I’m currently in India, and this thread came to mind—thought I’d share a perspective.
You're right that it's fairly common for some people in India, and occasionally from certain African countries, not to use deodorant. There's often a stereotype or joke about body odor or people "smelling like curry."
But the level of poverty and daily struggle here is intense—something that might be hard to fully grasp from a Western perspective. Many lower-income individuals work labor-intensive jobs all day just to earn the equivalent of $2. In that context, smelling nice or using deodorant becomes a luxury—it's simply not a priority.
To be honest, I almost feel guilty being here with access to a comfortable home, a hot shower, air conditioning, and a proper bed. These things we take for granted can be unimaginable for others.
So, when people from these backgrounds move to Western countries, it can take time to adapt to a different way of life—and some may never fully do so.