western influence on indian culture essay

Impact of Western Culture in India: A Critical Analysis

Effect of the Impact of Western Culture in India: A Critical Analysis of Western Culture V/s Indian Culture

Impact of Western Culture in India over Indian Culture is visible in every sphere of life.

Modern India evolving in a mixed culture due to  Impact of Western Culture in India

Before we start with this topic, we must first know what culture means.

Culture has been defined in a number of ways. It is said to be the learned and shared behavior of a community of interacting human beings.

Culture describes what people develop to enable them to adapt to their world, such as language, gestures, tools to enable them to survive and prosper, customs and traditions that define values and organize social interactions, religious beliefs and rituals, and dress, art, and music to make symbolic and aesthetic expressions.

Culture determines the practices and beliefs that become associated with an ethnic group and provides its distinctive identity.

Every culture is enriched with some good and bad features.

Broadly the world has been classified into the western and the eastern culture. The East-West dichotomy is a sociological concept used to describe perceived differences between Western cultures and the Eastern world.

Cultural rather than geographical in the division, the boundaries of East and West are not fixed but vary according to the criteria adopted by individuals using the term.

Aspects of culture

Now in this paper, we will discuss few aspects that vary widely between the western culture and the Indian culture.

Impact of Western Culture in India

Religion & spiritual beliefs, arts & crafts, family life, community & society.

Family and its values are the key part of Indian culture, which doesn’t exist in the western culture. Being in a family, giving love to your loved ones and respect to your elders, is the root of INDIAN culture. Sorry to say, but the family doesn’t exist in reality except in terminology, in western culture.

Either people have live-in relations or they get divorced, if they are not compatible with each other. So, how could a person in their right mind have mental peace in such an environment, where relationships are breaking every other day. Because of the lack of family values and existence of a family life, people end up doing drugs, crimes etc.

Even studies and research also proved that western civilization suffers more from depression and emotional misbalance than their eastern counter parts.

Below are few major differences that we can easily find between the two societies:

• Westerners place a high value on having fun. This doesn’t mean that they don’t care about serious issues. If they see someone upset, they will often assume that the person wants to be left alone, unless they are good friends. While, Indians tend to value people being concerned about them when they are upset or depressed, if your questions are not welcome, they will indicate it, but will generally appreciate the concern.
• Westerners can become intimate quite quickly in friendships, but that doesn’t mean that they are committed. Commitment takes longer to happen. In the India, commitment is more closely tied to intimacy. There is an expectation that friendship, after a deep talk, will continue at the same level.
• Westerners can have affectionate guy-girl friendships without any romantic interest. Be cautious in assuming a Westerner is romantically interested, even if their behavior appears intimate. If you’re not kissing or holding hands, you’re probably not dating. Indians tend to have a much lower threshold of what is considered a relationship. What Westerners might consider a normal guy-girl friendship can be read as definite interest in the other person. In particular, spending time alone with someone of the opposite sex is a strong sign of interest.
• Westerners tend to be more honest about their skills and to value a high self-esteem. They are not necessarily being arrogant if they openly admit that they are good at something. Indians are less likely to volunteer their talents. They will wait for someone to ask them to use their skills, rather than jumping in and volunteering them.
• Equality between men and women is valued in the West. To imply that women are weaker, more emotional or that they need protection can be offensive. Chivalry is still alive and well in the India. Many women expect doors to be opened for them, to be served first at dinner, and for help in carrying heavy things.
• Westerners do not take their work as personally as Indians tend to. It is not that they don’t care about their work. They are more relaxed about their jobs. Indians tend to take their work personally. Tromping across their freshly cleaned floor, or showing up late when you are to be working with them can be seen as disrespectful.

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Pandey sahab, your article is completely discuss every aspect though it’s not completely correct. There are some parts which are not correct. See, I’m teaching Intercultural Communication in a college in my country (INDONESIA). Actually there’s a theory invented by Edward T. Hall called “High Context Culture & Low Context Culture”. High Context Culture is Asian, African, Southern European (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian) culture. It characterized by collectivism, layers of relationship (elders generation & child generation) which differ to behave, family first, maintain relationship for long term & the weaknesses are not punctual & procrastination. While Low Context Culture is Western culture: Northern American, Southern American, Western European. Low Context Culture basically is Individualistic, prioritize privacy, short term relationship (only relate when it comes to work or certain project) & the strengths are punctual and get things done effectively & efficiently.

