Blogchatter A2Z: Xenophobia

"The people define the nation."


One day, Surya and his friends went to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, the symphony of love. The monument mostly had visitors from foreign lands who came from different countries to witness the beauty of the epitome of love. Surya's friends started behaving strangely, seeing so many foreigners, throwing comments on their dressing sense, and eve-teasing. Surya tried to stop them, but they did not behave properly.


Few other visitors from India saw their behavior and came to rescue the foreigners. The people herded near the reflecting pool. The guards came to disperse the crowd. But they could not do anything as the people were lashing Surya's group for misbehaving towards the foreigners. One of the people yelled at them and lectured, "It is because of you youngsters that foreigners feel unsafe while they are in India. You have disrespected your country by making foreigners feel scorned. Such people should not get an entry." He also requested the guards to take these kids out.


Surya came forward apologizing for his friend's behavior, but he got lashed by one of the ladies. He bowed his head in shame for his friends' behavior. The foreigners stood still while the scene went on near the reflecting pool. Along with them, more foreigners gathered to inquire what was wrong. Everybody came in support of the foreigners, dignifying Indian culture and safety. Surya's friends had no one to support them because they were wrong.


"Xenophobia still exists, not just for foreigners but within the country too, dividing the country into four zones based on lifestyle and culture viz. North, South, East and West."


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Comments

  1. Tomichan MatheikalApril 27, 2024 at 10:14 PM

    I wonder whether it's xenophobia that propels this sort of behavior. It could more be tepressed sexuality which is a serious problem in India.

    ReplyDelete
  2. indiacafe24April 28, 2024 at 12:14 AM

    People like Surya's friends are the one spoiling the real meaning of "Athithi Devo Bhava".... When will people like them will understand that what to wear and how to look is absolutely a persons personal choice, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. A powerful story Tanvi

    ReplyDelete
  3. विकास नैनवाल 'अंजान'April 28, 2024 at 6:40 AM

    True... I agree that India has that north, south east west divide and we should work on it. Also the way we behave with the foreigners need to be worked on. Your story provides food for thought..

    ReplyDelete
  4. A Rustic MindApril 29, 2024 at 7:55 AM

    There's always a division based on caste, sub-caste and what not. First we need to have a united front at home then we can make foreigners feel more safe and welcome

    ReplyDelete

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