A Delhi-based Dutch diplomat is apparently so frustrated being a resident of this chaotic Asian capital city that he was moved enough to confess that "New Delhi is the most miserable place I have ever lived in". The venerable diplomat expressed his explosive perceptions to the Dutch newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad.
Mr Arnold Parzer, holding the innocuous title of Agriculture Councilor at New Delhi's Royal Netherlands embassy, but actually being the senior-most Dutch diplomat after the ambassador, is 63 and has been posted in the city for the last three years.
However the diplomat's outburst, perhaps vented out in one of his weaker moments, was not entirely off the mark. His penetrating observation that "anything that can go wrong, does go wrong" in Delhi could actually be true. For instance, a single fused-bulb in one of the traffic lights usually leads to miles-long, hours-long jams resulting in delayed arrival at offices which, in turn, gives way to delayed appointments, cancelled deals, angry bosses, relationship break-ups, hypertension, mood disorders, and occasionaly all of it ending up in a severely upset stomach, popularly known as Delhi Belly.
Reflecting back over his three-year experiences in the city and his encounters with its boisterous people, Mr Parzer claimed that "everyone interferes with everyone else; the people are a darn nuisance".
The diplomat was not completely inaccurate in his social commentary.
Indian society prides itself, albeit hypocritically, in its family values. The Great Indian Family encompasses, within its orbit, something called 'extended family' that consists of relatives as distant as cousins thrice-removed and aunts married to fathers' younger brothers' brothers-in-law.
With such abundance of family members, such choking levels of diabetic love and affection between them, all being so interested in and (more importantly) curious about each other's welfare, it becomes inevitable for everyone to interfere with everyone. This trait often leads to the killing of all individuality, forcing people to a conformity of the worst kind.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - JFB
Great article. I lived in Delhi for a year and I don't know how, but your article gave me Delhi's nostalgia.. It was like going back in time in a sort of Proustian "reminiscence". There is a lot of the Delhi truth in this article : angry diplomats, delhi belly, traffic jam, fog and heat, and nice loving delhi people. I don't know what my point is, if I'd like to go back in time or if it's better like that. I looked at your blog too, and I thought there is a lot of good things on the internet.
2 - Huvis
This is really funny, the best read I've had in a while. "Summoned to the filthy, monkeys-infested, beetle-juice-stained corridors" -- almost split my seams laughing. Agree with JFB, it almost seems nostalgic. I stayed in Jo'burg for a while and hated it, but when I got back to cleanliness and sanity, I caught myself wishing for a bit of dirt and confusion and warm intimacy with a laa-arge family. Even if the Dutch diplomat's remarks are a little crude, I guess half Delhi's population would agree with him on everything except the "darn nuisance" bit. On that point they would shake their heads sadly, and wonder if a few joint dinners with the misguided diplomat could have set things right.
3 - SFC SKI
Why would someone go into service in the State Dept. or Foreign Service if they were not willing to experience the rigors of life outside their native lands.
A colleague of mine live in Delhi for over 2 years, and he described situations similar to those above, but he never regretted doing it, or gave up trying to return.
I am determined to get to India once this phase of my life is over and allows for greater travel opportunities.
4 - Snarkattack
Even if I thought such things, I'd not be idiot enough to utter them in public.
I've spent time living in the Philippines which I feel, based on reading your article Mayank, has some similarities. Sure, it's not my ideal environment - my brother more bluntly saying "It's a hole" - but what right would a visitor have to criticise? If that is the way it is, deal with it.
It's a bit frightening, frustrating but also exciting and quite frankly, a real luxury to spend time living outside one's own country. In my opinion.
Great article, by the way.
5 - Peter
What was said is completely true. The North indian culture is completely corrupted by being the rulers of the "Indian Empire". This can be seen in the BIMARU states and the heart of this corruption is centered in Delhi.
Not content with their deeds, they are now immigrating en-masse to Bombay and Banglore with the intent of spoiling these two cities also.
To solve this problem would be straightforward. If pakistan wants kashmir, they need to take UP, Bihar and the Gandhi family with them.
6 - Sayak Boral
He isn't the only foreigner to make fun of India's filth and dirt. Fact is we are an insensitive society and culture and don't really care about the dirt and garbage on streets - why even educated Indians dump their refuse on the roadside without compunctions. Here are some facts that really puzzle you.
India is the 4th largest economy in the world!
We have the most number of billionaires compared to any other nation except the United States!
The 3rd most powerful military!
Highest economic growth rate currently
IIT's and all the brilliant engineers we send worldwide.
--
I mean there are just too many things to be proud of for this country - it's endless I can't even recollect for every negative thing about India, there is something positive somewhere. It's the land of eternal hope.
So Mr. Dutch officer - you're welcome to return to your sterile surroundings in the Netherlands, but in order to experience India, you need to know what it is - BENEATH THE SURFACE.
7 - bliffle
Europe was just as filthy 500 years ago, but science revealed that filth promoted the vermin that vectored the diseases that regularly destroyed big fractions of the populace. So Europeans developed Public Health facilities and regimens to suppress the spread of diseases.
