated that
although Indian people are not necessarily unfriendly to people with physical disabilities they may instead
express excessive sympathy or pity. Since traditional Indian values emphasize interdependence on others,
people often try to assist those with mobility challenges, even strangers, get around. This may make
students uncomfortable, especially those students who prefer to be or are used to being more independent.
The Persons of Disabilities Act was passed in 1995, however, it is reported that enforcement is lax. India is
not considered an accessible country by US standards, but an estimated 40­80 million people with
disabilities are living in India in spite of accessibility issues. In recent years, the Indian government has made
a commitment to making India more handicap­accessible.
Notes:
Guide animals are not traditionally used in India, although locals are becoming more accustomed to
their presence
Students in wheelchairs have reported that one of the more convenient options for transportation is
renting a taxi with a driver, rather than taking a bus or train.
Additional Links:
Svayam, Indian Organization Advocating for Accessibility
Mobility International USA, Resources for Americans Traveling Abroad with Disabilities
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Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, International Laws (See India)
Information for Students with Disabilities traveling abroad, US State Department
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Country Report on Human Rights Practices in India
for 2014 (see section on Persons with Disabilities)
Travellers with Disabilities, Lonely Planet India
Handicap International India
Tips for Travelers with Disabilities, Frommer's India
Chaotic parking makes going tough for disabled residents, The Times of India
Religion :: India
Potential Considerations for Religious Students
India is a country rich in religious diversity. It is the birthplace of four of the world’s major religious
traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. As religion is very important in India – every major
religion is represented there ­ religious tolerance is an important cultural practice. In India, it is
constitutionally required that the nation be a secular republic that holds freedom of religion as a
fundamental right. Even so, for a long period during India’s history the population was divided into social
classes, a caste system that originated from religious traditions that had implications not only for
racial/ethnic minorities but also religious minorities. Tensions between the Hindu and Muslim populations,
especially areas near the Indian boarder with Pakistan, persist.
Notes:
Recent sectarian clashes between Muslim and Hindu populations has resulted in violence
Religion plays a central role in daily life for many Indians
Additional Links:
US Department of State International Religious Freedom Report for 2013, India
Religious Freedom in India, the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA)
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Country Report on Human Rights Practices in India
for 2014 (see section on Anti­Semitism)
TheCatholicDirectory.com, India
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter­Day Saints, India
Mosques in India, IslamicFinder
Women :: India
Potential Considerations for Female Students
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As India is a conservative country, many Western habits, such as smoking, may be considered rude or
dishonorable when done by a woman. This conservatism is being shed quickly, especially in larger
metropolitan areas. That said, it is crucial for female travelers to educate themselves about social customs
before traveling to India, including appropriate dress. Most women dress conservatively in India, even in
urban areas. Female students are advised to bring light, loose, layered clothing that covers their shoulders
and knees. In order to lessen attention from locals, women are encouraged to dress conservatively and in
the local attire as much as possible.
Notes:
When dressing in local attire, many women opt for the relatively conservative salwar kameez – a loose
fitting blouse with loose, pajama­like pants. Saris are not usually worn by Western women, except for
special occasions, such as weddings.
Women do not typically interact one­on­one with men in public. Doing so can easily be confused as
flirtation and/or availability. Many women either ignore advances entirely, or invent a husband to
ward off potential suitors.
Additional Links:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for
2014 in India (see Section 6 on Women)
Tips for Women Travelers in India, Pink Pangea
Tips for Women Travelers, Frommer's India
Staying Safe in India, Lucysmilesaway.com
Fast Facts :: India
Capital: New Delhi
Population: 1,251,695,584 (July 2015 est.)
Language(s):Hindi 41%, Bengali 8.1%, Telugu 7.2%, Marathi 7%, Tamil 5.9%, Urdu 5%, Gujarati 4.5%,
Kannada 3.7%, Malayalam 3.2%, Oriya 3.2%, Punjabi 2.8%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.2%, other 5.9%
note: English enjoys the status of subsidiary official language but is the most important language for
national, political, and commercial communication; Hindi is the most widely spoken language and primary
tongue of 41% of the people; there are 14 other official languages: Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu,
Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Sanskrit; Hindustani is a
popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language (2001
census)
Religions: Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2001
census)
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Ethnic groups: Indo­Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)
References :: India
Map, flag, and country facts are from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook online. Accessed
8/18/2015. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the­world­factbook/geos/in.html
Diversity Abroad Network 2013
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