"I Was Crying": Northeast Indian Flight Attendant Faces Racial Abuse in Delhi's Public Spaces

Rittu Marak, a 27-year-old flight attendant from Meghalaya's Garo Hills, experienced racial harassment twice within an hour in Delhi's Kamla Nagar area.

What began as a routine evening errand transformed into one of the most traumatic experiences of her life. The young woman from Northeast India recounted her distressing encounter to NDTV.

"I had visited Kamla Nagar for some work and was returning around 9:30 pm," Marak explained. "While searching for something to eat, a group of men on a scooter passed by, with one shouting 'ching chong' as the others laughed. I was completely stunned - these appeared to be educated adults. It was particularly painful coming from people who should have known better."

Still reeling from the first incident, Marak booked a taxi to return home. Unfortunately, her ordeal continued.

"At the metro station, another individual entered the coach and said 'ching chong China,' causing everyone to laugh again. This was the second occurrence within an hour. I began crying, but nobody intervened. There wasn't anyone from the northeast nearby to offer support," she shared.

Having relocated to Delhi just two months prior after spending three years in Bengaluru, Marak noted she had never experienced such treatment before. "Bengaluru always felt welcoming like home. I never thought something like this would happen in India's capital," she remarked.

A video documenting her experience gained significant traction on social media. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also addressed the incident, stating that such discrimination "must stop."

"I'm receiving tremendous support and kindness now," Marak said. "I didn't anticipate the video would receive such attention. I'm grateful to Kiren Rijiju sir - at least one minister stood up for me. Many people have contacted me saying they've experienced similar mistreatment."

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Addressing why such racism persists, Marak highlighted a fundamental lack of awareness about India's diversity.

"It stems from inadequate education and awareness. Parents should educate their children about India's diverse cultures, emphasizing that we're different yet equal. In my hometown, schools taught us moral values. Our textbooks featured illustrations showing children from various communities holding hands, which instilled respect, empathy, and unity. That's what's lacking here," Marak explained.

To others facing similar situations, she advises: "Prioritize your safety. Don't confront perpetrators if the circumstances aren't appropriate. Ensure your safety first, then speak out. Remaining silent shouldn't imply acceptance."

For Marak, this incident has left both an emotional scar and a purpose. "I hope people understand we're all Indians. Racism isn't just harmful - it's dehumanizing. It's time for it to end."