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| Agoes when he was present at UMMtalks. (Photo: Istimewah) |
The country of India has a variety of unique hidden things. He was starting from iconic films, typical spices to excellence in technology and transportation. Interestingly, all of these things have been well-reviewed by one of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) through his Youtube channel, which has more than 499,000 subscribers. Mohammad Agoes Aufiya, S.Ip, M.A, M. Phil. is currently pursuing his doctoral studies in India. Meanwhile, UMMTalk had the opportunity to invite him and reveal the secret to the success of his Youtube channel on Saturday (7/8).
This lecturer in the International Relations Study Program revealed various reasons why he creates content about India. Apart from the fact that he studied in Bollywood, according to him, India has an exciting uniqueness. There are many contradictions in the country. For example, there are still those who use cows as tow vehicles even though there are already sophisticated MRT vehicles in New Delhi's capital. "There are some people known as the richest people in Asia, but there are also many people whose lives are mediocre or even poor. It is these contrasting circumstances that make the country of Bollywood so interesting and unique," he added.
Agoes, who is currently studying at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that language, culture, and government systems could also be fun to talk about. He gives examples of some words that do not need to be told when communicating. Enough with the typical Indian head gesture. Likewise, gratitude is often conveyed using its distinctive motion.
"So early on in India, I was surprised because people didn't say thank you. I was even giving a shaking head gesture. Until a few weeks later, I understood these movements, which meant thank you," he said.
Besides language, another unique thing that can find in the caste system that has existed for hundreds of years. The existing caste line consists of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras, and those outside the caste are Dalit. According to him, this caste system is challenging to eliminate in Indian culture because almost 90% of marriages in this country are arranged. "This matchmaking is carried out and becomes a tradition to maintain the dignity of the family so that it is following its caste. Rarely do we find caste marriages," he added.
There is no denying Agoes that discrimination still exists in India, but the local government has banned harmful caste discrimination. Meanwhile, positive discrimination gives a portion to lower castes to continue studying at university. They are even given an amount to work as a Civil Servant even though it is small.
Furthermore, he also explained the situation and condition of the pandemic in India, which had become the subject of discussion in the global world. The lecturer from South Kalimantan said that the handling of Covid-19 was quite good. Even the death rate is gradually decreasing. India has also succeeded in producing a vaccine to deal with the pandemic. It has even become one of the largest vaccine manufacturers in the world. "This factor has made the positive number of the Coronavirus sloping lately," he said.
Agoes again said that the government's quick response was also interesting. Now, health is the priority, while the economy is the second priority. The community also has the right to receive assistance, both in terms of clothing and food. "These efforts are an effort by the Indian government to suppress the number of Covid-19. This rapid movement and response can also be a lesson for Indonesia in dealing with Covid-19 so that it can be even better," he concluded. (haq/wil)
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