Editor,
The recent ignominious incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, involving three young women from Arunachal Pradesh and their neighbours has drawn widespread attention. What began as a neighbourhood dispute quickly escalated into a matter of national concern, making headlines not only across the Northeast but also in several prominent national media outlets.
At the heart of the outrage lies a deeper and more troubling issue – racial prejudice. The alleged racially motivated behaviour towards the young women has deeply agitated communities across the Northeast and others who share similar Mongoloid physical features. Such incidents reopen old wounds and reinforce a painful reality: discrimination based on appearance and ethnicity remains embedded in sections of society.
What was particularly disturbing in this case was the visible sense of entitlement displayed by the accused individuals. Their conduct reflected not merely anger in the heat of a dispute, but a deeper prejudice that continues to surface in everyday interactions faced by many from the Northeast living in mainland India.
Racial slurs directed at people from the Northeast are unfortunately not new. Words such as ‘momo’, ‘massage parlour’, or ‘watchman’ are casually used as labels, reducing an entire and diverse population to narrow occupational stereotypes. There is nothing dishonourable about any honest profession, yet the intent behind these labels is to demean and dehumanise. If the same template of argument were to be used on those two individuals, then can we also label them as ‘Pani puri wallah’, ‘rikshaw wallah’ or ”labour bhaiya’? We would of course never do so as this form of ignoramus remark can only be made by a mentally challenged individual.
The fundamental flaw in such stereotyping lies in its ignorance. Every society is socially and economically diverse. To define an entire population by selectively highlighting a segment of it is intellectually dishonest and morally indefensible. If one were to apply the same logic elsewhere, every region in India – and indeed every country in the world – could be reduced to crude caricatures. Indians abroad, for instance, are often stereotyped in similarly simplistic ways as ‘taxi drivers’, ‘cheap and unruly tourists’, ‘construction labourers’, and so on and so forth. Yet, we rightfully object when such generalisations are made about us.
The question then arises: why do we perpetuate at home what we protest abroad?
While condemning racial discrimination is necessary, this moment also offers an opportunity for introspection. The young women involved in the incident displayed courage in standing their ground and filing a police complaint. That act alone deserves recognition.
However, one aspect that stood out during subsequent media interactions was the challenge of articulating grievances clearly and forcefully in a highly charged environment. Communication matters – not just emotionally, but strategically. The ability to express oneself confidently and coherently can shape public perception, strengthen one’s case, and command respect.
For families in Arunachal and across the Northeast, this raises an important point. When we send our children outside the region for education or employment, we must equip them not only with academic qualifications but also with strong communication skills. Whether in English, Hindi, or any widely spoken language, verbal fluency, clarity of thought, and confidence are essential tools in today’s world.
Life beyond the familiarity of one’s home state can be challenging. The world outside may not always be as safe or understanding as our communities. Therefore, it becomes our collective responsibility – parents, educators, and society – to prepare young people thoroughly.
They must be grounded in their identity, proud of their heritage, and skilled in articulating their perspectives. Effective communication does not mean abandoning one’s culture; rather, it strengthens one’s ability to defend it.
The Malviya Nagar incident is not just about one neighbourhood conflict. It is a reminder that dignity must be defended, prejudice must be challenged, and preparedness must be prioritised.
Combating discrimination requires legal action and social awareness – but it also requires empowering individuals with the confidence and skills to navigate hostile spaces.
In the end, the goal is not division, but mutual respect. A truly united nation is one where diversity is not merely tolerated but understood and valued.
Wijali Manyu