A recent online post managed to stir up everything from cultural pride to frustration within minutes.
The anonymous post read:
“Not a racist post but I see South Indian kids are bright in their studies and always well-behaved. Do you give supplements or include anything in your food? Like Brahmi? What’s the secret?”
While the post seemed framed as harmless curiosity, it didn’t sit well with everyone. Some saw it as yet another stereotype aimed at pitting regional identities within the Indian community against one another.
A few strongly condemned the post, calling it a thinly veiled generalization disguised as a compliment.
One user pointed out that teaching children to “mind their own business” rather than making broad assumptions about communities is the real lesson many families pass on.
Others, however, responded with humor or cultural pride. Several parents shared that discipline, emphasis on education, and a strong connection to roots play a big role in raising well-rounded children abroad.
It was mentioned by some that maintaining native languages, practicing meditation as a family, and exposing children to cultural and spiritual practices like chanting slokas or reciting the Hanuman Chalisa are common traditions in many South Indian households.
It was also highlighted by some that diet—while important—is often exaggerated in these discussions. “My mom swore drumsticks in sambhar make you smarter,” one comment read in jest, reflecting the playful banter that accompanied the conversation.
Not everyone was comfortable with the underlying divisions exposed in the thread. Some observed that these kinds of stereotypes, even if they appear positive, can reinforce narrow expectations and deepen existing divides within the diaspora.
Others noted how cultural isolation is already visible in U.S. cities, with one user pointing out how Indian restaurants in parts of Dallas feel almost exclusive to one community, unlike the more diverse atmosphere in places like Chicago or New York.
A few reflected on how even within the diaspora, language, music, and food often create subtle boundaries, as seen at community events where participation varies based on regional affiliations.
Conclusion: Beyond the 'Secret'
The viral post may have started with sambhar and academic success, but it evolved into a broader reflection of the Indian immigrant experience—where tradition, identity, and unity constantly intersect.
For a community that faces both external challenges, such as rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S., and internal divisions rooted in regional pride, these conversations reveal that success abroad is shaped by much more than food or parenting—it's shaped by how communities navigate their differences.
If the diaspora hopes to thrive collectively, perhaps the real secret lies not in sambhar or slokas, but in fostering unity, respect, and understanding across every cultural line.