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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.)

Pranayama: The Ancient Breath Practice for Modern Well-Being

Often described as ‘breathing exercises’, pranayama is much more than that.

In today’s fast-moving world, stress, anxiety and lifestyle-related disorders have become increasingly common. While modern medicine offers solutions, there is also growing interest in simple, natural practices that support physical and mental well-being. One such practice from the ancient yogic tradition is pranayama.


Often described as “breathing exercises”, pranayama is much more than that. It is a disciplined practice of regulating the breath to calm the mind, influence the body and balance the inner energy system.


Understanding Prana

The word “prana” is commonly translated as “breath”, but in yogic philosophy, it carries a deeper meaning. 'Prana' refers to the vital life force – the subtle energy believed to flow through the body and sustain physiological and mental functions. From a modern perspective, it may be loosely related to respiration, nervous system activity and bioelectrical impulses. While breath is its visible expression, prana itself is understood as a subtler force experienced through awareness.


What is Pranayama?

The term 'pranayama' is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'prana' (life force) and 'ayama' (expansion or regulation). It refers to the conscious regulation and expansion of vital energy through the breath. The practice involves three basic components — inhalation (Puraka), exhalation (Rechaka) and retention (Kumbhaka). By regulating these phases, pranayama is believed to influence the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body from a stress response to a calmer and more balanced state.


Ancient yogic texts regard pranayama as a key element of holistic health. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, it is described as the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga, while the Hatha Yoga Pradipika emphasises its role in purifying the body’s subtle energy channels.


In yogic science, prana is understood to operate through five primary subdivisions, known collectively as the Pancha Prana. These include Prana Vayu, associated with breathing and cardiac activity in the chest region; Apana Vayu, linked to elimination and reproductive functions in the lower abdomen; Samana Vayu, connected to digestion and metabolism around the navel; Udana Vayu, believed to influence speech, memory and mental clarity in the throat and head; and Vyana Vayu, which is said to distribute energy throughout the body. Yogic traditions hold that the balanced movement of these five energies plays a vital role in maintaining health and vitality.


Different pranayama techniques are associated with specific effects on the body and mind. Anulom Vilom, or alternate nostril breathing, is often linked to balancing the nervous system and improving focus, while Bhramari, known as the humming bee breath, is commonly practised to reduce stress and promote mental calmness. Kapalbhati is traditionally regarded as a cleansing technique that may support digestion and metabolism, whereas Bhastrika is seen as a more energising practice that can increase vitality. Ujjayi is associated with enhanced concentration and inner awareness, while cooling techniques such as Sheetali and Sheetkari are believed to help regulate body heat. These practices can be adapted for beginners as well as more advanced practitioners.


Power of Breath Retention

One of the key aspects of pranayama is Kumbhaka, or breath retention, which plays an important role in many advanced breathing practices. It generally takes two forms: Antar Kumbhaka, in which the breath is held after inhalation, and Bahya Kumbhaka, in which it is held after exhalation. Practitioners believe Kumbhaka can improve carbon dioxide tolerance, support more efficient oxygen utilisation and help still the mind. However, experts advise that breath retention should be introduced gradually and practised under proper guidance.


To gain the full benefits of pranayama, correct technique is crucial. Practitioners are generally encouraged to sit comfortably with the spine erect, choose a calm and well-ventilated space, and maintain a slow, deep and rhythmic pattern of breathing. The practice is meant to be steady and controlled, without force or strain, and is usually recommended on an empty or light stomach. Those with existing medical conditions are advised to consult a qualified professional before beginning.


In a world that constantly pulls us outward, pranayama gently guides us inward. Simple, accessible and rooted in ancient wisdom, it remains a practice that can bring calm, balance and greater awareness to everyday life.


(The writer is a yoga educator and researcher based in Pune.)

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