CONTENTS

CONTENTS...............................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................4

Globalization: A Preliminary Definition ................................................................4

CULTURE.................................................................................................................. 4

Definition.............................................................................................................. 5
INDIAN CULTURE......................................................................................................5

IMPACT OF GLOBALISATION ON DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF INDIAN CULTURE.............7

RELIGION................................................................................................................. 7

Along with Christian religion came the rest of British or Western culture, thought
and customs and the gradual end of traditional ways of life. Thus our traditional
religions and cultures were gradually subverted or eliminated. The new Indian
converts to Christianity were encouraged not only to give up their religion but
their culture, which often had religious or spiritual implications as well. A good
Indian Christian convert would dress like an Englishman and emulate English
manners in all things. Thus in India the Hindus who converted to Christianity
were encouraged to think, behave and live like Englishmen...............................7
SOCIETY...................................................................................................................7

Family: ................................................................................................................ 8
India for ages has had a prevailing tradition of the joint family system. Arranged
marriages have the tradition in Indian society for centuries. Overwhelming
majority of Indians have their marriages planned by their parents and other
respected family-members, with the consent of the bride and groom. Although
women and men are equal before the law and the trend toward gender equality
has been noticeable, women and men still occupy distinct functions in Indian
society. Woman's role in the society is often to perform household works and
pro bono community work. ..................................................................................8
Greeting: .............................................................................................................8
Festivals: .............................................................................................................8
 India, being a multi-cultural and multi-religious society, celebrates holidays and
festivals of various religions. The 3 National holidays in India, are the
Independence Day, the Republic Day and the Gandhi Jayanti, Popular religious
festivals include the Hindu festivals of Diwali, Durga puja, Holi, Rakshabandhan,
Dussehra, Ramzaan etc........................................................................................8
CUISINE.................................................................................................................... 8

CLOTHING................................................................................................................9

PERFORMING ARTS.................................................................................................. 9

Music .................................................................................................................. 9
Dance................................................................................................................... 9
Other changes in social and cultural life................................................................10

IMPACT OF GLOBALISATION ON INDIAN BUSINESS CULTURE.................................12

TIPS TO UPCOMING FOREIGN COMPANIES TO ADAPT TO INDIAN BUSINESS

CULTURE................................................................................................................ 13

CASE STUDY...........................................................................................................15

Orissan Handicrafts in the Age of Globalization: ...................................................15

Challenges and Opportunities................................................................................15

Globalization and Indian Crafts Industry:...............................................................15

Orissan Crafts and Crafts Persons..........................................................................16

CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................17
IMPACT OF GLOBALISATION ON
INDIAN CULTURE

- G.G. Nandhini
Dept. No: 09/P702
M.Com (1st Yr)
 IMPACT OF GLOBALISATION
ON INDIAN CULTURE

INTRODUCTION
People around the globe are more connected to each other today than ever
before in the history of mankind. Information and money flow more quickly than ever.
Goods and services produced in one part of the world are increasingly available in all
parts of the world. International travel is more frequent. International communication is
commonplace.

We live in an intensely interdependent world in which all the earth’s peoples with
their immense differences of culture and historical experience are compressed together
in instant communication. This phenomenon has been titled ‘Globalization.’

‘The Era of Globalization’ is fast becoming the preferred term for describing the
current times. Globalization describes the political, economic, and cultural atmosphere
of today. The forces that allow businesses to operate as if national borders did not exist
also allow social activists, labour organizers, journalists, academics, international
terrorists and many others to work on a global stage.

Globalization: A Preliminary Definition

“An unprecedented compression of time and space reflected in the tremendous

intensification of social, political, economic, and cultural interconnections and
interdependencies on a global scale.”

- Stegler, p. ix

“Globalisation is a complex series of economic, social, technological, cultural,

and political changes seen as increasing, integration, and interaction between people
and companies in disparate locations.”

CULTURE
 Culture is defined as patterns of human activity and the symbols that give these
activities significance. Culture is what people eat, how they dress, beliefs they hold, and
activities they practice. Globalization has joined different cultures and made it into
something different. “When cultures receive outside influences, they ignore some and
adopt others, and then almost immediately start to transform them.”

Definition

“Culture of civilization is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief,

cult, morals, law, custom, and other capabilities and habits acquired by a man as a
member of society.”

