AboutVani Expertise I can handle any query related to the history, tradition, folklore, people, places of the country. Am particularly interested in education at all levels - school, college, university. India is an experience - come relive it!
Experience 3 decades in a country, with 5000 years of history, that speaks 1600 dialects, with a population of 100 crores.
Expert: Vani Date: 1/31/2008 Subject: culture in India
Question QUESTION: Hi Vani
I have befriended some Indian men through a couple of health websites. I met them a couple of years ago. One of them has been inviiting me to go traveling with him in India and he always takes it personal when I say no.
Is it appropriate for a single woman to travel with an Indian man in India?
Are arranged marriages part of the culture?
Is it culturally appropriate for me to be friendly with these Indian men via the internet? Two of them are single and one of them is married.
I have asked them questions about their culture, but they have never answered them. I don't know who else to ask.
sincerely
Mary
ANSWER: Hi Mary,
The Internet is not a very reliable medium to know the truth about any person. I would advice that you do not plan a trip to India without getting to know more about these men. Yes, you can be friendly with them over the net and its totally normal and appropriate. If you still want to go ahead, make a trip to India and insist on meeting with their families first.
Regards,
Vani
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Are arranged marriages part of the Indian culture?
Answer Hi Mary,
Arranged marriages still form around 60-70% of all marriages in India. Its a well accepted fact in Indian culture and has its own success rates. Urban India is now changing and its common for partners to decide on getting married but still most would seek parental approval.