You still caught up in stereotype so you say Westerners don’t have family. They have family. Otherwise how come words aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, grandfather, grandmother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law exist in English, French, German language? They have family life. Just like Hindustani, they also celebrate festivals with family. If you ever watch Hollywood movies or American TV series, you will see they celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas & Hanukkah (Jewish religious festival) by lunch & supper/dinner together with joint family. On Thanksgiving whole roasted turkey served for whole family dining. On Christmas Eve, after return from church whole family gather to exchange Christmas gift that placed under Christmas tree. Even President of America also celebrate Thanksgiving & Christmas with similar traditions.

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Westernization – Features and Impact on Indian Society – UPSC Modern History Notes

• The concept was also constructed by M.N. Srinivas to describe the process of social and cultural mobility in the traditional social structure of India. It has also emerged, in Srinivas’ study of the Coorgs of south India. The author has defined westernization as “the change brought about in Indian society and culture as a result of over 150 years of British rule, the term subsuming changes occurring at different levels in technology, institutions, ideology, and values”. M.N. Srinivas refers Westernisation to as ‘the changes brought about in Indian society and culture as a result of over 150 years of British rule and the term subsumes changes occurring at different levels – technology, institutions, ideology, values.’
• He traces westernization from the period of the British Raj. Surely, colonial rule brought with it the exploitation and suppression of the masses of people both at the rural and urban levels. At the same time, it also brought certain radical changes in Indian society and culture. The land was surveyed, revenue was settled, a new bureaucracy emerged, and an army, police, and law courts were established. The British rule also developed communications, railways, and post and telegraph and also started schools and colleges.
• Yet another force released by British rule was the working of Christian missionaries. The Christian missionaries worked in different parts of the country, particularly in those that were backward and inhabited by tribals and untouchables. This brought the weaker sections closer to Westernisation.
• In contemporary India, when we talk about westernization, a tremendous change has come in rural India. The impact of the five-year plans has brought the village people into the wider network of communication and modernization. The democratic institutions such as the Panchayati Raj and the massive spread of education have brought the villagers closer to Westernization.

Table of Contents

Impact of Westernization on Indian Society:

• The encounter between the Indian tradition and Western culture was of immense sociological significance. The Western tradition had a meaningful impact on the cultural, political, and social systems of India to such an enormous extent that it has been told that such contact initiated a new era of change in the Indian cultural tradition. The mode of the Western cultural impact on the Indian tradition had distinctive features. Historically, various Western traditions came to India with differing political and cultural orientations and exerted variegated influences upon Indian society and culture. The following are some of the areas in which the Western impact was visibly noticed.

Growth of a Universalistic Legal System:

• The process of Westernization brought in its wake new legal norms which contributed to the growth of a universalistic positive form of law in India. Formerly the legal system was founded on the principles of hierarchy and holism. Accordingly, justice was meted out based on the status of various castes and classes in the local hierarchy. Thus, following the prescription of Manu, a Brahmin slandering a Kshatriya had to pay a fine of fifty Panas, but for slandering a Vaishya or Shudra he had to pay twenty-five and twelve Panas respectively. If the lower castes slandered the high castes, the penalties were more severe. The principle of hierarchy was strictly followed in matters of dispensing justice.
• Our traditional legal system continued to be group-oriented and non-equalitarian. With the establishment of the British power in India, there came a new turning point in the legal system of the country. Various forms of legal innovation based on the principles of universalism, rationalism, and individualism were introduced thereby making the new judicial system individual-oriented and universalistic. It enacted legislation introducing social reforms in many sensitive areas such as marriage customs the age of marriage, and the age of consent for marriage. It established the principle of equality and generated a consciousness of positive rights among the downtrodden castes.

