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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.)

Our Planet, Our Responsibility!

Every year on April 22, the world observes Earth Day, a reminder that our planet is not just a place where we live, but our shared home that needs care, protection, and responsibility. In Indian culture, the Earth is often referred to as “Vasundhara,” meaning the nurturing mother who provides everything necessary for life-air, water, food, shelter, and natural beauty. The idea of Vasundhara teaches us respect for nature and reminds us that environmental protection is not just a duty, but a moral responsibility.


Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 in the United States as a movement to raise awareness about pollution, deforestation, and environmental destruction. Over the decades, it has become a global campaign observed in more than 190 countries. Today, the threats facing our planet are even more serious-climate change, rising temperatures, water scarcity, plastic pollution, loss of biodiversity, and rapid urbanization are creating dangerous challenges for future generations.


India, with its rich natural heritage and cultural traditions, has always believed in living in harmony with nature. Ancient Indian scriptures worshipped rivers, mountains, trees, and animals as sacred elements of life. The concept of Vasundhara reflects this deep connection between humans and the environment. However, in the modern age, this balance is being disturbed by excessive consumption, industrial waste, and neglect of natural resources.


Visible Problem

One of the most visible problems today is deforestation. Trees are being cut down for roads, buildings, and industrial development, often without proper planning for replacement. Trees are not just part of nature’s beauty; they are the lungs of the Earth. They provide oxygen, reduce pollution, conserve water, and maintain biodiversity. Without trees, the fight against global warming becomes impossible. This is why tree plantation and tree conservation must become a mass movement rather than a one-day activity.


Water conservation is another urgent need. Many regions in India face severe water shortages every summer. Rivers are drying, groundwater levels are falling, and lakes are disappearing due to encroachment and pollution. Saving water through rainwater harvesting, proper irrigation methods, and reducing wastage must become part of daily life. Every drop saved today secures tomorrow’s survival.

Plastic pollution is another silent threat. Single-use plastics have entered our soil, rivers, and even our food chain. They harm animals, block drainage systems, and take hundreds of years to decompose. Replacing plastic with eco-friendly alternatives and promoting recycling can significantly reduce this danger. Small individual actions, when practiced by millions, create large environmental change. Youth participation is the most powerful force in protecting Vasundhara.


Schools, colleges, and social organizations must encourage environmental awareness through plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, waste management programs, and educational workshops. The idea of “One Student, One Tree” can become a transformative mission if implemented sincerely. When young minds grow with environmental values, society moves toward sustainable development. Community organisations and voluntary groups also play a major role. Across Maharashtra and many parts of India, several social institutions are working tirelessly for tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, and public awareness. Their work proves that change is possible when citizens take ownership of their surroundings.


Environmental protection should not depend only on government policies; it must become a people’s movement. Governments too must strengthen environmental laws and ensure strict implementation. Development should never come at the cost of destruction. Smart cities must also be green cities. Roads, industries, and urban expansion should include environmental planning, tree preservation, and sustainable infrastructure. Earth Day is not only about speeches and symbolic plantation drives; it is about changing habits and building a mindset of responsibility. Switching off unused lights, reducing fuel consumption, using public transport, planting native trees, avoiding waste, and respecting natural resources are simple yet powerful acts of environmental service.


Big Difference

Protecting the Earth is not only the duty of governments or organizations; it is the responsibility of every individual. Each person can contribute by planting trees, saving water, avoiding plastic, and keeping the surroundings clean. Simple habits like switching off unused lights, using public transport, and reducing waste can make a big difference. People should respect nature and teach children the importance of environmental conservation. Participating in cleanliness drives and supporting eco-friendly practices also helps protect our planet. When every citizen takes small but sincere steps, together we can create a greener, healthier, and safer Earth for future generations. Saving Vasundhara begins with us.


(The writer is Founder and President of Vasundhara Pratishthan, Latur.)

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