But in India, when you go and ask a chip in the shop, then the shopkeeper will take the chip in hand and give it on your palm.

Touch his hand not the chip, before you touch the chip. At least that way you (the chip) have a chance.

Then when you come home with the chip in your hand, touch ground with the other hand. Next touch whereever you are going to put the chip with your other hand before you put the chip there.

NEVER "discharge" a chip. If a chip has some nominal charge discharging through whatever path may exist will be much more gentle than directly to a grounded metal sheet.

The whole idea is to never expose the chip to being moved from one charge level to another. If you move a chip from one place charged to a million Volts to another equally charged, no harm comes to the chip. It is only when moved from one charge to another that harm happens and that can be "charge" or "discharge". Ysing the other hand will (dis)charge without the chip "seeing it".

I do not know what the climate is in Madurai, but for the sake of the chip I hope it is humid (for the sake of you I hope it is not :))

Erik