Impact of Westernization on Education:

• Contemporary education is of Western origin. Traditionally, the content of education was metaphysical. It was confined to the upper classes or the twice-born castes. Its structure was hereditary and closed. The roles of both the teachers and the teachers were qualitative-ascriptive. But Modern education has a fundamentally different orientation and organization. Its content is liberal and it preaches a scientific worldview. Freedom equality, humanism, and denial of faith in dogmatism are the major themes of modern education. Its professional structure is not ascriptive. It can be achieved by merit by anyone in the society.

Impact on the Communication network:

• The media of communication have been introduced in India through Western contact. Printed newspapers came into existence only after India’s contact with the West. The Britishers introduced the telegraph, railways, and modern postal system in India. Similar improvements have also been made in the other media of communication and transport. The expansion in transport by the railways, roadways, airways, and waterways has contributed to the intensification of the volume of interaction and contact between one region with another. The concept of purity and pollution has been given a discount since people of all castes are traveling in the same railway coach or bus.

Growth of Nationalism:

• Both Nationalism and democracy in the contemporary form are the gifts of Westernization. Nationalism implies consciousness of one’s nationhood. Its sociological manifestation is the idea of the nation-state. Democracy is a special form of political organization and system of values on which a nation-state can be founded. The feeling of nationality and respect for democratic norms is a consequence of Westernization.
• It was the fervent patriotic zeal of the Western people that made our leaders think of developing India as a united country. Most of the nationalist leaders of the freedom struggle in India got inspiration from Western literature and thought. Indian nationalism, however, was not modeled completely on the Western pattern.

Impact on Food Habits and Mode of Eating: 

• Westernization has reached the level of food habits and ways of eating. Traditionally, Indians ate their meals sitting on the floor. Food was served either on the leaves or on brass, bronze or silver plates. Among the upper castes, and especially among Brahmin, eating was a religious act. The food had to be cooled while the women in charge of cooking and serving it must be in a ritually purer state. Food was being served to children and adults in order of seniority. At the end of the meal, the dining leaves became impure and were thrown out and the places where the leaves rested were purified with a solution of cow dung.
• But now the Westernized groups increasingly prefer to eat at tables with stainless steel utensils, spoons etc. Thus the new mode of eating has contributed to an increase in secularization as the table is not likely to be purified with cow dung after meals and the ritual acts traditionally performed before and after meals almost dropped. Changing food habits has brought people nearer to modern food technologies. The use of ghee has increasingly been replaced by vegetable oil both in rural and urban areas. Tea shops are now common in most roadside villages and persons of all castes take tea in china cups, glasses or earthen cups, even if tea might be drawn by a lower caste person. Eating meat and eggs by higher caste members is on the increase. Poultry farms which were previously considered polluting are opened in large numbers.

Impact on the Dress Pattern:

• Under the influence of westernization even people living in villages have opted for factory-made clothes like nylon, Terylene, tricot etc. in place of home-spun clothes, readymade garments have become popular. The mode of dress has also undergone a drastic change. The old style of shirt has been replaced by the modern style shirts. It marked a gradual weakening of ideas of ritual purity. Western clothes became more popular even Brahmins sat at dinner with their shirts on.

Change in Language:

• Many terms from the English language have entered the dialects of the rural folk. The expansion of civil administration popularized terms like court, collector, judge, barristers, etc. Similarly, the expansion of transport facilities has rendered terms like rail, station, signals, etc. matter in daily usage. The politicization of villages since Independence has introduced villages to terms like party, socialism, communism, ministry, etc. and similarly, the spread of medical facilities now makes expressions like injections, mixture, penicillin, etc also household words.

Weakening of Traditional Culture:

• Modern education and increased utilitarian and rational values of the Indian elite led them to make sharp criticisms of their own culture. They began casting aspersion on the evils of our traditional culture which used to make us submissive. The loathing of and longing for a new culture, and the rising aspirations of the population for a better future made them sort out what was desirable and vice versa. Indians today are more individualistic, and free-thinking and lead a relatively more free life. Modernization of the tradition is taking place in India today under the impact of the process of Westernization.

Impact on Marriage:

• Westernization has also brought about noticeable changes in matrimonial relationships. Marriage today is no longer seen as a relationship between two families rather it has transformed into the relationship of two individuals i.e. husband and wife. Husband and wife do not treat each other as superior or inferior but as friends and companions. Love and marriage have sidelined religion. Even the marriage ceremony itself has changed.

