Hypocrisy in cultural outlook:
We often pride ourselves with our rich tradition and cultural heritage. We conveniently overlook regressive practices such as Sati, female infanticide, practice of untouchablity, etc. Even Gandhi, compelled by tradition performed rituals to gain back acceptance into his caste (which he had supposedly lost by travelling across sea).
India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was well aware about the complex nature of Indian society. He acknowledged the herculean task of venturing to build a modern secular nation in a deeply traditional and religious society. Despite all efforts we seem to have made only hypocritical progress in developing 'scientific temper'. A recent study by Centre for the Study of Developing Societies pointed out that Indian youth look modern, but inclined to conservatism and intolerance.
Indians have increasingly embraced modernity. Or have we? Mall culture has gained traction. But do we judge a girl wearing a nine feet saree and one wearing a nine inch skirt equally. There have not just been comments but even hilarious advisories by the police department about what type of dresses should women wear. Such moral judgment and insensitive attribution expose the fallacies in out reasoning.
Hypocrisy in materialism:
India is hailed as a nation of spirituality. Few eminent persons have even suggested that the blend of Eastern spirituality and Western materialism would emancipate the world from the destructive path of greedy materialism. Indians are said to not be money minded. But then, don’t we have a separate Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. If worshiping Lakshmi does not acknowledge the importance we give to money what else might.