In recent months, a growing number of non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the United States have voiced concerns over incidents of discrimination, exclusion, and cultural insensitivity in workplaces and public spaces. What was once considered a land of opportunity by many is now being viewed by some as increasingly challenging for Indian expatriates.
One such case recently surfaced on Reddit, where a 32-year-old Indian professional recounted an experience of workplace discrimination. Employed in an American team for nearly a year, the individual shared how he was told by a senior colleague to “stop speaking in meetings” due to his Indian accent. The comment, made during a routine project update inquiry, left the employee feeling dismissed and disrespected. He emphasized that he had always communicated professionally and clearly, and this was the first time his accent had been raised as an issue.
The post sparked widespread discussion online about linguistic diversity, accent bias, and inclusivity in the corporate environment. Many users highlighted the need for better sensitivity training and intercultural awareness in global teams.
In a separate incident, Runjhun Misra, a San Francisco-based physician and medical correspondent known online as “The Wicked Vegetarian,” shared her frustration over being excluded at a workplace lunch event due to her dietary preferences. Despite prior communication from office management that lunch would be provided, she was dismayed to find that none of the more than 60 sandwich varieties offered were vegetarian. Options ranged from halal and kosher to gluten-free, yet vegetarian choices were completely absent.
Misra expressed her disappointment in an Instagram video, recounting how she was advised to “peel back the layers of meat” from a sandwich to make it vegetarian. Her experience resonated with many, sparking a conversation around food inclusivity and the daily challenges faced by vegetarians abroad.
Both incidents have fueled a broader discussion among Indian expatriates and the diaspora community about the subtle and overt forms of discrimination that persist in professional and social settings. While the United States continues to be a hub for innovation and opportunity, these experiences serve as reminders of the need for greater cultural sensitivity, diversity, and inclusion—particularly in multicultural environments.
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