Parminder Singh, former Managing Director of Google and Twitter, recently shared a thought-provoking revelation on social media platform X, shedding light on the fascinating interplay of ethnic perceptions. In a tweet posted on April 14, Singh highlighted a curious phenomenon observed in Malaysia, where Sikhs are often mistakenly referred to as Bengalis, along with all individuals hailing from North India.What is historical contextSingh delved into the historical roots of this confusion, tracing it back to the colonial era. He explained that during British rule, British India had three primary seaports - Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. In Malaysia, Sikhs are often referred to as Bengalis! I recently learned this fact and the fascinating history behind it. British India had three sea ports - Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. British Malaya was served by ships from Calcutta and Madras. Most North Indians used the…— Parminder Singh (@parrysingh) April 14, 2024Ships from Calcutta and Madras served British Malaya, with a significant number of North Indians, particularly Sikhs recruited for various roles in the army, police, and security sectors, utilizing the Calcutta port. Consequently, to the Malay people, anyone not originating from Madras, essentially all individuals from North India were perceived as Bengalis.Light-hearted anecdoteAdding a touch of humor to his narrative, Singh recounted how some individuals in Malaysia affectionately referred to him as Parry Dada, a Bengali term for elder brother. This playful misnomer offered a stark contrast to the tendency of many North Indians to generalize individuals from the South as Madrasis.Heres how netizens reactSinghs revelation sparked a wave of fascination among internet users, prompting them to share their own anecdotes and experiences of cultural perceptions from around the world.One user shared an amusing incident from Odisha, where a traditional outfit known as salwar-kurta/kameez is colloquially referred to as Punjabi, leading to humorous interactions with shopkeepers. While, another user emphasized the diverse values and identities encompassed within the Sikh community, likening them to a vibrant spectrum of world cultures. Further examples were provided, including the moniker Kala Singha for Sikhs in East Africa and the widespread use of the term Angrez to denote all white individuals, reflecting the pervasive influence of historical contexts on contemporary perceptions.
