Different Cultures in Different Countries
By Lokanath Mishra
Sabita and Ankur, colleagues in a central government office, had developed a strong bond over time. Sabita, who was unmarried, had never been questioned by Ankur about her marital status. He never thought it was necessary to ask, respecting her privacy and focusing on their professional relationship.
One day, they attended a meeting with a senior government official who was nearing retirement. During a casual conversation over tea, the official asked Sabita, “So, what does your husband do, and how many children do you have?” Sabita was taken aback, and her response was firm: “I am not married, and it’s none of your business.” She then left the room, visibly upset.
The official looked embarrassed, stammering, “What’s wrong with her?” Ankur intervened, politely explaining, “Sir, she doesn’t want her privacy to be intruded upon. We need to respect it.” Ankur then followed Sabita out of the room, supporting his colleague’s boundaries.
This incident highlights a common phenomenon in India, where people often ask personal questions out of curiosity or a sense of duty. However, it’s essential to recognize that such inquiries can be intrusive and disrespectful. In a professional setting, it’s crucial to prioritize respect for individuals’ privacy and personal boundaries.
The dynamic between older and younger colleagues can also play a role in these interactions. Some older individuals may feel it’s their duty to ask about marital status or family issues, but this can be perceived as overstepping. It’s vital to strike a balance between showing interest and respecting people’s privacy.
Ultimately, Sabita’s assertive response and Ankur’s supportive stance demonstrate the importance of setting boundaries and promoting a culture of respect in the workplace.
Actually, Sabita had a special connection with Ranjit, a classmate of hers who was pursuing higher education in the USA. After completing his studies, Ranjit secured a job in Katy, and the couple decided to tie the knot in a grand ceremony in India. But after marriage,they settled down in Katy, building a happy life together. Their love story was a beautiful blend of friendship, education, and a new beginning in a foreign land. With Ranjit’s job in Katy, they were able to start their new life together, filled with promise and possibility.
Ranjit and Sabita, a loving couple living in Katy, were thrilled to host a dinner party for their friends. As they began preparing the meal, they realized they didn’t have a sauté pan. Without hesitation, they asked their neighbor if they could borrow one. The neighbor kindly lent them the pan, and Ranjit and Sabita were able to prepare a delicious dinner for their guests.
The next morning, Sabita returned the pan to their neighbor with a thank you. However, a few hours later, the neighbor came back to Ranjit’s house, ringing the bell and saying, “Hey buddy, you forgot your food items in my pan.” Ranjit was surprised but smiled, knowing that in his culture, it’s customary to return a borrowed utensil with some food as a gesture of gratitude.
This small incident highlighted the differences in cultural practices between Ranjit and his American neighbor. For Ranjit, returning a utensil with food was a normal practice, while for his neighbor, it was an unusual sight. The neighbor might have thought, “Why would someone leave food in a borrowed pan?” while Ranjit thought, “It’s only polite to return the pan with some food as a thank you.”
This story showcases the beauty of diverse cultures and customs. It’s a reminder that people from different backgrounds may have different practices and traditions, and that’s what makes the world a more interesting and vibrant place. By being open-minded and respectful of these differences, we can build stronger relationships and foster a greater sense of community.
As the saying goes, “No one is strange, weird, or crazy; it’s just that each is true to their reality, different from the other.” This incident between Ranjit and his neighbor is a perfect example of how people from different cultural backgrounds can come together, learn from each other, and appreciate their differences.