Why would anyone find filth and overcrowding desirable by comparison. Dirt, disease and death are not romantic, nor are they examples of Good Family Values.
8 - Silver Surfer
You are right about being in transit, Mayank. It's a struggle, and it does pong to high heaven in high summer. But, you know, beyond that, my view is that there are far worse places to be sent if you are a diplomat because at least India, no matter how volatile its politics on occasion, is a parliamentary democracy striving to improve the lot of its people.
You can also go and watch some really excellent cricket :)
Besides, if you decide to become a diplomat getting sent to somewhere you don't like just goes with the turf, and I would expect another prerequisite would be the expectation that you'd keep your gob shut about your feelings so as not to cause an international furore.
9 - a world traveler
Welcome to the cultural difference which can be way shocking. Family values vary with race, region and religion. No surprise when he define individuality in his own way, what we Indian are proud of consider as a shame, sin or hypocrite by him.
What else you can expect from a person coming from a civilization where everyone outside Mom, Dad, and grandparents are Uncle and Aunt. Where a newly born is made to sleep in his swing and later in his room; way before the age he is mature enough for it. Where you mom divorce several times in lifetime and force you to another family over and over, never kind enough to think what you and your dad may be going through. Yes that doesn’t create all those tensions, developmental delays, disease, and disorder. They are the remedies of all that.
When a person at the age 80 has to drive to buy bread, medicine, clothes not because he /she was not blessed with any kids or kin but because his/her offspring’s are now adult. Oh by the way she feels at the zenith of happiness while running errands.
A person coming from a country (Holland) where common man argues with Cops because he was given ticket for parking at wrong place, saying doesn’t he(cop) has anything else do to. Is complaining about the power of a bulb at signal in Delhi?
What all I am trying to say with no offence to any religion, creed and nation is that it’s easy to find flaws and difference. And sometime difference in our way of living and thinking make us to think that we are on the right side. But there is too much b/w right and wrong side. One should be more curious about grasping good things rather than pointing the bad ones.
These words coming out from such a senior person who is at such a diplomatic position makes me think about his credentials. They represent common man of that country and should be careful of what comes of there mouth. Power comes with responsibility.
10 - world traveler B
It is notorious among tourists that India as well as Bangladesh is very very filthy country.
Why Blame the government for not having right sanitation system is wrong. It is individuals who litter. When I was in India, I simply didn't understand that Indians may keep their house clean but once they go out, they just litter, litter, litter --no respect for public, no civic sense. Partially because India has been very poor country but I think the issue is something that has to do with culture rather than economical condition. For example, when I went to Vietnam where the country is much poor than India, but the city is much much cleaner.
so, when you go to India, just be prepared for the filthy cities.
11 - STM
And just on this note, why is it that some Indians find realistic criticism of their country, especially in relation to the dirt and poverty, so hard to take??
I'm amazed how thin-skinned some Indians can be about this (or about cricket, which is their other achilles heel).
It's all very well carrying on about India having the 3rd largest military and its I.T. prowess and its billionaires, but it means diddly-squat when MOST of the population are living way below the poverty line, and that's not even a poverty line that would be acceptable in any developed western country.
Instead of being so thin-skinned about what westerners think in relation, why not agitate to spread the wealth a little and clean the place up and improve the standard of living for everyone.
A country doesn't belong in the club of the developed nations until nearly all its citizens have a decent standard of living.
India is currently so far away from this, it might still be hundreds of years before that changes.
Why not get out there as Indian citizens and do something about it, instead of complaining.
For the record, a lot of people who travel to India ARE genuinely shocked by the dirt and poverty. Many more are even more shocked by the disparity between the rich and the poor. In my book, that's the thing that is really obscene.
Work for change, don't just complain about how others see India - because what they see and perceive in this case is based upon the truth, and sometimes the truth hurts.
12 - Dr Dreadful
And just on this note, why is it that some Indians find realistic criticism of their country, especially in relation to the dirt and poverty, so hard to take??
Because it's rude, Stan.
A diplomat is a guest of the country s/he's posted in. Indians are well aware of their socioeconomic problems and they don't need some idiot accepting a posting to the country and then whining about it to the newspapers.
You and I have chewed out Mark Manning often enough for bitching about how awful life in Britain is - and you don't even live there.
13 - Christopher Rose
Stan's just whinging cos India beat Australia...
14 - Silver Surfer
I'm not talking about the Dutch diplomat. Read my earlier comment on this thread, Doc.
I'm talking about all the people here taking offence at Mayank's reasoning, and trying to defend the indefensible by talking about all the wonders of India. OK, it is a wonderful place, but it would be foolish to prtend there aren't big problems.
You can't talk about India's billionaires and its mighty army without at least asking this question: why isn't that money going to the poor and some of the wealth being redistributed.
It would be rude not to suggest that IMO. What, if everyone ignores it, it's just going to go away??
