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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.)

Yoga for One World, One Health

This year, the theme for International Yoga Day—"Yoga for One World, One "Health"—beautifully reflects what yoga truly stands for: a bridge that connects individuals to themselves, to each other, and the world. In today’s times, when physical and mental health are under so much pressure, yoga offers a universal solution. It brings us back to balance, reminding us that true well-being isn’t just about personal health but about harmony within communities and with nature.

Yoga is a practice that belongs to everyone, everywhere. And I truly believe that when one person heals through yoga, the ripple effects can touch the world. With that spirit, I’m beginning this article series—“Yoga Transformation Journey”—to share my own experiences, challenges, and learnings and to hopefully inspire others to explore yoga as a path to healing and transformation.


In our fast-paced world, staying physically fit and mentally calm often feels like an impossible task. I’ve been there—caught in the daily chaos, neglecting my body and mind until one day, life forced me to stop and take notice.


In 2005, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and within a few months, it took over my life. I had severe stiffness in all major joints, and I became nearly immobile. Everyday tasks—walking, climbing stairs, and driving—felt impossible. It was one of the lowest points in my life.


Alongside medical treatments, I began practising yoga—very slowly, very gently. It wasn’t easy. At times, it felt like I was learning how to move all over again. But day by day, breath by breath, yoga helped me heal. It took almost two years, but I gradually regained my mobility. What started as a physical routine slowly unfolded into something much deeper.


Physical Relief to Academic Exploration

In the beginning, yoga was just a tool to ease my pain. But over time, my curiosity grew. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when everything shifted online, I found the time and space to study yoga more seriously. I cleared the yoga teacher, therapist, and examiner exams conducted by the Ministry of AYUSH.


Encouraged by this progress, I enrolled in a master’s in yoga studies during the lockdown, and now I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in the same field. These academic journeys have deepened my understanding and opened new avenues—not just for teaching, but for truly living yoga.


One of the most transformative parts of my journey has been studying Patanjali’s Yogasutras. These ancient teachings are so much more than philosophy—they’re a guide for life.


Patanjali outlines a clear path that moves us from suffering to inner peace, from confusion to clarity, and eventually to liberation (Kaivalya). His four chapters—Samadhi, Sadhana, Vibhuti, and Kaivalya—show how yoga evolves from physical practice to deep spiritual awareness.


Through this lens, yoga becomes a journey not just for the body, but for the soul.


What Yoga Really Means

The word 'yoga' comes from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', meaning ‘to unite’. To me, yoga is the union of my breath, my body, and my awareness. It’s a space where I connect with something bigger than myself.


Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga—the eight-limbed path—is a beautiful map that guides us through:

Yama (social ethics)

Niyama (personal discipline)

Asana (posture)

Pranayama (breath)

Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)

Dharana (focus)

Dhyana (meditation)

Samadhi (absorption)


These limbs are not just steps—they’re companions on the path to self-realisation.

Yoga’s Transformative Power

Today, yoga is my anchor. It’s what keeps me grounded, energised, and inspired. Through regular practice, I’ve gained:

Physical strength and flexibility

Mental peace and clarity

Emotional balance

And most importantly, a sense of purpose


The WHO has already highlighted how chronic stress leads to multiple health problems. Yoga, with its focus on breath, mindfulness, and inner awareness, is one of the best antidotes I’ve ever found.


My life has changed completely—from being a person in pain to someone who now teaches, studies, and lives yoga every day. And if I could walk this path, I truly believe anyone can.


Yoga is so much more than exercise—it’s a way of living. It’s a journey from the outer to the inner, from limitation to liberation. My transformation—from someone struggling with rheumatoid arthritis to becoming a yoga educator and Ph.D. researcher—is living proof of yoga’s healing power.


I invite you to walk with me on this journey. Let’s explore yoga not just for our personal health, but for the health of our families, communities, and our one shared world.


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

1 Comment

Jayashree Jagdale
Jayashree Jagdale
Jun 21, 2025

Well written. So much to learn!

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