- E.B.Taylor

INDIAN CULTURE
Indian culture which in effect means Hindu culture, Hindu religion, Hindu society,
Hindu civilization, and Hindu way of life are under the lethal threat of the ruthless forces
of Globalization today. What went by the name of Colonialism in classical history
textbooks produced in the days of British Raj has been replaced today by the synonym
of Globalization. The unbridled expansion of western culture has continued at an
accelerated rate along with the denigration and decline of Hindu culture, civilization,
religion, art, literature and customs. This new Colonialism has taken on several new
faces or rather put on new masks. It cleverly masquerade itself through labels and
slogans like democracy, humanitarian rights, gender equality, internationalism, free
trade and humanitarianism. In the name of modernization and Globalization it pretends
to be uplifting peoples whom it is really exploiting. This is not very different in either kind
or intent from old Western Colonialism – British Imperialism in the Indian context –
which vaunted itself as the benign bringer of Civilization and culture to the uncivilized
world. It was given the glorious title of 'White Man's Burden'.

The Culture of India has been shaped by its long history, unique geography,
diverse demographics and the absorption of customs, traditions and ideas from some of
its neighbours as w its ancient heritages, which were formed during the Indus Valley
Civilization and evolved further during the Vedic age, rise and decline of Buddhism,
Golden age, Muslim conquests and European colonization.

India's great diversity of religious practices, languages, customs, and traditions

are examples of this unique co-mingling over the past five millennia. The various
religions and traditions of India that were created by these amalgamations have
influenced other parts of the world too.
 IMPACT OF GLOBALISATION ON
DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF INDIAN
CULTURE

Due to economic liberalization and globalization, the world has become a “global
village”. There is increasing interaction between people of different countries. As a
result food habits, dress habits, lifestyle and views are being internationalized. The
influence of globalization on such aspects are analysed under the following heads

RELIGION
India is the birth place of Dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
and Sikhism. Dharmic religions, also known as Indian religions, are a major form of
world religions next to the Abrahamic ones. India is one of the most religiously diverse
nations in the world, with some of the most deeply religious societies and cultures.
Religion still plays a central and definitive role in the life of most of its people. Despite
the strong role of religion in Indian life, atheism and agnostics also have visible
influence along with a self-ascribed tolerance to other faiths.

Impact

Along with Christian religion came the rest of British or Western culture, thought
and customs and the gradual end of traditional ways of life. Thus our traditional religions
and cultures were gradually subverted or eliminated. The new Indian converts to
Christianity were encouraged not only to give up their religion but their culture, which
often had religious or spiritual implications as well. A good Indian Christian convert
would dress like an Englishman and emulate English manners in all things. Thus in
India the Hindus who converted to Christianity were encouraged to think, behave and
live like Englishmen.

SOCIETY
The traditional Indian culture is defined by relatively strict social hierarchy. From
an early age, children are reminded of their roles and places in society. Several
differences such as religion divide culture. However, far more powerful division is the
traditional Hindu bifurcation into non-polluting and polluting occupations. Strict social
taboos have governed these groups for thousands of years. Among developing
countries, India has low levels of occupational and geographic mobility. People choose
same occupations as their parents and rarely move geographically in the society.

Family:
India for ages has had a prevailing tradition of the joint family system. Arranged
marriages have the tradition in Indian society for centuries. Overwhelming majority of
Indians have their marriages planned by their parents and other respected family-
members, with the consent of the bride and groom. Although women and men are equal
before the law and the trend toward gender equality has been noticeable, women and
men still occupy distinct functions in Indian society. Woman's role in the society is often
to perform household works and pro bono community work.

Greeting:

Namaste, Namaskar or Namaskaram is a common spoken greeting or salutation

in the Indian subcontinent. When spoken to another person, it is commonly
accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and
fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest.

Festivals:

India, being a multi-cultural and multi-religious society, celebrates holidays and

festivals of various religions. The 3 National holidays in India, are the Independence
Day, the Republic Day and the Gandhi Jayanti, Popular religious festivals include the
Hindu festivals of Diwali, Durga puja, Holi, Rakshabandhan, Dussehra, Ramzaan etc.

Impact
1. Nuclear families are emerging.
2. Divorce rates are rising day by day.
3. Men and women are gaining equal right to education, to earn, and to speak.
4. ‘Hi’, ‘Hello’ is used to greet people in spite of Namaskar and Namaste.
5. American festivals like Valentines day, Friendship day etc. are spreading across
India.