Impact on Family:

• Western culture preaches the individualistic ideology of family which is opposed to the collective ethos on which the joint family system is founded, imbibing the individualistic philosophy people give importance to the individual over the group thereby encouraging self-men. This has cut the joint family from its very root for which it has started crippling down. Members of a family today prefer freedom to enjoy marital life. Today’s brides do not like to remain under the control of laws. New democratic conventions find their place in household affairs too.

Impact on the Status of Women:

• The strong influence of the West is tangible in the status of women today. The medieval period in Indian history is witness to the status of women sinking to the nadir and if we find today women getting their due in almost all fields, a major part of the credit goes to Westernization. Education on the one hand generated and encouraged liberal ideas among men while on the other hand, it prepared women to strive for the natural status of equality.

Impact on Religion:

• The impact of science and Western education did bring about a significant change in our perception of religion. Uncritical acceptance of religious ideas is being replaced by logical interpretation and acceptance. The social value of religion has gone down. From a collective activity religion has become an individualistic activity. The activity pace of religion is gradually decreasing. There was a time when social, economic, and political scenes were all dominated by religion but now it is evolving more or less as an independent institution.

Impact on Customs:

• Indian masses which were a bit reluctant initially to accept the ways of the West are now jumping to their ways. From clothes to houses we live in, all bear the stamp of Western style and it has become a status symbol. Cosmetics, decoration of pieces, crockery, and even the methods of greetings have all become Westernized. In fact, in every activity of life, the impact of the West is easily seen as far as customs are concerned.

Impact on Art and Literature:

• The literal sub-culture of India was too influenced by the English literary tradition. ‘Romanticism’ and ‘Psychiatrist’ of the West can be found in almost every kind of literary expression of today. Experimentalism, Hedonism, and Romanticism have found a place in Indian poetry. Equality, environment, freedom, social movement, and other related topics have also got a place in Indian art and literature. Modern art is a by-product of Westernization which could not be easily adopted because of its radically different concepts.

Eradication of Social Evils:

• Social evils that had plagued the society and in a way were responsible for making Indian society so vulnerable to foreign annexation, could only be given a determined fight after the process of westernization took its root. No doubt, a few social workers had raised their fingers against these social evils before but it was the process of Westernization that prepared a broad base through which efforts against these evils could bear fruit.
• The practice of widow burning, infanticides, stealing of children for slavery, child marriage, ban on widow marriage, and untouchability are some of those social evils which are still being fought. Science and technology from the West have had some demystifying effects on these types of practices.

Features of Westernization:

• The process of Westernization subsumes changes occurring at different levels of technology, institutions, ideology and values. Broadly, it includes all changes that any non-western country like India or any other colonial country undergoes as a result of prolonged contact with Western culture.

The most important area of change was the value preferences of the non-western societies:

• A most important value which in turn subsumes several other values is what may broadly be characterized as humanitarianism which means active concern for the welfare of all human beings irrespective of social inequalities based on caste, economic position, religion, age or sex. Equalitarianism and secularization also form part of the value of humanitarianism. Humanitarianism refers to many of the reforms introduced by the British in the first half of the 19th century such as civil, penal, and procedural laws which put an end to certain inequalities that were part of the Hindu and Islamic jurisprudence.
• The principle of equality found expression in the abolition of slavery, and in the opening of new schools and colleges- which were, in theory at least, opened to all irrespective of religion, race, and caste. The new economic opportunities were also open to all, although in practice caste and other elite groups who traditionally lived in the big towns, enjoyed considerable advantages over others.

The introduction of reforms and new laws by the British led to several changes in the Indian customs which were earlier enforced as part of one’s religious duty:

• A religious custom had to satisfy the test of reason and humanitarianism if it was to be allowed to survive. As British rule gained roots in India, the values of rationality and humanitarianism also became firmly entrenched in the caste-ridden society. The formal system of education introduced by the British played an effective role in perpetuating these values.

Westernization is an all-inclusive term:

• It covers a wide range of changes from Western technology at one end to the experimental method of modern science and modern historiography at the other. In the field of technology, it has revolutionized the process of mass communication, transportation, industrialization, and improved health care facilities and has made available new comfortable gadgets for better living conditions. These changes are intimately linked with the life of the common man and have proved consequential.

