I once flew a (non-indian) airline with a large group of people from india on it (to be honest could have been from some of the neighboring countries too, but looked like the average group of Bangalore engineers) - who stood up and retrieved their coats and carry on from the overhead bins while the plane touched down. A fly around or bumpy landing could really have ruined their day. I was just thinking "that makes sense if you ride on the roof of the bus from the airport home...".
happens on every single indian flight. Indians have the fear of being 'left behind' from decades of conditioning where only first few birds get the worm. I have this instinct too form standing in ration lines with my ration card for wheat/sugar and palm oil .
As an an Indian, I completely agree and it annoys me every time I fly home. I just don't understand what's the rush? I mean, the plane hasn't even touched the runway yet and people are scrambling for overhead luggage, some of them are turning on their mobiles on and are on call, heck I even saw even once the toddler taken out of the belt. All for what? To go and wait in aisle or bus or in front of the airline staff or the luggage belt. It grinds my gears every time.
As anecdotal as it gets but still eye opening.