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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.)

Global Warming: A Growing Threat to Our Planet

Global warming refers to the gradual increase in the Earth’s average temperature due to the excessive accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, creating a “greenhouse effect” that leads to a steady rise in global temperatures. Over the past century, human activities-particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, rapid urbanisation, and industrialisation-have significantly accelerated this process, making global warming one of the most serious environmental challenges of our time.


One of the most visible and alarming consequences of global warming is climate change. Rising temperatures have caused glaciers and polar ice caps to melt at an unprecedented rate, leading to a continuous rise in sea levels. This poses a direct threat to coastal regions and island nations, where millions of people are at risk of displacement. In addition, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, cyclones, and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense. These events not only cause loss of life and property but also disrupt ecosystems and weaken economic stability. Agriculture, which is highly dependent on climatic conditions, is also severely affected. Irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and unexpected floods reduce crop productivity and increase the risk of food shortages. Farmers face uncertainty, leading to financial distress and migration in many regions. The loss of biodiversity is another critical issue, as many plant and animal species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions, resulting in ecological imbalance.


Health Concern

Global warming is not just an environmental issue; it is also a major public health concern. Rising temperatures increase the incidence of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration. Moreover, changing climatic conditions create favourable environments for the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Air pollution, closely linked to greenhouse gas emissions, further contributes to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and other serious health conditions, particularly in urban areas. Addressing global warming requires immediate and collective action at all levels-global, national, and individual.


Governments must take the lead by implementing strict environmental policies, promoting clean energy, and investing in sustainable infrastructure. Industries need to adopt eco-friendly technologies and reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, individuals must recognize their responsibility and adopt sustainable lifestyles to contribute to environmental protection. Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Improving energy efficiency in homes, industries, and transportation systems can also play a significant role. Public transport, electric vehicles, and carpooling should be encouraged to reduce vehicular pollution.


Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Therefore, afforestation and reforestation initiatives must be strengthened, along with the protection of existing forests. Conserving natural resources, reducing waste, and promoting recycling are equally important steps toward sustainability. Equally important is spreading awareness among people about the causes and consequences of global warming. Education and community participation can drive meaningful change.


When individuals collectively take small but consistent actions, the overall impact can be significant. In conclusion, global warming is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. Its effects are far-reaching, impacting the environment, economy, and human health. If left unchecked, it could lead to irreversible damage to our planet. However, with timely action, strong policies, and responsible behaviour, it is still possible to control its impact and ensure a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for generations to come.


Remedies to Control

Controlling global warming requires a combination of practical and sustainable measures. The most important step is reducing the use of fossil fuels such as coal, petrol, and diesel, and shifting towards clean and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power. Increasing energy efficiency in homes, industries, and transportation can significantly cut emissions. Afforestation and reforestation are essential to absorb carbon dioxide, making tree plantation and forest conservation crucial. Individuals should adopt eco-friendly habits like using public transport, carpooling, minimizing plastic use, recycling waste, and conserving water and electricity. Governments must enforce strict environmental laws, support green technologies, and promote climate-friendly policies. Public awareness and individual responsibility are equally vital, as small collective actions can bring meaningful change in reducing global warming.


(The writer is Principal at Podar International School, Ausa, Latur.)

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