Culture Reflection: Exploring Indian Culture and Identity

This reflection paper delves into the author's personal understanding of Indian culture and its impact on their thoughts, feelings, and worldview. Using the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, the author explores how their cultural background has shaped their identity and influenced their interactions with others. The paper examines the influence of family, education, and societal interactions on the author's cultural lens. It also analyzes the heterogeneity within Indian culture, highlighting the unique aspects that differentiate it from other cultures. The author reflects on the importance of understanding different cultures to broaden their perspective and develop a more inclusive worldview. The paper concludes with an action plan that outlines strategies to enhance cross-cultural understanding and awareness. The author provides references to support their reflection and demonstrates a clear understanding of the assignment requirements.

REFLECTION ON CULTURE
Name of Student
Institution Affiliation

Description
Indian culture is one of the unique cultures in the world. Apart from the various
geographical features and climatic conditions that characterize India, it is also home to some of
the major religions in the world including Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism (Khare,
2011). Having come from a vast and unique culture, I have always had the desire to interact with
people and learn more about Indian culture. Apart from the lessons drawn from class and from
within the family, I have also delved into personal research from books and the internet to have a
deeper understanding of the Indian culture. Critical lessons learnt through these ways have had a
significant impact on my thoughts and feelings
Feelings
Before I was introduced to this topic, I hand no much knowledge on the impact that my
culture has on my thoughts and feelings. Before acquiring this knowledge, I thought that a
person’s feelings and thoughts are only influenced by their current state of mind and personality
TheHansIndia(2015). I am therefore quite happy to learn that the personality I have acquired
over the years has been because of the culture in which I was born and raised. This, therefore,
means that I should strive to my thoughts and feelings do not give a wrong perception about the
Indian culture to other cultures.
Evaluation
Some of the things that might influence my cultural lens include my day-to-day
interactions with other cultures within and outside the school. Additionally, the things happening
within the surroundings might also influence my cultural lens. Finally, my interaction with the
elderly and more knowledgeable members of my culture might have an impact on my cultural
lens (Banerjee,2009).

Analysis
I can now see the heterogeneity within the Indian culture as opposed to before when I had
no idea of such aspects of the culture. I can also see unique aspects that define me as a member
of the Indian culture, and which differentiates it from other cultures by making it a unique
culture in the world (TheHansIndia,2015).
Conclusion
The fact several attributes of the ancient Indian culture are still practised today despite the
continued changes limited how I saw other people. In addition, the fact that the various
diversities present within India including various forms of music and dance, as well as dressing
and food habits have not hindered our unity have had an influence on how I see other cultures.
Some of these despite lacking much diversities are less united (TheHansIndia, 2015).
Action plan
My perception of culture may be changed through several strategies. First, I need to read
widely about different world cultures to improve my understanding of what constitutes different
cultures. Secondly, I need to interact with people from different cultures to gain firsthand
experience on what makes up other cultures. Thirdly, I need to travel to different cultural
destinations. This will not only improve my awareness of different cultural aspects but it will
provide an opportunity to witness different cultural aspects in their natural setting.

References
Banerjee, S. (2009). Dimensions of Indian culture, core cultural values and marketing
implications: An analysis. Cross-Cultural Management: An International Journal, 15(4),
367-378.
Khare, A. (2011). Impact of Indian cultural values and lifestyles on the meaning of branded
products: Study on university students in India. Journal of International Consumer
Marketing, 23(5), 365-379.
TheHansIndia(2015). Characteristics of Indian culture. Retrieved 15 August 2019, from
https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Education-and-Careers/2015-05-28/
Characteristics-of-Indian-culture/153691