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By:

Naresh Kamath

5 November 2024 at 5:30:38 am

Indian Tourists Need a Reputation Reset

India has long taken pride in the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ - the belief that guests deserve warmth, respect and dignity. It is an idea deeply woven into the country’s cultural imagination, often been projected as a defining Indian value. As millions of Indians travel overseas every year, the conduct of a small but highly visible section of Indian tourists is increasingly shaping how India itself is perceived abroad. The issue is not about a single incident or a handful of viral...

Indian Tourists Need a Reputation Reset

India has long taken pride in the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ - the belief that guests deserve warmth, respect and dignity. It is an idea deeply woven into the country’s cultural imagination, often been projected as a defining Indian value. As millions of Indians travel overseas every year, the conduct of a small but highly visible section of Indian tourists is increasingly shaping how India itself is perceived abroad. The issue is not about a single incident or a handful of viral videos but a pattern that is drawing notice from hotels, tourism operators and local authorities across the world. The debate gained fresh momentum after reports emerged of a Swiss hotel issuing a notice specifically addressed to Indian guests. The advisory reportedly requested guests not to pack food from breakfast buffets for later consumption and reminded them to maintain silence in corridors and balconies. Hotels routinely issue guidelines. But when a particular nationality becomes the subject of a specific advisory, it inevitably raises larger questions about perception. “It is a sorry state of affairs. Indians, especially in groups, are displaying atrocious behaviour. This was anyway bound to happen,” says Subhash Motwani, founder of Namaste Tourism. Embarrassing Incidents Whether the notice was justified is another separate matter. The question is why such perceptions are emerging in the first place. Recent months have seen several incidents involving Indian tourists gain traction on social media. One widely circulated video showed travellers performing garba on an airport tarmac in Vietnam. Garba is among India’s most vibrant cultural traditions and a source of immense pride for millions. Yet airports are highly regulated spaces where safety protocols and discipline take precedence over celebration. The incident became symbolic of a larger problem. The rise of social media has encouraged some travellers to treat foreign destinations as stages for content creation. Public dancing, loud celebrations, disruptive behaviour and attention-seeking stunts may generate views and engagement online, but they can also leave lasting impressions on locals and fellow tourists. India is hardly the first country to confront such a challenge. During the 1950s and 1960s, American tourists acquired a reputation for arrogance abroad, giving rise to the phrase “Ugly American.” Britain spent decades dealing with the international embarrassment caused by football hooliganism. China faced similar concerns as outbound tourism surged during the early years of the twenty-first century. A nation’s image is shaped not just by its economic achievements and diplomatic influence but also by the behaviour of its citizens overseas. India today finds itself in a similar situation. Indian tourists are now among the most visible traveller groups across Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This is, in many ways, a remarkable success story. However, with visibility comes responsibility. Hospitality professionals across destinations frequently point to recurring concerns. Excessive noise, queue-jumping, disregard for local regulations, overcrowding hotel rooms and attempts to bypass established rules through jugaad are among the complaints often cited. Collectively, repeated experiences can create lasting perceptions. The most revealing aspect of the debate is that Indian travellers often display exemplary discipline in countries known for strict law enforcement. In destinations such as Singapore, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, compliance with rules is generally high. Complaints tend to emerge more frequently in places perceived as relaxed or lenient. That suggests the challenge is not one of awareness. Most travellers understand the rules perfectly well. The problem is often a mindset that rules can be negotiated when consequences appear unlikely. Changing that mindset is far more important than introducing additional regulations or issuing fresh advisories. Every interaction at an airport, hotel, restaurant, tourist attraction or public transport system contributes to how a country is viewed. These everyday encounters often shape perceptions more powerfully than government campaigns or tourism advertisements. As India stakes its claim to a larger role in the world, its citizens must recognise that national prestige is shaped not only by economic achievements and diplomatic successes, but also by everyday behaviour abroad. The overwhelming majority of Indian tourists travel responsibly and leave behind positive impressions. Their conduct rarely becomes news because courtesy seldom goes viral. Yet a handful of highly visible incidents can overshadow thousands of positive experiences. The challenge is to encourage responsible travel and a greater awareness that behaviour abroad carries consequences beyond the individual. The conduct of Indian citizens overseas should reflect the confidence and values of a nation seeking not merely recognition but enduring respect. (The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal.)

