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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.)

Sukshma Vyayama: Micro Yogic Movement, Major Benefits

Just 15 minutes of Sukshma Vyayama can quiet the mind, energise the body, and balance the spirit.

In the vast and timeless tradition of yoga, Sukshma Vyayama holds a unique place. These micro-level yogic movements gently awaken every organ, muscle, joint, and the spine — working from head to toe in a rhythmic, mindful way that harmonises the body and mind.


The practice was brought to modern awareness by the legendary yoga master Dhirendra Brahmachari, a direct disciple of Maharshi Kartikeya Maharaj. Known for introducing yoga to both the common man and world leaders, Brahmachari even taught India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and carried this wisdom to the USSR, where he was invited to teach. His contributions also laid the foundation of what we now know as the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) in New Delhi.


What is Sukshma Vyayama?

The Sanskrit term 'Sukshma Vyayama' combines two words — 'Sukshma' (subtle or micro) and 'Vyayama' (exercise). Together, they describe a series of delicate, mindful movements designed to awaken internal energy and vitality.


This system includes 48 structured practices that integrate movement, breath, awareness, and energy flow. Each movement is performed gently, with full attention and breath synchronisation. The result is a deep activation of pranic energy throughout the body, leaving one refreshed yet calm.


Ayurvedic perspective

Ayurveda explains that Ama (undigested toxins) accumulates in the empty spaces of the body — especially around joints, cartilage, and connective tissues. These toxins block the natural flow of prana, leading to stiffness, fatigue, or pain.


Sukshma Vyayama gently targets these subtle spaces. Through mindful rotations, stretches, and rhythmic breathing, it helps remove energetic blockages, enhance circulation, and restore natural vitality — harmonising body, mind, and spirit.


Key features

Gentle and Conscious Breathing: Every movement flows with the breath, deepening awareness.


Focus on Joints and Muscles: It strengthens weak or stiff areas through subtle mobility work.


Breath–Movement Synchrony: Harmonising inhalation and exhalation unites the body and mind in meditative flow.


Major benefits

  • Removes energy blockages and improves pranic flow

  • Reduces muscle stiffness and joint pain

  • Increases flexibility and body awareness

  • Enhances coordination and balance — especially beneficial for senior citizens

  • Boosts blood circulation and energy levels

  • Calms the mind, improves focus, and reduces stress


Core practices

  • Wrist and Shoulder Rotations – Relieve stiffness caused by long desk work.

  • Neck Movements – Ease cervical tension and improve sleep.

  • Toe and Ankle Rotations – Aid circulation and help prevent varicose veins.

  • Knee Movements – Strengthen joints and reduce arthritic pain.

  • Waist Twists (Kati Vyayama) – Maintain spinal flexibility and reduce backache.

  • Eye Exercises – Relax strained eyes and sharpen concentration.

  • Pranic Breathing Practices – Enhance oxygen intake and calm the nervous system.


Deeper essence

Sukshma Vyayama is not merely light physical movement; it is a meditative dialogue between body, breath, and awareness. It refines sensitivity to one’s own energy and aligns the subtle layers of being.


For today’s fast-paced lifestyle, these practices are ideal for everyone — from office-goers to senior citizens. Just 15–20 minutes a day can bring visible results: reduced stress, improved flexibility, emotional stability, and renewed vitality.


When practised with awareness, Sukshma Vyayama gently awakens the body from within—harmonising every cell, calming every breath, and illuminating the spirit. It truly embodies the essence of yoga: the union of body, mind, and soul.

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

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