An Indian-based Nigerian digital creator, Pascal Olaleye, has created a buzz on social media after he came up with a fresh fact about India, contrary to general beliefs about the Asian nation.
In a post shared on his Instagram account titled: 17 Myths About Being Black In India, Olaleye believes that the criticism has not put the brakes on the country’s quest to build a stronger Tourism Industry, but hurts India’s image abroad.
Although Olaleye listed 11 out of 17 myths, his post generated lots of interest and earned him more followers on Instagram. Below are the myths and realities about India
1. Myth: India is too dirty to live in
Reality: Completely false, it’s busy and chaotic, but I’ve seen how communities keep their spaces clean, and I’ve stayed in places far cleaner than you would believe.
2. Myth: Nobody speaks English in India
Reality: I’ve been surprised at the number of people, from shopkeepers to students, who speak English. Especially in South India. English is widely spoken. Also, on public places and signboards, Hindi, along with the English translation, are written side by side.
3. Myth: Indian roads are pure chaos and too unsafe
Reality: Yes, it’s busy — but rickshaws, metros, and even Uber are cheap, fun, and surprisingly reliable ways to get around.
4. Myth: India isn’t safe for foreigners
Reality: I’ve felt more looked after here than in some “safer” countries. People genuinely step in to help when you need it.
5. Myth: Indian food is too spicy for foreigners to handle
Reality: Not true — I’ve had everything from mild butter chicken to spicy golgappas, and there’s something for every taste. If you don’t like spices, you can just ask the waiter for non-spicy food.
6. Myth: Indians don’t like foreigners
Reality: I’ve been welcomed with chai, invitations to weddings, and treated like family — even by strangers. India is a lot more hospitable than Europe.
7. Myth: Everything in India is chaotic and disorganised
Reality: There’s a rhythm to the “chaos” — once you adjust, life actually feels easier and more colourful.
8. Myth: Eating street food in India will always make you sick
Reality: I’ve had pani puri, samosas, pav bhaji, and masala chai from street vendors — not only was it delicious, it was fresh and just fine.
9. Myth: Indians stare because they’re racist
Reality: They stare because they rarely see foreigners — especially Africans, and they are curious.
10. Myth: You’ll never find love
Reality : I’m in a loyal, healthy relationship with my Indian partner.
11. Myth: You won’t be accepted in Indian families and workplaces
Reality: Indian moms and aunties will feed you like their own son/daughter.
Expectedly, opinions were divided over his post, with many narrating their personal experience during their visits to India.
Chitra_yureka, 1d, said: so nice knowing you have really good views for our country India, BHARAT, while vandana_5665 1d Good to see someone myth busting…. India is BEAUTIFUL
Another responder known as ejhaycabral, 1d, Right. When I visited India a month ago, just when people saw me, they started chatting and can understand their English well. They’re being friendly, just that I lost my social battery after visiting 2 countries before India.