And yes, India did beat Australia yesterday, and they deserved to win. Tendulkar had a blinder. The man's a genius and a great ambassador for his country and his sport.
He made my day watching him whack the Aussie bowlers around the park. Whatever else I am, I do like to watch good cricket no matter who's doing it the best - even the Poms on the rare occasion that happens.
15 - Silver Surfer
"And you don't even live there."
No, but I have, and I still can.
Manning's a different kettle of fish to this ... he can't find any saving grace in a country that he lives in. I've only suggested that my mates can organise a whip-around to get him a one-way ticket back to Boston.
And I have been to India, briefly, and it is a culture shock for the unitiated. I do believe the Indian government is making an effort, but more could be done.
I'm on the side of the Indian people, not just railing against India's injustices
16 - India is so romantic and squeaky clean
Please Delhi is clean place on earth very highly extremely clean., This is why all us from U.P and Bihar migrate to Delhi because our own place look like animal's anus.
17 - kanani
Well, I suppose one must look at it in comparative terms. Delhi is dirty compared to Holland. His outburst was regrettable, but I've heard it before from individuals who have traveled there, but weren't in his position of diplomacy.
18 - world traveler B
"Please Delhi is clean place on earth very highly extremely clean."
if you think Dellhi is clean place then, you have not seen the rest of the world. Delihi and most of India cities in general is indeed dirty. It has to do with Indian culture. Indians wants to blame the government for the dirtiness but it is actually its Indian individuals responsibiliies. It is really shame
19 - suresh
Indians need to be educated so that they know how to use trash cans. Or they don't have pride keeping their country clean.
20 - Sandy
I live in Goa, currently it is Indian tourist season in Goa. A walk along "The beautiful golden beaches" ummmm, yesterday revealed Indains on holiday frolicking in the filth of their own tourism. Heaps of rubbish left on the beach. Did they bat an eyelid...no. The beach is cleared up for Europeans so there must be some awareness. The entire place is just filthy. Go to Nepal.. clean, Thailand.. clean, Laos..clean Yep its just Indians that seem to want to live in their own rubbish. Look out the world, what a super power!!!
21 - Manesh
Why dont all people who not like India leave us so we have same happy life before the come.
22 - nang
I don't see any problem indians keep their country dirty. it is their problem. but it is a problem when indians move to another country like the US and UK and make the public dirty. It makes other southern asian look bad.
23 - haro
If you have ever been to India, you know filthy environment is everywhere. Human waste lit on main streets and small village grounds. People urin and poop on roadsides, animals roaming the streets.
The most unbearable scene are Indian rivers. You come across human bodies and animal corpses floating on the surface every where!
24 - Lt. General Ayub Khan
Come visit Pakistan. Recent news would have u feel otherwise --but we take great pride in keeping our cities clean.
Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Karachi are all much cleaner. Federal government under all leaders after Nawaz Sharif have placed strong emphasis on street-cleaning and maintaining physical beauty.
We dont litter our country to the same extent that indians do. And on top of that, our people provide warm hospitality and dont harass the tourists or try to cheat them of their money.
Visit Pakistan.
25 - nilesh
First of all let me say I am Indian living in USA.
USA is definitely not as clean as Singapore or Japan, but is definitely light years ahead of India.
I totally agree with everybody including my Pakistani and Dutch friends about India. Nowhere have I seen such a dirty country as India. Its not just the government, and its not just the poor people - its the rich or middle class ones too.
As many have pointed out, we are taught to keep our homes super clean while give 3 dungs about the outdoors. Lack of any civic sense and rudeness are a common indian trait.
I didn't know how filthy India (especially North India) was until I moved to US. So most people who never grew up in Persian Gulf (Dubai, etc) or west (US,UK) or Far east (Singapore, etc) will not know how dirty and primitive India is.
What really angers me is the thick-skinned Indians who won't take any criticism of their country (does Amitabh Bachchan come to mind)...many of these people live in the comfort of the west (US,UK) or middle east (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait) and then try to hide India's dirt.
these are the people who don't do anything to improve the nation or the people - no cleanup drives, no initiatives to help the poor.
But the govt is also to blame partially - the Indian govt is the most corrupt and incompetent government I have seen...the govt is obviously made up of Indians with indian mentality, correct?
Poverty does not mean filth. Many poor countries (as someone pointed out) like Vietnam are a lot cleaner.
India is filthy, corrupt and dirty only because of the Indian mindset and culture. Its not just India...got to Edison, New Jersey...again litter on the roads, etc...sometimes I feel these Indians just want to be purposefully stinky and dirty...makes me ashamed to be an Indian.
There is no point of shouting 'Jai Hind' if you don't mean it, you hypocrites! The first step towards solving a problem is admitting it, not hiding it. Stop being so inconsiderate, rude and lazy and things will change.
And who cares about the billionaires, they are not benefiting me or other Indian citizens who have to find help of another country's government to maintain a good lifestyle...
I have been to Amsterdam and its beautiful like any Western or Gulf or Far eastern countries. Japan is the best! I wholeheartedly agree with the diplomat.