The process of Westernization in India was uneven :

• Only a tiny fraction of the Indian population came into direct, face-to-face contact with the British. And those who came in contact with the British officers did not always become a force for change. Indian servants of the British, for instance, probably wielded some influence among their kin groups and local caste groups but not among others. They often came from the low castes as well. Their westernization was of a superficial kind as the upper castes made fun of them.

The process of Westernization has neatly intensified in many ways since 1947:

• The first and most critical step in Westernization was the establishment of Pax Britannica and the revolutions in communications that followed. Extension of the administrative and trading frontiers broke the centuries-old isolation of the different groups inhabiting the remote parts of the country. Similarly, the means of transportation and communication opened up avenues for new contacts.
• Thus, the development of communications and the removal of internal customs barriers integrated the economics of various regions in the country. In a word the political and administrative integration of India as well as the development of communication and the beginning of industrialization and agricultural development, increased spatial and social mobility of both the elite and the rural poor which laid the foundation of subsequent nationwide westernization.

The form and pace of Westernization of India varied from region to region and from one section of the population to another:

• For instance, one group of people became Westernized in their dress, diet, manners, speech, sports and in the gadgets they used while another absorbed Western science, knowledge and literature, remaining free from external attributes of Westernization. For example, Brahmins accepted the Western style of dressing and appearance and sent their children to Westernized schools using gadgets like the radio, cars, etc. but they did not accept the British diet, dancing, hunting, and the casual attitude of the British about population.

Another feature of Westernization is that it creates many intercontradictory forces that, instead of consolidating, contradict each other:

• In the political and cultural fields, westernization has given birth not only to nationalism but also to revivalism, communalism, casteism, linguism, regionalism, etc.

Q1. How has Western culture impacted Indian society, particularly in terms of lifestyle, values, and traditions?

The impact of Western culture on Indian society has resulted in a complex interplay of cultural exchange, leading to changes in lifestyle, values, and traditions. This influence is evident in various aspects, including clothing, cuisine, language, education, and entertainment. Westernization has also contributed to the evolution of social norms, family structures, and gender roles within the Indian context.

Q2. What does ‘Westernization’ signify in the field of sociology?

In sociology, ‘Westernization’ refers to the process by which societies adopt Western cultural, social, political, and economic practices. This often involves the adoption of Western values, ideologies, institutions, and technologies, which can lead to significant shifts in the cultural and social fabric of the adopting society. Westernization is a multidimensional concept that can impact various aspects of a society’s structure and functioning.

Q3. Where can I find reliable information about Westernization in sociology, particularly in a PDF format?

There are several reputable academic sources and research papers available online that delve into the topic of Westernization in sociology. To find PDFs specifically, consider searching academic databases, online repositories, or university websites that provide access to scholarly articles, journals, and research papers related to the sociological aspects of Westernization.

Q4. How does the concept of Westernization relate to the syllabus of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination in India?

In the context of the UPSC examination in India, the concept of Westernization is often relevant in understanding the sociocultural dynamics of modern Indian society and its historical development. Candidates must grasp the sociological dimensions of Westernization, including its impact on Indian society, culture, and governance. Aspiring candidates can refer to relevant books, journals, and scholarly articles that provide insights into the dynamics of Westernization in India for their preparation.

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Influence of western culture on Indian society

India is a secular country where the people have the freedom to practice any religion and also to convert to another religion of their choice. So all the cultures are freely accepted and respected by the Indians. But the influence of western culture started in India during the 19th Century when the British established their Colony in the country-western culture considered as the most advanced culture on the globe has started surmounting its flavour on Indian roots.

Indian culture which is one of the oldest richest culture in the world with very language custom belief ideas tab use codes instructions works of art architecture ritual ceremony acceptor India’s cultural history of several thousand years old and it shows continuity and subtle change with a strong third of Duty epitomized in the relative power of culture and unique display of unity in diversity. Which the conquest of European power and subsequent British rule in India has had a profound effect on western culture on Indian society. Western culture has made its presence in various forms.

