“How Do We Look Indian?”: Student’s Killing Puts Spotlight on Racism in India

The killing of a young student has reignited a long-simmering conversation in India about racism, identity, and the dangerous consequences of prejudice. The question reportedly asked during the incident — “How do we look Indian?” — has echoed across social media and public debates, forcing the country to confront uncomfortable truths about how discrimination operates within its own borders.
A Tragic Incident That Sparked a National Debate
The student’s death, allegedly linked to racial profiling and targeted violence, is not just an isolated crime. It has become a symbol of a deeper, systemic problem: the idea that being “Indian” has a specific look, language, or cultural marker. While India prides itself on diversity, this tragedy highlights how certain communities — particularly people from the Northeast, tribal regions, migrants, and religious minorities — are often treated as outsiders in their own country.
As details of the incident emerged, public outrage grew. Candlelight vigils, student protests, and online campaigns demanded justice, but also something broader: acknowledgment that racism exists in India, even if it is often denied or downplayed.
Racism Beyond Borders — And Within Them
Racism in India is frequently discussed in the context of colonial history or discrimination faced by Indians abroad. Far less attention is paid to internal racism. Yet stereotypes based on skin color, facial features, accents, and regional origins are deeply ingrained.
Students from northeastern states have long reported harassment in metropolitan cities, ranging from racial slurs and mockery to physical violence. African students and migrants have also faced attacks driven by misinformation and prejudice. In many cases, victims are asked to “prove” their Indian identity — a demand that reveals how narrow and exclusionary some definitions of nationality have become.
The student’s killing has forced many to ask: who gets to decide what an Indian looks like?
The Role of Stereotypes and Media
Popular culture has played a significant role in reinforcing racial stereotypes. Films, television shows, and advertisements often portray fair skin as desirable and associate darker skin or distinct features with inferiority or comic relief. These portrayals seep into everyday thinking, shaping how people perceive one another.
Social media, while amplifying voices calling for change, also exposes the scale of the problem. In the wake of the killing, countless individuals shared their own experiences of being followed, questioned, or attacked simply for not fitting a dominant image of “Indianness.”
Students at the Center of the Struggle
Educational institutions, which should be safe spaces for learning and inclusion, have increasingly become flashpoints for discussions about discrimination. Students from marginalized communities often face isolation, biased treatment, and lack of institutional support when incidents occur.
The killing has intensified calls for universities and schools to adopt stronger anti-discrimination policies, offer cultural sensitivity training, and establish clear reporting mechanisms. Many student groups argue that without structural changes, expressions of solidarity will remain symbolic rather than transformative.
Legal Frameworks and Their Limitations
India’s constitution guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination, but enforcement remains inconsistent. While hate crimes and racially motivated violence are punishable under existing laws, activists argue that India lacks a comprehensive legal framework that explicitly addresses racism.
The student’s death has renewed demands for clearer hate-crime legislation, better policing practices, and accountability for authorities who fail to protect vulnerable communities. Critics note that cases involving marginalized victims are often slow to progress, reinforcing a sense of injustice.
A Moment of Reckoning
What makes this incident particularly significant is the national introspection it has triggered. Commentators, educators, and public figures are questioning long-held assumptions about unity and diversity. The narrative of “unity in diversity,” while powerful, can sometimes mask inequalities that persist beneath the surface.
Acknowledging racism does not weaken national identity — many argue it strengthens it. By confronting prejudice honestly, societies can move toward more inclusive definitions of belonging.
The Way Forward
Justice for the slain student is the immediate demand, but many see this moment as an opportunity for deeper change. Experts emphasize the need for education reforms that teach empathy, history, and respect for diversity from an early age. Media responsibility, institutional accountability, and public dialogue are all crucial steps.
Most importantly, there is a growing call to listen — to the voices of those who have long felt unseen or unwelcome. Their experiences challenge the notion that racism is a “foreign problem” and remind us that discrimination can thrive anywhere it goes unchallenged.
Conclusion
The question “How do we look Indian?” cuts to the heart of a painful reality. India is not defined by a single face, language, or culture, yet rigid ideas of identity continue to fuel exclusion and violence. The student’s killing is a tragedy, but it has also become a catalyst for reflection.
Whether this moment leads to lasting change depends on what follows — not just in courts and classrooms, but in everyday attitudes. Confronting racism requires courage, honesty, and sustained effort. The hope is that this loss will not be forgotten, and that it will push the nation toward a more inclusive understanding of what it truly means to be Indian.