From PVC to LDPE: The Plastics Hidden in Everyday Life

From packaging to household goods, RIC 3 and 4 plastics are everywhere. Learn how to identify them at a glance.

In my previous article, we explored the first two Resin Identification Codes—RIC 1 (PET), commonly used in beverage and food containers, and RIC 2 (HDPE), found in sturdy household bottles and a wide range of utility products. Both plastics are among the easiest to recycle, making them central to responsible waste management and to the broader shift towards more sustainable patterns of consumption. With this foundation in place and a clearer understanding of how these codes guide our daily choices, let us now move on to the remaining classifications in the Resin Identification System and understand what each one signifies.


Code 3: PVC

Code 3 refers to products made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC—a remarkably versatile and inexpensive plastic valued for its durability, water resistance, and excellent electrical insulation. As the world’s third most produced plastic, PVC is manufactured in both rigid and flexible forms, each designed to meet a wide array of everyday needs. Flexible PVC, produced using plasticisers, appears in raincoats, boots, shower curtains, handbags, and imitation leather upholstery. It is also used in bottles for non-food items such as shampoos and cosmetics, in clear blister packaging for medicines, and in cling film that helps preserve the freshness and quality of food.


Rigid PVC, prized for its strength and longevity, is used to manufacture credit cards, debit cards, national identity cards, and various inflatable items—from pool toys and floats to air mattresses. It is also present in yoga mats, sports equipment, and numerous DIY and craft materials that require durability and ease of handling.


One of the most significant industrial uses of PVC is in piping. Rigid PVC pipes have increasingly replaced metal pipes in water supply, sewage, and drainage systems due to their resistance to corrosion, leakage, and environmental wear. Unplasticised PVC (uPVC) is widely used for window and door frames, offering excellent insulation, weather resistance, and minimal maintenance requirements. Vinyl flooring—produced as tiles, sheets, or planks—is another major PVC-based product, valued in homes, offices, and hospitals for its durability, affordability, and ease of cleaning. PVC’s strong insulating properties also make it ideal for coating electrical wires and cables, while PVC membranes and siding provide long-lasting, weather-resistant coverings for roofs and exterior walls.


Although PVC can be recycled, the process is considerably more complex than with many other plastics. The numerous additives used to improve its flexibility, strength, and stability often interfere with the recycling process and can reduce the quality of the recycled material, limiting its suitability for certain applications.


Code 4: LDPE

Code 4 identifies products made from low-density polyethylene, or LDPE—one of the most widely used plastics thanks to its lightness, flexibility, and overall durability. LDPE is commonly found in stretchable grocery bags, shopping bags, and general-purpose garbage bags. It is also extensively used in milk pouches, bread and frozen-food packaging, cling film, snack and toiletry pouches, and other everyday wrapping materials. Many squeeze bottles for glue, paints, condiments, and household liquids are made from LDPE, as are numerous lids and caps. Additionally, LDPE forms the waterproof inner lining of juice and milk cartons, helping protect the contents and extend shelf life.


Beyond packaging, LDPE serves as a protective coating in various products, appears in trash-can liners, and is widely used in children’s toys such as buckets and play balls due to its resilience and safety profile. Some household goods—including certain cutting boards—are also manufactured from LDPE, benefiting from its strength and ease of cleaning.


Despite its versatility and widespread use, LDPE poses notable challenges for recycling. Rigid LDPE products are somewhat easier to process, but thin bags, wraps, and cling films are difficult to collect, separate, and recycle efficiently. As a result, a significant proportion of these items unfortunately ends up in landfill.


Our discussion will continue in next week’s instalment, where we will explore the remaining Resin Identification Codes in greater depth and understand how they influence recycling practices. Until then, I wish you a pleasant and enjoyable weekend.


 (The author is an environmentalist. Views personal.)


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