I first saw it while travelling on a train
through North India. At one station, a young man touched the feet of his father
who was about to board the train. At another station, a wife touched the feet
of her husband before he got on the train. I think it happens less in South
India. I have never seen it in Kerala.
It is obvious that the person who touches
the feet of another is showing that he or she has a lot of respect for that
person. Sometimes we can see people touching the feet of political or religious
leaders.
When people shake hands, they seem equal.
One person does not appear superior to the other. When a person touches the
feet of another it is demeaning.
