“I’ve made deeper friendships in India than I expected”: Nigerian content creator's video debunking popular myths about India goes viral

Social media has become a powerful space for challenging stereotypes, breaking myths, and sharing real-life experiences across cultures. More than ever, content creators around the world are using their platforms to provide a glimpse into the places they live in, not just as tourists, but as everyday residents.

These firsthand experiences often contrast sharply with the assumptions and generalizations people may hold about certain countries.One such content creator is Pascal Olaleye, a Nigerian who moved to India in 2021 and has since been documenting his journey online. Through videos and posts, he shows what life is truly like in India—not just from the lens of a visitor, but as someone integrating into the culture, society, and daily life.

Content creator debunks myths about life in India

Nigerian content creator Pascal Olaleye recently took to Instagram to share his lived experiences in India and to challenge widely held myths about the country. Olaleye has been using his platform to address stereotypes, many of which he says, are far from the truth.One major misconception he tackled is the idea that “India is too dirty to live in.” He responded, “Completely false, it’s busy and chaotic, but I’ve seen how communities keep their spaces clean, and I’ve stayed in places far cleaner than you would believe.”

Another myth he addressed was that “nobody speaks English in India.” Olaleye pointed out that English is widely spoken, especially in southern India, and that public signs often appear in both English and Hindi.He also dismissed the belief that Indian roads are too dangerous, saying that transportation options like rickshaws, the metro, and Uber are both affordable and reliable.

Olaleye didn’t stop there. He also busted deeper myths, such as the idea that India is unsafe for foreigners, or that Black people can’t feel at home in India.

On the contrary, he shared, “I’ve been welcomed with chai, invitations to weddings, and treated like family, even by strangers.”He added that “Learn the language, respect the culture, you’ll be welcomed, and soon feel like a true Indian.”According to his post, foreigners not only feel accepted in Indian society, but also build successful careers, businesses, and friendships. “Myth: You can’t succeed here. Reality: Foreigners build businesses, careers, and also a lot of international students study here nowadays,” he wrote.

He also said, “Myth: You can’t make friends here in India. Reality: I’ve made deeper friendships in India than I expected.

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Social media reactions

The response to his post has been overwhelmingly positive. As one Instagram user commented, “Foreigners living in India and breaking such stereotypes about our country is my favourite side of Instagram. Lots of love and well wishes.” Another user added, “I’m glad you found a place that you feel safe in and feel accepted. That is so important.”