CUISINE
 The multiple families of Indian cuisine are characterized by their sophisticated
and subtle use of many spices and herbs. Though a significant portion of Indian food is
vegetarian, many traditional Indian dishes also include chicken, goat, lamb, fish, and
other meats. Cuisine across India has also been influenced by various cultural groups
that entered India throughout history, such as the Persians, Mughals, and European
colonists. Though the tandoor originated in Central Asia, Indian tandoori dishes, such as
chicken tikka made with Indian ingredients, enjoy widespread popularity.

Impact

Indian cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines across the globe. Historically,
Indian spices and herbs were one of the most sought after trade commodities. Pizzas,
burgers, Chinese foods and other Western foods have become quite popular.

CLOTHING
Traditional Indian clothing for women are the saris and also Ghaghra Cholis For
men, traditional clothes are the Dhoti, Kurta. In southern India men wear long, white
sheets of cloth called dhoti with shirts. Women wear a sari draped over a simple or
fancy blouse. This is worn by young ladies and woman. Little girls wear a pavada.
Traditionally, the red bindi (or sindhur) was worn only by the married Hindu women, but
now it has become a part of women's fashion.

Impact

Indo-western clothing, the fusion of Western and Sub continental fashion is in

trend. Wearing jeans, t-shirts, mini skirts have become common among Indian girls.

PERFORMING ARTS
Music

The music of India includes multiples varieties of religious, folk, popular, pop, and
classical music. India's classical music includes two distinct styles: Carnatic and
Hindustani music. It remains instrumental to the religious inspiration, cultural expression
and pure entertainment.

Dance

Indian dance too has diverse folk and classical forms. Bharatanatyam, kathak,
kathakali mohiniattam, kuchipudi, odissi are popular dance forms in India.
Kalarippayattu or Kalari for short is considered one of the world's oldest martial art.
There have been many great practitioners of Indian martial Arts including Bodhidharma
who supposedly brought Indian martial arts to China.

Impact

1. Indian Classical music has gained worldwide recognition.

2. Western music is becoming very popular in our country.
3. Fusing Indian music along with western music is encouraged among musicians.
4. More Indian dance shows are held globally.
5. The number of foreigners who are eager to learn Bharatanatyam is rising.
6. Western dance forms such as Jazz, Hip hop, Salsa, Balley have become among
Indian youngsters.

Other changes in social and cultural life

• Access to television grew from 10% of the urban population (1991) to 75% of the
urban population (1999).
• Cable television and foreign movies became widely available for the first time and
have acted as a catalyst in bulldozing the cultural boundaries.
• All these technologies have changed perceptions and dreams of ordinary people.
• Unmarried boys and girls are sharing same apartment and staying away from their
parents.
• Indian youths leaving education in mid-way and joining MNC's
• There has been a increase in the violence, particularly against women.
• Scientific and technological innovations have made life quite comfortable, fast and
enjoyable.
• More availability of cheap and filthy material (CD's or DVD's of Hollywood movies,
porn movies, sex toys, foreign channels like MTV) in the name of liberalization.
• In India, land-line or basic phone was a prestige symbol few years back but now you
find people riding bicycle with a mobile in hand, talking or listening music or even
clicking cameras of their phones targeting pretty girls or ladies.
• Society has become more open compared to its earlier conservative look due to
exposure to other cultures through DTH or cable network.
• This has contributed to dating, celebration of friendship days/valentine day, and
resulted to rising number of call girls and makes them more prone to sexually
transmitted diseases.
• People are less worried for government jobs as MNC's and private or public sector
are offering more lucrative jobs.
• People are more wary of the world events and have a direct opportunity to
participate in world politics and economy. As a result of this, a new middle class has
emerged. This class is a fusion of Indian and western value system. It is unique
and characteristic of globalization.
• Extension of internet facilities even to rural areas.
• In place of old cinema halls, multiplex theatre is coming up.
• Old restaurants are now replaced by Mc. Donalds. Fast food and Chinese dishes
have replaced juice corners and Parathas.
• More inflow of money has aggravated deep rooted problem of corruption?
• More scandals and scams compared to pre-globalization era.
• Girls being blackmailed by their ex-boy friends using MMS
• Ban on TV channels for showing sex and violence violating all norms
• Girls being raped in moving vehicles
• There is deterioration in social values as evident from less respect for ladies and
older people.

