How to Address People from Different Regions in India: A Personal Journey

India is a vast and diverse country, with a rich tapestry of regional cultures, languages, and dialects. In this article, we delve into the various wayspeople are addressed and perceived by those from different regions, based on a personal experience growing up in Delhi.

Parents and Lineage

My journey through India's regional cultures began in Delhi, a city that has been home to my parents from different states. My mother is a Rajasthani Brahmin, while my father is a Bihari Rajput. Both are migrants who have embraced the Delhi way of life, but their distinct backgrounds give rise to unique clashes and harmonies.

One significant cultural difference is the dietary habits of my parents. My mother, as a Brahmin, cannot tolerate non-vegetarian food, while my father is a voracious meat eater. Despite this, they share a deep respect for academics and have often discussed how they overcame poverty to find success in Delhi. This reflects the middle-class mentality of India in the 1990s.

Friends from Pakistan

In school, one of my friends was a Pakistani-Punjab refugee. These individuals often have a fairer complexion and speak a version of Punjabi that is heavily influenced by Hindi. Even their language has become more Hindi-nized over time, showing how cultural assimilation occurs. These Punjabi refugees often form a significant part of the upper-middle class in Delhi, known for their business-oriented and practical nature.

Friends from Madhya Pradesh

Some of my best friends in college were from Madhya Pradesh. They are described as humble, soft-spoken individuals who use the first-person pronoun "Hum" instead of "Mein". They have a wheatish complexion and are often described as gentle and emotional. This is perhaps a reflection of their relatively peaceful history in India, in stark contrast to the Punjabi and Haryana regions, which faced multiple invasions.

Colleagues from Tamil Nadu

As a volunteer with the Isha Foundation, I have encountered people from Tamil Nadu. Their language and accent have a unique pattern. For example, the word "Anna" (meaning brother) is often stretched and exaggerated, adding an emotional tone to the pronunciation. This is not surprising, given that South Indians are often seen as gentle, emotional, and innately kind individuals.

Conclusion

While these descriptions may seem to paint a clear picture of regional characteristics, it is important to note that these are generalizations. Growing up in Delhi, my own personality and behavior do not fully conform to the Delhi middle-class stereotype. Similarly, many people do not reflect their cultural backgrounds and instead embody a mix of traits.

Ultimately, every person is unique, and it is the diversity of human experiences and expressions that make India so rich and vibrant. While avoiding cultural stereotypes is important, acknowledging and respecting the diversity within each state can help foster a more inclusive and understanding society.