Society and Culture
From Delhi to Chennai - Are There Two Indias?
I was in Chennai this past weekend (made a new friend -see photo) and am convinced that there are two Indias - at least.
The story of two Indias is not new and best characterized by the rise of Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai as the new centers of economic power. The centers of academic and research excellence too gravitate south - BARC, IISc, ISRO, DRDO, HAL. This is no coincidence. Wartime strategy dictated some of this, but the North has for too long been subject to egregiously inept politicians that provide poor public service, little healthcare, and no education. In almost every social indicator, the South leads. But the differences are not just statistical, but societal.
The one spits, shouts, and jostles in its unrelenting, maya-driven push for survival and domination. The other is more relaxed, civilized and secure in the knowledge that it has survived so far, nonetheless.
It begins with pop culture - Tamil movie advertisements instead of Hindi ones, and Tamil-only FM stations. Driving through, the traffic is less, and less aggressive. Sidewalks are cleaner, with little trash. At Chennai airport, surrounded by Delhiites, I push and am happily pushed back in a rush to be the first to board. In retrospect, the line at Delhi airport was much longer, yet the wait more peaceful.
If generalizations are possible then the Tamilians are more laidback, and it shows. Of course, it can be frustrating when you cannot communicate easily the meaning of haste but life is less stressed if I am to believe some that moved.
Still, the South is changing. Bangalore has already been lost to white collar invaders from the North. So despite their French-like pride in their language many Tamilians now speak Hindi. And the Northerners for their part speak not a word of the local tongue, nor make any effort to. After all, everyone in this world must speak English, if not Hindi - right?
In the North, our ability to assimilate, adapt, and change is seen as a strength, and the reason for our historical survival through centuries of invasion. Yet, of late our ability seems to have turned into a desire.
The difference embodies much that is wrong with Delhi and its middle class - a senseless pursuit for values that are not ours, with an arrogance and ignorance that is. It sees malls and cineplex’s as the ‘temples of Modern India’, and its upper class inhabitants turn into fashion victims. Profligacy is status, status is essential and convenience is king. A world away, in Chennai, the saree store still gets more foot traffic than the department store. Its inhabitants appear less extravagant and more resilient to outside influence - able to hold on to tradition and hopefully select the bits they want.
Perhaps they should have asked for my passport at Chennai airport.
Discussion
7 comments for “From Delhi to Chennai - Are There Two Indias?”
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In my opinion, culture is directly related to the information or the exposure a society has to the outside world. Mogul invasion and the western conquest had helped in many ways to this culture in particular to the north western states. In my opinion southerners have little exposure to the outside world due to geographical nature of the Indian when compared to some of the northern states. I think it is changing in a big way. After the IT boom and opening up the economy, I see more exposure for the southerners than the other states. Further if you look at the current and projected census the literacy is higher and population density is lower in the southern states than the north states. If you look at Tamil Nadu, it is the third largest economy in India after Gujarat and Maharastra. Just Bangalor IT turnover is triples the sum when compared to rest of India IT industry in total. If you had come to south, way back in 60 ies, you would be shocked to see the chance when compared to now. Even Karunanidi is talking to people to learning Hindi. I guess prosperity and time has changed people and will continue to change them. I understand your desperation to see the India in one color and wish that everyone in India speak, talk the same language and practice the same life style. Ooo.. by the by… Did you just fly out from your nest? Do you know what a westerner think about you when you start speaking? Desi!!
ninena,
Thanks for your comment. You’re right that external exchange has a big impact on our ability to adapt. And contrary to your assertion, nowhere do I state that I’d like to see a single Indian culture. Quite the contrary. I’m simply in favor of cherrypicking what we can learn from other influences - both internal and external…
I admire the South’s ability and readiness to learn Hindi. I cannot say the same about North indians that live in the South for years, and learn not a word of the local tongue. That I feel, reflects the openness of the South to others, while being able to retain their identity. And the arrogance of the North. In international circles, we call the French arrogant and naive for refusing to speak English. So, how are the ‘northerners’ in India, any different?