Cultural - growth of cross-cultural contacts; advent of new categories of

consciousness and identities which embodies cultural diffusion, the desire to increase
one's standard of living and enjoy foreign products and ideas, adopt new technology
and practices, and participate in a "world culture". Some bemoan the resulting
consumerism and loss of languages. Also see Transformation of culture.

o Spreading of multiculturalism, and better individual access to cultural

diversity (e.g. through the export of Hollywood and Bollywood movies). Some
consider such "imported" culture a danger, since it may supplant the local culture,
causing reduction in diversity or even assimilation. Others consider multiculturalism
to promote peace and understanding between peoples.
o Greater international travel and tourism. WHO estimates that up to
500,000 people are on planes at any time.
o Greater immigration, including illegal immigration.
o Spread of local consumer products (e.g., food) to other countries (often
adapted to their culture).
o Worldwide fads and pop culture such as Pokémon, Sudoku, Numa Numa,
Origami, Idol series, YouTube, Orkut, Facebook, and MySpace. Accessible to those
who have Internet or Television, leaving out a substantial segment of the Earth's
population.
o Americans did not meditate or practice yoga. After globalization, this is
more common. Some people are even traveling to India to get the full experience
themselves.
o Another common practice brought about by globalization is Chinese
symbol tattoos. These tattoos are popular with today’s younger generation despite
the fact that, in China, tattoos are not thought of as cool. Also, the Westerners who
get these tattoos often don't know what they mean, making this an example of
cultural appropriation.
o The Internet is associated with the process of cultural globalization
because it allows interaction and communication between people with very different
lifestyles and from very different cultures. Photo sharing websites allow interaction
even where language would otherwise be a barrier.
o Worldwide sporting events such as FIFA World Cup and the Olympic
Games.
 IMPACT OF GLOBALISATION ON
INDIAN BUSINESS CULTURE
The Indian economy had been booming for the past few years. The country held
great promise for the future. Liberalized foreign policies had unleashed the
entrepreneurial spirit of its people and many multi-national firms, attracted by the dusty
plains of Deccan, had already set up big offices throughout the nation.

The foreign culture can have both positive and negative influence on people and
business firms. New ways of thinking and working may develop leading to higher
efficiency. A few examples of impact of foreign culture on business practices are given
below:

• Indian companies adopting international accounting standards.

• Just-in-time and other more efficient techniques of inventory control.
• Flexitime and new practices of human resource management.
• Social responsibility and business ethics ideas.
• Improvement in corporate governance practices.
• Customer relationship management practices.
• Inflow of foreign funds.
• Healthy competition with foreign products.

The business sector in India is highly promising in the present scenario. The
impact of globalization has changed the business procedure in India in terms of
psychology, methodology, technology, mindset work culture etc. Newer challenges,
newer opportunities are day-by-day in front of Indian industries, which are profitable and
prospective.

The fundamental scope of doing business in India is lying with its people. The
huge population of India has created a large unsaturated market of consumers. This is
one of the reasons why global companies are very much interested in doing business in
India. In the post globalization era this scope has increased immensely for global
multinational companies as Government of India has also played a very crucial and
supportive role in this respect through liberalized policies and legislative structure.

Let us glance through a few situations that have arisen in India post liberalization

1. Shifting of Agriculture worker to industry sector

2. Urbanization –People are shifting from rural to urban areas.
3. Opening up of trade market –export import boom.
4. Big open saturated market for products
5. A growing market for high quality and low price product
6. Gradual increase of organized retail chain.
7. Growing number of Merger and Acquisitions.
8. Lucid license policies for overseas Multinational Corporation.
9. High growth rate is showing economic prosperity in India.
10. Indian Market leaders going global.

But there are certain negative impacts occurred aftermath the globalization impact in
India, which are as follows –

1) Unequal distribution of wealth disparity in income.

2) Rapid privatization government driven public sector units are on sale.
3) Uneven growth in respect of different sectors.
4) Extreme mechanization is reducing demand for manual labours.
5) Both employee and consumer exploitation are on rise by private sector.

TIPS TO UPCOMING FOREIGN

COMPANIES TO ADAPT TO INDIAN
BUSINESS CULTURE
Our cultures define our fundamental beliefs about how the world works and forms
ways in which we interact and communicate with others and develop and maintain
relationships. Doing business in a particular nation requires a focus on a multi-
dimensional understanding of its culture and business practices. Understanding those
differences and adapting to them is the key.