Impacts of western culture on Indian Society:

There were different kinds of westernization one kind to emergence of a westernise subcultural pattern through a minority section of Indians who first came in contact with the western culture.

This includes the subculture of Indian intellectuals who not only adopted many cognitive patterns or way of thinking like this style but also supported its expansion.

This impact of westernization was mainly in urban areas. But some villages are more westernised than urban areas.

Consequences of western culture on Indian society

Affected caste, joint family, marriage and other social structures.Introduced new institutions like press, Christian missionaries, etc.

Modern values like humanism, egalitarianism, secularism have entered Indian value systems. Our criminal law has been reformed. Evil customs like sati ended, Untouchability was abolished.

The concept of the welfare state was introduced and thus Governmental activities on welfare measures have expanded. Far-reaching reforms in Hindu society through social reform movements like the Brahmo samaj etc. under inspired by the Western-educated middle class in India.

Many political and cultural movements emerged like the movement for the eradication of caste spread of mass education. The emergence of an educated middle class as the vanguard of the freedom movement.

Agents of Westernization

British rule – The establishment of British rule brought about deep and far-reaching changes in the economic, political, educational, and cultural spheres in India. It offered some new avenues of social mobility to the scheduled castes, e.g., new economic opportunities, education, westernisation, conversion to Christianity and politicization. Indians employed in government offices or converts to Christianity.Those educated in modern schools and colleges. Some of them launched great movements like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Tagore, Sir Syed Ahmad etc. Those who went to England for study or medical treatment.Those who lived in port towns. The tolerant spirit of Indians was largely responsible for the spread of Westernisation. There was no wholesale but only selective Westernisation. Old styles continued side by side. There was also a movement to preserve Indian values.(eg. The Arya Samaj)

Influence of western culture on Indian society Influence of western culture on Caste

We find that the traditional social organisation exemplified by the caste system has undergone several changes yet continues to exist in Indian society performing some old and some new functions. During the last few decades, as a result of the forces of modernisation, the ideology of caste has become less pervasive in an individual’s day to day life. Caste rituals have become increasingly a personal affair, rather than public due to changed circumstances of living, forces of industrialisation, and urbanisation. Place of residence and food habits are influenced more by an individual’s workplace and occupation than by his or her caste or religion. Industrialization and the factory systems broke down caste barriers to a large extent.Urbanization made many castes live together. Transport broke down caste restrictions.

Impact of English education

Changes in dress and food habits Supply of water through pipes – you cannot ask the caste of the person who sends water down the pipes.

Impact on untouchability

Impact on women

The educational advancement of women Entry of women into all occupations Social reformers also helped the liberation of womenDiscarding pardah.

Impact on social structure

Career open to talent and no longer based on casteMoney and wealth regarded important decline of rituals

Impact on marriage

Marriage came to be regarded as a contract and not entirely a sacrament

Influence on culture

English words came to be used commonly – Daddy, mummy, cutting the cake culture; contrast the Indian custom of lighting a lamp with the western habit of blowing out the candlelight. Western gadgets freely used; Television, washing machine etc

Impact of western literature on Indian literature, religion

Art – cinema, western dance, musical instruments, modern religion – decline of superstition, ritualismRise is scientific belief

Influence of western culture on Tribes

The Westernisation of tribals had begun during the British colonial rule when they first came in contact with them. Not all tribes were subjected to the efforts of modernisation. There were many which continued to survive in their traditional modes till India’s Independence. The fate of traditional material culture and styles of tribes were to be ‘preserved’ as museum specimens. Attempts were made to synthesize the customary and modern laws. In all these efforts, the focus was on modernizing the tribals. Changes in style of life

The changes in the style of life have followed two trends. They are changes in relation to the political system

The political system, which developed during the British rule, gave increasing opportunities for the political articulation to the people of India, especially those who acquired western education. This facility was taken advantage of by the backward classes. The advent of Independence and the introduction of adult franchise and more recently Panchayati Raj institutions have increased the access to power, especially political power, to the backward classes. Such access led to a shift from Sanskritisation to competition for positions of higher bureaucratic and political power.

