Over the years, India has received both positive and negative reviews from foreign tourists. These reviews have influenced how people perceive the country, but sometimes they are based on myths. Recently, a Nigerian content creator who has been living in India since 2021 shared a video on Instagram pointing out that some of these beliefs are actually myths. Read on to know all about the 17 myths about India shattered by a Nigerian man who is a true blue desi at heart.
Nigerian Man Shatters 17 Baseless Myths About India
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Nigerian content creator Pascal Olaleye (@pascalolaleye) has been living in India since 2021, and over these years, he has started understanding the country better. He also posted a video where he mentioned 17 beliefs about India that are not true. Here’s what he revealed.
1. Myth: India is too dirty
Reality: The content creator has stayed in many clean places and also revealed that communities work hard to keep spaces tidy.
2️. Myth: Nobody speaks English
Reality: Many Indians speak English, from shopkeepers to students. Signs often have both Hindi and English translations.
3️. Myth: Chaotic roads
Reality: India has heavy traffic during peak hours, but rickshaws, metros, and Uber are affordable and perfect for travel.
4️. Myth: Not safe for foreigners
Reality: People here care for foreigners. Local people often come forward to support when someone needs help.
5️. Myth: Spicy Indian food
Reality: Not every Indian dish is spicy. You can ask restaurants or street vendors to add less spice. They also have various options for mild spice.
6️. Myth: Indians don’t like foreigners
Reality: People in India are very welcoming. They would usually offer chai and warmly invite you to weddings. He also mentioned that here the hospitality is even better than in Europe.
7️. Myth: Everything here is chaotic
Reality: India is indeed chaotic, but once you start living, you’ll get used to their easier, vibrant and colourful experiences.
8️. Myth: Street food makes you sick
Reality: He has eaten famous Indian street food like pani puri, pav bhaji, and chai from vendors. The content creator also added that the taste was fresh, tasty, and stayed fine.
Also Read: Indian Traveller In Bhutan Criticises Loud Indian Tourists, Netizens Say, “We Lack Civic Sense”
9️. Myth: Staring means racism
Reality: People in India often start when they spot an unfamiliar person, especially a foreigner or an African. Their stars are often misunderstood as racist
10. Myth: You won’t find love here
Reality: He has a happy relationship with his Indian partner, proving love can definitely flourish even after cultural differences.
1️1️. Myth: Families and workplaces won’t accept
Reality: Indian families are heartwarming. They’ll treat you like their own, especially moms and aunties.
1️2️. Myth: Foreigners can’t succeed in India
Reality: India is a place for growth. Till now, many foreigners have studied, worked, and built businesses here. Opportunities exist for those willing to adapt and work hard.
1️3️. Myth: India is racist than America
Reality: The Nigerian influencer’s experience was opposite. He felt safer and more respected in India compared to some Western countries.
1️4️. Myth: Always remain an outsider
Reality: When in India, if you learn the language and respect traditions, then people will accept you warmly. They’ll make you feel like a part of India
1️5️. Myth: Being Black in India is impossible
Reality: Being black in India is indeed a challenge, but it is definitely not impossible. Life here can be manageable and fulfilling.
1️6️. Myth: You can’t make friends
Reality: Pascal made strong, meaningful friendships in India that are deeper than he ever expected before moving.
17. Myth: Police target foreigners
Reality: The content creator’s interactions with the Indian police have been respectful and fair. He was never once treated with disrespect or harassed.
What Netizens Have To Say
This video has quickly gone viral on the internet and is changing people’s outlook on India. It shows that many beliefs about India are not true, and people living here are a great example.
One user wrote, “Right. When I visited India a month ago, people started chatting with me as soon as they saw me, and I could understand their English well. They were friendly, just that I lost my social battery after visiting two countries before India.”
Another user added, “Good to see someone myth-busting… India is BEAUTIFUL.”
One netizen commented, “I’m so glad you feel at home in our country.”
What are your thoughts on these myths? Let us know in the comments section.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/ @pascalolaleye & Canva Pro/ Himen Baidya