At a young kid (in India), I was taught to never interact to strangers (does not matter who they are - disabled or not, what they say - ask for direction, help

At a young kid (in India), I was taught to never interact to strangers (does not matter who they are - disabled or not, what they say - ask for direction, help or literally anything or how they look like - homeless or rich). At times I still follow that advice but generally judge the situation and act accordingly. As an anecdote, one day (when I was 5/6 YO) a extended family member tried to give me a ride home from my playground and I ignored him. Finally when he tried to walk towards me (he thought I didn't hear him), I ran away to a friend that I knew lived nearby.