Locals speak out: Delhi, Mumbai ranked most unfriendly Indian cities
Thinking of moving to a new city? Well, according to a recent survey by Preply, you might want to cross Mumbai and Delhi off your list. They have been crowned as the unfriendliest cities in India. But don't take the survey's word for it. Let's hear what the folks from Delhi and Mumbai have to say about it.
53 cities across the globe were assessed in the survey
In a survey titled 'The Community Spirit Index: The World's Friendliest Cities For Non-Natives,' 53 cities across the globe were assessed. Accra in Ghana was rated the least friendly city with a score of just 3.12 out of 10. Marrakech in Morocco came in second place with a score of 3.69; Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, and Delhi followed.
Key metrics used by the survey
To determine the friendliest and unfriendliest cities globally, the index considered six important factors. It included visitor return rates, safety ratings, LGBTQ+ equality, overall happiness, ease of communication through a common language, and the friendliness of the staff.
Warm greetings from everyone I interact with: Sumit Banerjee, Mumbai
28-year-old Sumit Banerjee, who has been living in the city for nearly a year, disagrees with the survey's findings. Banerjee shares, "Every day when I step out, I hope to be treated in a way that does not make me miss my native place. Honestly, I have never been let down. From shopkeepers to barbers, everyone I have interacted with greets me warmly."
'A helpful stranger went above and beyond for me'
"Speaking of strangers, I must say I was grateful to be in Mumbai. Once, when I was lost, a kind stranger went out of their way to guide me and help me find my way," shares Banerjee.
People often form friendships on local trains: Vishal Jha, Mumbai
According to Vishal Jha, a 28-year-old Mumbai-based techie, the criteria chosen by the surveyors are inadequate. He opines, "When it comes to hospitality, Mumbai stands out as a welcoming city." Vishal explains, "In Mumbai, people often form friendships even while commuting on local trains. With numerous individuals traveling daily and frequently crossing paths, friendships between them happen naturally."
Delhi bustling with gay-friendly cafes, bars, meetups: Artha Neog, Delhi
Artha Neog, a 29-year-old transwoman too disagrees with the findings of the survey. She shares, "Delhi was the first city to ensure that millions of voices are heard. Today, the capital city of India is bustling with gay-friendly cafes, bars, meetups, poetry sessions, open-mic gatherings, and enriching discussions where journalists, artists, and diplomats come together. These are a common sight in Delhi today."
Delhi is a cosmopolitan city according to Param and Prakarsh
Param Singh, 26, a Delhi resident, asserts, "When it comes to diversity, Delhi stands out as a city that can be compared to the most cosmopolitan cities in the world." "This city embraces newcomers as its own, as it is not limited to a single religion or culture but thrives as a city of migrants," expresses Prakarsh Rai, 30, an advocate based in Delhi.
Accepting the LGBT community is still an unresolved issue
"When considering the LGBTQ+ community and the hospitality they receive, it's understandable that negative elements exist. But they exist in every part of the world, be it Europe, America, or Asia," says the 30-year-old advocate.
Challenging experiences part of survival, doesn't make Delhi unfriendly: Prakarsh
The advocate shares, "In 2013, I arrived in Delhi as a complete newcomer, overwhelmed by fear and skepticism. In the initial month, my phone was stolen on a DTC bus, followed by my wallet being stolen from my backpack on another DTC bus." He believes that such challenging experiences are part of learning and survival, but they do not make the city unfriendly.
Despite safety concerns, Neha adores Delhi
Neha Naz, 25, a Delhi resident shares, "I remain cautious when traveling alone at night and using unregistered taxis, and always stay mindful of my belongings." Despite all these, she loves the city's vibrant life and culture. However, she acknowledges that these precautions might be seen as restrictive by visitors and potentially have affected the city's friendliness ratings on the Community Spirit Index.
