True, young people are exposed to many more strains and stratas of influcences these days. TV can bring some aspects of the USA, UK, Japan and China into your lounge. True, living in other countries alters your perceptions of cultures in general. But it should NOT turn you against your own culture. Never disown your parents. Argue with them, if you must, but do not disown them. Indian culture is our parent.
INDIANS as people of an old culture and religion, can be, should be supported by their own roots - no matter where they live. Surely, we cannot be like straws tossing about in the changing winds. By all means learn to observe and appreciate other cultures but maintain your value system and retain your closenes to Indian culture. I am relieved to read that Pallavi Iyer is Hindu by culture. Western "cultures" have become "rootless". Their young people are into a culture of cannabis and alcohol. Dear Raj Arora, Some aspects of India you have mentioned are NOT the whole of Indian culture. Within a generation these can change. In the West people use paper to clean themselves after using the toilet. Many Indians find this revolting. But we do not condemn Western culture because of some aspects we do not like. See Raj, Indian culture is like a huge tree. The branches may extend several metres away but the root must hold firm. I do not see value in all this "jugalbandhi" people who claim they are quarter of this, quarter of that, one-eigth of this DNA and so on.