Unveiling India

India is a land of rich culture. It has a history that dates as early as the beginning of humanity itself. Its culture includes thousands of languages, religions, dances and traditions. But most importantly, this culture extends to the people of India. The people of India are brought up to have strong value systems in traditional and conservative Indian families. And the familial bond is paramount. Marriage, especially, is considered a scared union between two people and two families. And the hand of the virgin bride is placed into that of the doting husband.

So did you enjoy that little play? Haha, yes that was a play. You didn't think it was real, did you? It's that famous play that the people of India act out on the International Stage, so that people don't see what's really going on. It's part of the IIM campaign. No, no. Not Indian Institute of Management. The Indian Image Management campaign.
So what's the real India like, you ask me? Lift the veil honey, the bride's not a virgin.

India today hides behind a veil of purity. It surely has mastered the art of image management. To say that I received a culture shock when I started living in India is an understatement. And I quote a friend when I say this: It's all about the sex.

You hear Indian people speak of a culture shock when they go to European and Western countries, where pre-marital sex is not as frowned upon. But the shock is of a greater magnitude when you step onto Indian soil and become aware of the illicit activities that take place under the covers (pun intended!).

And apparently, since it all takes place under the covers, Indians earn every right to sit on the 'holier-than-thou' pedestal and point a finger towards the West, accusing them of eroding away ethics and influencing 'Indian culture.'

I believe it is up to the individual to carry out their sexual life as they please for no one has placed us on the seat of judgement. The place to draw the line though is on the hypocrisy and the lies.

Being in college, I've come across some really hilarious instances of how people deal with the sex issue. Hypocrisy is easy to understand. The funnier situation is when people lie about the fact that they have 'done it' when they have not. Exposure of that lie only confuses you, and has frustrated me enough into wondering: What's the big deal?

Early in this 21st Century, being cool is defined by the clothes you wear, the person you are dating and your sexual status. Sounds familiar? So which Hollywood movie was it? Perhaps it has been Western Media that has influenced the conservative Indian culture. But that does not forgive the hypocrisy.

The Times of India stated that the average Indian loses his/her virginity at the age of 19.8. I think this fact in itself screams out how big the 'sex issue' is. And I fail to completely comprehend it.

Frustration, however, comes the most for the hypocritical attitude of our nation as a whole. It comes for the farce of an image that India so proudly upholds. And it is time that our country is stripped of its disguise - deal with the weaknesses and uphold our true strengths. For then only can we honestly hold our head up high without having the guilt in our hearts weigh us down.