Social Mobility through Westernisation

The upwardly mobile untouchable castes adopted the lifestyle implied in Westernisation. This was facilitated by the prevalence of various non-Sanskritic traditions among them—such as, eating meat and drinking alcohol.

western culture has no history. it is just spread by colonization bharat,egypt,etc. all the great civilizations were wipped out. still bharat is the o...

western culture is damaging our very beautiful..pure indian culture...we should step forward and protect our culture and make up akhand bharat

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Impact of West on the Indian Culture

Indian Culture, which is one of the oldest & richest cultures, is now under serious threat as western culture is making its strong base in India and slowly and gradually wiping out the Indian culture. It had already made its presence in Metro’s & now slowly heading towards other parts of India. Westernization has greatly affected our traditions, customs, our family and our respect and love for others.

The concept of joint families is fading fast, and everyone wants to remain aloof. Now nobody is interested in other’s affairs and only cares for himself which is totally contradictory to our Indian culture that teaches us to be a part and parcel of the society, sharing each other’s Joys and sorrows. All our rich values and traditions are slowly dying down, Western Culture is taking its place. People are blindly following it without knowing the consequences.Westernization has given rise to single families.

Marriages are breaking & our tolerance and patience has exhausted. The most affected are our new blooms, which have yet to sprout. They find themselves stressed and isolated in this new atmosphere, since there is no one to take care of them. They no more get the care and love of their Grandparents. They find themselves in crutches to be taken care by others. It is very unfortunate that the new sprouts remain untouched and cut off from our great moral values and sanskaaras. In today’s Scenario both husband & wife are working.

There is no one at home to look after them and to cultivate the sanskaaras in them since our elders who use to give these sanskaaras to their grand children are no longer with them. In many cases it is not deliberate but in majority of cases the children prefer to remain away from their parents which is very unfortunate.

There’s no harm in taking good things from the west, but this does not mean that we should become slave to their culture, and misrepresent our identity. It is understandable that India is a growing country, so it is necessary of knowing all the cultures and their traditions. To some extent it is fine, but it is wrong to pretend and behave like Westerners and discard our own culture. We have to preserve our identity.

It is shocking to see that Indians are forgetting their culture. On the contrary westerners are looking towards Indian spirituality for solving their personal, social and national problems. They are coming to India to find peace through Yoga and Meditation. India has earned a good name in the field of Yoga and Meditation abroad. Our gurus are giving teachings to westerners how to relax & how to keep themselves fit and away from diseases.

It is very unfortunate that today’s generation has very little knowledge about their culture, traditions and roots. This is not their fault but the fault of their parents who do not enlighten them about their roots, rich cultural and heritage. Contradictory to it, Parents feel proud in giving their children western Sanskaras, and they are brought up in western atmosphere. Thus, they are kept miles away from Indian culture.

There is no harm in giving knowledge of other cultures and traditions as Indians have made their presence in every part of world, but it is necessary that they should have knowledge of their own culture, traditions and language. We should also take care that our new sprouts are well versed with Indian culture and its values. It is the responsibility of parents to cultivate our rich culture and heritage in their children.

No doubt the western culture is versatile and teaches self-dependence, but this does not mean that we should forget our culture and blindly follow the westerners. We should always feel proud that we, the Indians have such a rich cultural heritage which is very rare and should be carried forward and cultivated in the minds of our New blooms who are going to be our future.

~ Rajalakshmi Joshi

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Impact of Westernization on Indian Culture: An Exploratory Study

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Westernization is not something new. Since colonization and in today’s global era, westernization has become endemic of the whole political, social, economic and psychological process. Indian culture has been embracing aspects of foreign cultures over the years Adoption of western culture in every domain viz industry, technology, politics, economics, lifestyle, law, norms, mores, customs, and traditions has given rise to term known as westernization. Westernization has greatly affected our traditions, customs, family and also our respect and love for others. The concept of joint families is quickly decreasing and everyone wants to remain aloof from others. Nobody bothers about the society and only cares about himself, which is contradictory to elements of Indian culture which teaches us to be a part of each other’s happiness and sorrows; to celebrate the joyous moments and share the grief together. Slowly, the value of Indian culture for which we Indians take pride in is vanishing.  Western culture is replacing these Indian values. People blindly follow western culture without realizing its consequences.

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