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Kazakhstan textbook uses overcrowded Mumbai train to represent India, netizens agree: ‘Where’s the lie?’

The textbook includes a chapter titled "Dangerous Journeys," featuring Mount Huashan in China, known for its breathtaking cliffside trail, and Bolivia’s infamous winding mountain roads.

India is depicted by an overcrowded train, with passengers dangerously hanging out of the doors (Image source: @somraajexpress/Instagram)

An English textbook used in a Kazakhstan school has stirred controversy on social media after content creator Ayush Somraaj posted a video highlighting what he described as a stark contrast in how different countries are represented within its pages.

While nations like China and regions such as South America are illustrated with serene landscapes and thrilling adventures, India is depicted by an overcrowded train, with passengers dangerously hanging out of the doors.

In a video shared on his Instagram, Somraaj is seen flipping through the pages of the textbook. It includes a chapter titled “Dangerous Journeys,” featuring Mount Huashan in China, known for its breathtaking cliffside trail, and Bolivia’s infamous winding mountain roads. But when it comes to India, the book uses an image of a congested train heading to Mumbai, showing commuters clinging to its sides.

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“I was in a local house of Kazakhstan and the boy showed me his English book and then showed me picture about India… I am laughing and smiling in the video… but inside I was not happy,” Somraaj wrote in the caption of his post.

The caption under the image reads: “A train going to Mumbai, India. If you’ve got a seat inside, you’re lucky.” This description, many argue, reinforces outdated and one-dimensional stereotypes, ignoring the rich cultural and technological diversity of modern India.

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A post shared by Ayush Somraaj (@somraajexpress)

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The post quickly gained traction, with many netizens expressing their disappointment at the portrayal. However, several users agreed with the representation, calling it a “fact”, and highlighting the poor management of crowded trains in India. “Mumbai local train, real picture,” a user wrote. “Accept it or not.. that is our image in most of the world… Whatever our tv channels say,” another user commented.

“where’s the lie?” a third user reacted. “Those people who are saying it is not real in India are just ignorant or fooling themselves. Because this is the actual reality of 70-80 per cent local trains in India. Have you ever taken a ride in general coaches ? Have you seen how dirty the toilets are in sleeper class?” a fourth user said.