India is a complex country, and those arriving here to do business will discover
that the path to success is often, not very smooth. The following tips will give them an
idea of the working and business norms in practice here. These form the basis of doing
business in India as well as closely connected to risks of doing business in India.

 In the United States of America, efficiency, adhering to deadlines and a host of

other similar habits are considered normal and are expected. But when it comes to
India, one needs to understand that one is dealing with people from a different
cultural background that think and interact differently. As a result, what is considered
to be reasonable and feasible in America may not work so in India and vice-versa.
  Aggressiveness can often be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. This may lead
to a complete lack of communication and motivation on the part of the Indians. One
needs to take the time to get to know them as individuals in order to develop
professional trust. Indians are very good hosts and will therefore, invite you to their
homes and indulge in personal talk often. All this is very much a part of business.
One is expected to accept the invitation gracefully. Taking a box of sweets,
chocolates or a simple bouquet of flowers would definitely be a welcome gesture.
Indians respect people who value their family. They will allow family to take priority
over work, whenever necessary.
 Criticism about an individual's ideas or work needs to be done constructively,
without damaging that person’s self-esteem. As Indians are used to a system of
hierarchy in the work-place, senior colleagues are obeyed and respected.
Supervisors are expected to monitor an individual's work and shoulder the
responsibility of meeting deadlines. Therefore, it is important to double-check and
keep track of time. Educated Indians have learnt to adapt to the western methods of
monitoring one’s own work and completing it on schedule.
 An Indian who hesitates to say ‘No’ may actually be trying to convey that he is
willing to try, but presuming the task to be unrealistic in nature, he may worry
whether he would get the job done. It is important to create a safe and comfortable
work environment where it is okay to say "No" and also okay to make mistakes
without the fear of repercussions.
 In a group discussion, only the senior most persons might speak, but that does
not mean that the others agree with him. They may maintain silence, without
contradicting him (or you) out of respect for seniority. Westernized Indians on the
other hand can be quite assertive and direct and it is fine to treat them in the same
manner. Politeness and honesty go a long way in establishing the fact that your
intentions are genuine.
 Women are treated with respect in the work place. They feel quite safe and
secure in most organizations in India. Foreign women working here will find it easy
to adapt to an Indian work environment. However, they need to plan their wardrobe
carefully, keeping in mind the conservative dress codes in India.
 Humor in the work place is something that some Indians are not used to. Most
traditional Indians are teetotalers/vegetarians, so their eating habits need to be
respected. Westernized Indians are more outgoing and do socialize and drink
(excessively at times).

These tips mentioned above may not apply to all situations, as India is a land of
contrasts and each person you meet will be unique blend of Indian/Western values.
People from different socio-economic strata, educational backgrounds, class and
religion may behave very differently.
CASE STUDY
Orissan Handicrafts in the Age of
Globalization:
Challenges and Opportunities
Folk arts and crafts are the integral parts of life in Orissa. Famous for the beauty
and craftsmanship of Konark, Jagannath and Lingaraj and incalculable other temples,
Orissa offer a prominent collection of arts and crafts both decorative and utilitarian. Be
it the brilliant appliqu works of Pipili, sparkling Patta Chitra of Puri, Silver Filigree
jewellery and golden grass mats of Cuttack or dazzling Horn work of Parlakhemundi
and Clay Toys of Mayurbhanj, each handicrafts emanate a charm and originality of its
own. In the days of Mc Donalds, Pepsi Cola and Levi's jeans, where free flow of goods
and services and also of people and culture have been rampant, the volatility of the
choice of the variety-seeking consumers, the king in the age of globalization not only
always demands the new and modern but also sometimes revamps the old and the
traditional. It is here the case for traditional arts and crafts comes to the fore. Quite
surprisingly many foreign fashion shows are run these days with Hollywood models
wearing the appliqued motifs sarees designed by Indian fashion designers. This
instance adds to growing demand for Indian folk creations like, applique umbrellas in
western sea beaches. This shows how tradition meets with modernity these days.
Globalization has put both east and west into one compartment and makes a single
village a global village. In the age of jet travel and mobile communication, boundaries
between cultures are liable to erode and deterritorialised.

