Diversity Climate Notes *** WELCOME TO INDIA

The Diversity Network’s Country Diversity Notes provide readily accessible summaries of country- specific information on potential challenges for students who are from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs. 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 the country. It also offers bulleted information noting facts that may directly relate to student experiences in the country. Links for students to pursue additional information resources on the various topics are also offered.

While the note provides a bird’s-eye view of diversity matters in the country as they pertain to U.S. students, the country information found in the note 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.

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 mid-1800s 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 2012-2013 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 , and some personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed.

*** ETHNIC MINORITIES IN 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, African-American/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 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 “N-word” in any context.

Additional Links: • Country Report on Practices in India for 2014 (See Section on National/Racial/Ethnic Minorities) • India: An unpredictable, never boring, crazy, amazing place, BlackTravels.com • Their Indian horror: Africans recount everyday racism, • Tips for Black Travelers, Frommer's India ***

SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN INDIA

Potential Considerations for Gay, , Bisexual or 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 High Court after being considered unconstitutional. More recently, the overturned the Delhi High Court re-criminalizing . As it currently stands, sexual activity between same-sex 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 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, , and Acts of Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and ) • International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Information by Country • LGBT Rights in India, Equaldex • India, Asia, GlobalGayz.com • Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers, Frommer's India *** PHYSICAL DISABILITY IN 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 40-80 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 handicap-accessible.

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:

• Mobility International USA, Resources for Americans Traveling Abroad with Disabilities • Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, International Laws (See India) • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Country Report on Human Rights Practices in India for 2014 (see section on Persons with Disabilities) • Handicap International India • Tips for Travelers with Disabilities, Frommer's India • Chaotic parking makes going tough for disabled residents, ***

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: , 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 border with Pakistan, persist.

Notes:

• Recent sectarian clashes between Muslim and Hindu populations have 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 2015, 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 2015 (see section on Anti-Semitism) • TheCatholicDirectory.com, India • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, India • Mosques in India, IslamicFinder ***

Potential Considerations for Female Students

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, pajama-like pants. Saris are not usually worn by Western women, except for special occasions, such as weddings. • Women do not typically interact one-on-one 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 2015 in India (see Section 6 on Women) • Tips for Women Travelers, Frommer's India

***

FAST FACTS: INDIA

Capital: Population: 1,251,695,584 (July 2015 est.) Language(s): 41%, Bengali 8.1%, Telugu 7.2%, Marathi 7%, Tamil 5.9%, 5%, Gujarati 4.5%, 3.7%, 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 ; 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) Ethnic groups: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)