Unraveling the viral trend on X, 'What's Wrong with India?'

The social media platform X saw an inundation of posts featuring the phrase 'what's wrong with India'. Here's the narrative behind the viral trend, which has garnered over 2.5 lakh posts.

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Westerners have long mocked Indians for various reasons, from their dressing style to hygiene habits, and even the state of their trains. These taunts, including derogatory remarks about odour, have been a source of irritation for many Indians. However, in a surprising turn of events, netizens have begun to push back against these stereotypes in a unique way.

The hashtag 'What is wrong with India?' began trending on X after a disturbing incident in the country was brought to light. What started as a singular event soon snowballed into a larger conversation, with more people chiming in to share their perspectives, which often turned into mockery.

Indian internet users seized the opportunity to highlight flaws in Western societies, countering criticisms with examples of their own. Videos circulated showing unsavoury incidents such as public urination in the New York City metro and altercations between passengers, challenging the notion of Western superiority.

In a humorous twist, one video depicted a man taking a bath inside a US metro, sarcastically labelled as emblematic of a "third world country" by the Indian user. The trend gained momentum as Indians showcased instances of Western society's own shortcomings, much to the surprise and discomfort of Western observers.

Even the Indian government joined the conversation, with the 'MyGovIndia' account highlighting the country's achievements, including successful space missions and recognition from international bodies like the IMF.

This unexpected turn of events served as a reminder that stereotypes and criticisms are not exclusive to any one country and can often backfire.