Globalization and Indian Crafts Industry:

India opened up its economy and adapted to globalisation in the early nineties.
Major changes initiated as a part of the liberalisation and globalisation strategy
included scrapping of the industrial licensing regime, reduction in the number of areas
reserved for the public sector, amendment of the monopolies and the restrictive trade
practices act, start of the privatization programme, reduction in tariff rates etc. Since
the advent of globalization in 1991, India has experienced a lot and accordingly the
society has undergone many changes in different spheres. Though the forces of
globalization have ample positive effects in the long-run in many sectors of our
economy and society, some of its repulsive implications against the poor in many
cases have worried our development strategists. If we suspend the later for a moment,
one of the growing sector benefited out of it, is the Handicraft industry with 'Indian
handicrafts export crossing Rs.1,220/- crores in 1990-91 from merely 10 crores in the
mid fifties.' Again the Ministry of Textiles data show, it increased to Rs. 4517.52 crores
in 1994-95 and Rs. 7206.79 crores in 2000-01. It had reached at the peak Rs. 8059.63
Crores in 1999-2000 (www.texmin.nic.in). Indian handicrafts are now available in
global markets, so also foreign crafts in our shops. Handicrafts constitute a significant
segment of the decentralized sector of our economy and its importance is being felt
when it is assessed that it provides employment to lakhs of artisans scattered
especially in the weaker sections of our society such as SCs, STs and the women,
producing goods worth thousands of Crores of Rupees per year.

The skilled hand of the Indian craftsmen is our most important and yet most
invisible resource. It is to be perceived with concern and with a precise understanding
of its value. Because once lost nothing can replace it. India has been the exporter of
crafts for ages. The workmanship of the Indian craftsmen is so exquisite that
throughout the 18th and 19th centuries India was known to other countries on the trade
route more by her crafts than by her art, religion and philosophy.

As the data shown above clarifies, remarkable progress has been made in
exports of handicrafts since India's Independence. The Handicrafts and Handlooms
Exports corporations of India ltd (HHEC) a govt. of India undertaking established in
1962 has been instrumental in promoting Indian handloom fabrics in the west. There is
a vast scope for the Indian's handicrafts exports to grow further. In the age of
globalization, where efficiency meets success, Indian handicrafts further prospects lies
in diversification of products and markets. We have to be ahead of our competitors in
keeping ourselves informed of market trend and changes in fashion and design.

Orissan Crafts and Crafts Persons

Orissa, one of the backward states in the Indian union has also taken the
advantages of new opportunities of globalization and designed policies in such a way to
attract foreign investment and forge ahead with its policy of economic reforms. Now it
has attracted FDI flows in different sectors of its economy. Globalisation has many
impacts on its handicrafts sector. Orissa, which has distinguished crafts heritage, 'there
are 69,395 handicraft artisans, which includes- 41,612 males and 27,744 females. Many
of its crafts have long historical past and have been produced since antiquity. For
instance the Appliqué crafts of Pipili in Puri district which is now an internationally well
known craft, is thought to have been used to decorate the temples since 1054 A.D.
Sources say, in ancient Orissa several crafts and industries also developed during the
Nanda and Maurya rule as has been found from the excavated sites at Sisupalgarh
(near Bhubaneswar), Jaugarh (in Ganjam) and Asurgarh.

CONCLUSION
The impact of foreign culture is increasing as more people travel abroad and
interact with foreigners. Internet, multinational companies, growing foreign trade is other
means which are contributing to impact of foreign culture.

Every educated Indian seems to believe that nothing in Hindu India, past or
present, is to be approved unless recognized and recommended by an appropriate
authority in the West. There is an all-pervading presence of a positive, if not worshipful,
attitude towards everything in western society and culture, past as well as present in the
name of progress, reason and science. Nothing from the West is to be rejected unless it
has first been weighed and found wanting by a Western evaluation.

Swamy Vivekananda foresaw the dangers of Globalization as early as in 1893

when he spoke at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. To quote his soul-
stirring words: 'Shall India die? Then, from the world all spirituality will be extinct, all
sweet-souled sympathy for religion will be extinct, all ideality will be extinct ; and in its
place will reign the duality of lust and luxury as the male and female deities, with money
as its priest, fraud, force, and competition its ceremonies, and human soul its sacrifice.
Such a thing can never be'.

Precisely such a terrible thing is taking place in India today on account of the
inexorable and immutable process of Globalization.