Finally, I flew out of my nest several years ago, and have lived outside India for the past 5 years, in 3 countries. So when I start speaking, a westerner usually doesn’t know where I am from. But nice try
[i]Even Karunanidi is talking to people to learning Hindi.[/i]
he he he, you seem to completely out of touch with reality.
Read these…
TN chamber of commerce and industry opposes Hindi: Feb 08, 2006
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/09/stories/2006020902541900.htm
MDMK opposes Hindi
“The party will not allow any move to impose Hindi on Tamils in any manner.”
http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/30/stories/2004103009840400.htm
Jayalalitha against Hindi:
In a demi-official letter, she said, “It is with great pain and anguish that I wish to bring to your notice the recent practice resorted to by the National Highways Authority of India of inscribing place names in Hindi on the kilometre stones on the NH being laid in Tamil Nadu.”
http://www.hinduonnet.com/2004/12/22/stories/2004122210530100.htm
DMK, AIADMK, MDMK
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for 15 minutes today during question hour as a bitter debate triggered off between members from Tamil Nadu and those from the Hindi-speaking belt on whether the milestones on the National Highway should show the distance in Hindi in the non-Hindi-speaking states.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030306/nation.htm#3
As you can see, all the major parties in TN - DMK, AIADMK, MDMK oppose hindi imposition in any form.
I dont see a reason why the Tamils have to learn hindi in Tamil Nadu - let the northerner who comes to TN learn Tamil or pack his bags to north.
Nice post. India is beautiful with its multiple color. Imagine, every one around you looks and talks like you. Life won’t be interesting. So I am against any sort of Imposition. Hindi included. If some body wants to learn Hindi, he will. If some body wants to learn Kannada, he will. Politicians, just have to take their arm off of people’s interest unless harmful to others.
The best part of india, is that various languages, cultures and religions co exist peacefully.This is what makes india so beautiful.Why impose hindi on all.Let people from Southern states speak their local languages and the people from north speak gujarati, punjabi and bengali.This makes india culturally rich and Vibrant.Stop imposing hindi on the southeners. It’s high Time the north indians learned the local languages when they are down south and vice versa.
The main culprits behind Hindi imposition is the schools. Students and parents of South Indians schools face insult if someone does not do well in foreign of foregn langugae Hindi imposed down the throat for 4 - 10 years of schooling.
Go to any school in Bangalore..Hindi imposition is a must… THe Hindi baggage has to be taken atleast as 3rd langugae. SOme international schools start the imposition right from LKG.
Of all language , person knowing Hindi need not and will learn any other language. Which is why when they come to Tamil Nadu they are easily recognized and branded as “Hindikkaaran”. In Karnataka unfortunately they will rule without knowing Kannada but suddenly someone speaking Hindi in Bangalore gets murdered for the silliest reason citing “insult to Kannada”. (the retention by elite media is not more than 2 days with these kind of news)
The current 3 language system in schools which gives unfair advantage to Hindi speakers in terms of reduced syllabus and ranking must be scrapped and schools should be made grammar schools with emphasis on English and technical subjects.
The other perputuators of this Hindi favoutism are the so-called service organizations - Banks, Airlines, Gas. They announce/print form in 2 languages. Oh yes ICICI is known to have a Russian website…but Tamil was to inferior to have a website….and these banks are making big talk of Hi technology and rural service…
The language policy of (H)India which favours only Hindi in name of “nationalized” language at cost of downfall of other languages ill be significant contributor other being the “nationalized” caste “OBC” will contribute to total disunity of India.
I agree that Hindi is not “one-size fits all solution” in India. The CBSE and ICSE school language policy in absolutely questionable. They are responsible for downfall in usage of even many north Indian languages. English is the practically the only language which unite all regions of the country.
Roop Singh