India is the second BRICS country that I have visited, South Africa was the first. There are some differences and similarities between these to countries that have been nicknamed the BRICS. I have been to two cities in India and currently in my third month of being in India. India is like no other country I have been to but it shares similarities with other developing countries that I have visited. For one there is evidence of the economic development and rapid expansion.
For example where I live in Hyderabad is a fairly new apartment complex that is next to a housing community of individual houses. My complex is set back from the main road and every time you venture to the main road you see the income disparity. That not every Indian enjoys the economic wealth. That is not to say I am living the rich life in India with the multimillionaires. Walking out of the complex you pass by cattle herders, women collecting trash from the sides of the road and makeshift homes made from whatever materials people were able to get a hold off. These people live beside uncompleted apartment buildings. Keep walking and you get to the fruit stands and local general stores. Catch a bus to Gatchibowli or Banjara Hills and you will see make shift homes, huge garbage piles along the way but you will also pass modern buildings especially in Hitex City and malls that have all the latest brands like Marks and Spencers.
South Africa is known for it's dual economy as it continues to prosper post apartheid. The post apartheid government and increased trading partners does not benefit the entire population. Many people still live in the slums and townships. In this way it is similar to its fellow BRICS member because here to you see extreme poverty next door to modernity and wealth. The Jo'burg metro area of Sandton is an affluent area that houses the stock exchange but even in this financial capital you find beggars in the street. On my last trip to South Africa with a Thunderbird winterim, some of us were followed by passive aggressive individuals that we perceived to be homeless. When they realized we were not going to give them any money they pulled out a knife and forcefully took the money they sought. That is not to say violent crimes is a problem in South Africa because in the two weeks I was there that was the only violent crime I witnessed.
South Africa is the Rainbow nation with a diversity in race, languages and religions. India is also a very diverse nation in terms of religion, culture and language. Every Indian state has it's own language plus the national languages of Hindi and English. South Africa has 11 official languages while the count is at 18 for number of Indian national languages. As you travel around both countries the languages change and the cultures change like going from Zululand to Xhosa or in India from Telugu speakers to Tamil speakers.
How does India differ from other countries I've visited? Well for one Indians have their own flow and way of doing things. They are extremely helpful and kind even across language barriers. They drive on the same side of the road as the British. As you travel around you see the influences of Islam, Hinduism and British colonial rule. Modernity lives in harmony with traditions so to speak. Hindu temples are neatly tucked in next to stores like Steve Madden or in the middle of a road where cars are cruising down the streets. Cows are free to roam the roads so you never know when you will be stuck in traffic because cows are crossing the road right in front of you Honda. Cows are sacred here in the Hindu religion so be careful not to hit one of these cows. This is also the first country where I have seen so many street dogs. For the most part they leave you alone as you walk past but don't make the mistake to thing they will take crap from you if you decide to mess with them.
Both countries are amazing with rich histories. South Africa is the only African country in this club of powerhouse emerging markets. South Africa's unique history marked with apartheid and the end of such a cruel system has made great strides. India is also a very populated country with the second largest population and such an expansive population of Indians living outside of India. India's GDP is well in the trillions while South Africa's GDP is behind in the billions. India has been enjoying impressive growth rates at an average of 6% since 2012. (http://www.statista.com/statistics/263617/gross-domestic-product-gdp-growth-rate-in-india/)
Both countries are still working to address the social issues that their populations face in terms of inadequate sanitation, employment, education and so forth. India is known for it's position in the IT service sector and the highly competitive academic institutions yet not every Indian has access to such education. Many Indians are left to send their children to underfunded social welfare and government schools with girls getting married before they turn 18 in order for families to offload the burden of daughters. In South Africa access to education is also an issue and for those who do enter university there is difficulty in obtaining internships/jobs.
Please note these are my observations and results of quick Google searches but by no means an accurate comparison of the two countries because I've been in India longer than the two trips I took to South Africa in last 10 years.
