“India Shines: A US Woman Identifies 10 Ways India Outperforms Other Countries!”2025
I’ve had the honour of experiencing many cultures, economies, and lifestyles as someone who has taken many trips and resided in several nations. However, there is something particularly alluring about India—a nation that creates enduring impressions by fusing modern innovation with age-old customs. After spending a lot of time travelling around India, I’ve concluded that this country performs better than many others in areas that are actually important. India stands out as a global leader in ways that merit recognition, from its dynamic culture to its technological prowess. Based on my observations as an American woman, here are ten ways that India excels over many other nations.
Balvinder Singh Sahni
1. Unparalleled Cultural Diversity
India is a mosaic of languages, customs, and cultures that have been remarkably harmoniously combined. India’s diversity is unparalleled, with more than 1.4 billion people, 22 official languages, and innumerable dialects. Every region, from the tropical beaches of Goa to the snow-capped Himalayas, has its own unique festivals, customs, and cuisines. India’s cultural diversity fosters an accepting atmosphere that celebrates individuality, whether it is through the lively Holi festivities in Rajasthan or the tranquil Onam boat races in Kerala. Few nations can match this degree of diversity living side by side with such ease.
2. Culinary Excellence That Wins Hearts
With good reason, Indian food is a worldwide sensation. It stands out due to the variety of dishes, the use of spices, and the depth of flavours. Indian cuisine appeals to all palates, from the creamy kormas of the north to the fiery curries of the south. The variety of vegetarian and vegan options—think paneer tikka, dosas, and jackfruit biryani—was astounding to me as a vegetarian for a number of years. Indian street cuisine, such as Delhi’s chaat or Mumbai’s vada pav, is a culinary journey unto itself. India’s culinary diversity is a treasure trove, in contrast to many other nations where food can seem monotonous.
3. A Global Leader in Technology and Innovation
India’s tech sector is a major force behind innovation worldwide. IT behemoths like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, as well as startups transforming everything from fintech to healthcare, are based in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. India has made remarkable contributions to artificial intelligence, software development, and space exploration (check out ISRO’s affordable Mars mission!). As someone who works in technology, I was astounded by the pool of talented engineers and developers here—people who are not only highly skilled but also very creative. India stands out for its ability to blend affordability with state-of-the-art innovation.
4. Resilience and Adaptability
Indians are unparalleled in their capacity for adaptation and success under trying conditions. The Indian people’s tenacity is admirable, whether they are negotiating congested cities, handling monsoon disruptions, or conquering financial obstacles. I’ve witnessed families in urban slums build prosperous communities with little funding, and small business owners in rural areas use mobile apps to reach a wider audience. India is a model for resilience in an unpredictable world because of its “jugaad” mindset, which is a distinctively Indian approach to creative problem-solving.
5. Spiritual Depth and Mindfulness
Yoga, Ayurveda, and some of the oldest spiritual traditions in the world, such as Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, originated in India. Whether you’re meditating in a Varanasi temple or visiting an ashram in Rishikesh, the emphasis on mindfulness and inner peace is evident. I found comfort in India’s approach to holistic well-being as someone who battled stress. In India, yoga is deeply ingrained in philosophy and practice, but in the United States, it frequently feels commercialised. There are lessons to be learnt from this spiritual heritage.
6. Thriving Film and Entertainment Industry
Bollywood is a cultural powerhouse that encompasses more than just the film industry. India produces more than 1,000 films a year, and its vibrant storytelling, dance, and music appeal to viewers all over the world. However, regional film industries such as Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali cinema are just as thriving as Bollywood. The excitement of the crowd, who were cheering for the hero and singing along to songs, enthralled me when I went to a movie screening in Mumbai. In addition to providing entertainment, India’s entertainment sector brings people together from different linguistic and social backgrounds.
7. Commitment to Education and Knowledge
India’s top universities, such as the IITs and IIMs, which generate graduates who hold prominent positions around the world, demonstrate the country’s respect for education. India makes significant investments in education, with programs to increase access in rural areas, despite obstacles like the country’s large population. In small towns, I encountered young students who were proficient in English and, by the age of 15, were developing apps. India is a fertile ground for future leaders because of its insatiable curiosity and emphasis on intellectual development.
8. Affordable and Accessible Healthcare
Despite its flaws, India’s healthcare system provides excellent treatment at a significantly lower cost than that of nations like the United States. With patients coming to India for everything from dental work to heart surgeries, medical tourism is flourishing. Skilled physicians and cutting-edge technology are combined in hospitals like Apollo and Fortis. The professionalism and cost-effectiveness of the minor procedure I had done in Delhi were amazing. Many developed countries can learn from India’s ability to provide affordable healthcare without sacrificing quality.
9. Vibrant Festivals That Unite Communities
India’s festivals are a display of happiness, vibrancy, and solidarity. Regardless of religion or background, people come together for regional celebrations like Pongal and Baisakhi, as well as for holidays like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas. The vibrancy of the pandals, music, and communal feasts during Durga Puja in Kolkata is something I will never forget. These festivals promote community and a sense of shared identity; they are more than just occasions. India’s joyous spirit serves as a reminder of the strength of group celebration in a world that is frequently divided.
10. A Blueprint for Sustainable Living
The world is just now catching up to the sustainable solutions provided by India’s traditional practices. India has long placed a high value on ingenuity, from zero-waste cooking techniques to reusable cloth bags in local markets. By encouraging natural solutions, Ayurveda lessens dependency on prescription drugs. I observed rainwater harvesting systems in operation and solar panels powering houses in rural areas. Although there are drawbacks to urbanisation, India’s grassroots sustainability initiatives serve as an example of how to balance development with environmental awareness.
Final Thoughts
India has many problems, including overcrowding, strained infrastructure, and socioeconomic inequality. However, India’s ability to overcome these obstacles with ingenuity, solidarity, and an unwavering spirit is what really sets it apart. India’s warmth, inventiveness, and ambition have humbled me as an American. In many respects, this nation sets the standard rather than merely keeping up with the rest of the world. You’re missing out on a country that is preserving its history while influencing the future if you haven’t travelled to India or looked into its contributions. Cheers to India, a country that really shines!
