Industrialist Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Group, has sparked a discussion on public etiquette, advocating for a significant upgrade in the civic sense of Indian citizens traveling internationally. Goenka's remarks come as social media frequently features incidents of what he describes as unruly behavior by some Indian tourists in foreign destinations.
Swiss Hotel Incident Highlights Concerns
Goenka recounted a personal experience in Gstaad, Switzerland, where he encountered a hotel notice specifically addressing Indian guests. The guidelines, which he found "appalling" at the time, outlined several specific expectations:
- Guests should not carry food away from the breakfast buffet.
- Only use the cutlery provided by the hotel.
- Maintain silence in hallways and balconies.
- Adhere strictly to restaurant policies regarding sharing meals and additional seating.
While the notice itself drew his dismay, Goenka views it as an early indicator of broader behavioral issues that continue to surface years later.
Viral Videos Fuel Debate on Public Conduct
The industrialist highlighted a growing trend of viral social media videos depicting various forms of public misconduct by Indian travelers. These widely shared clips often show instances such as:
- Tourists performing traditional Garba dances inside restaurants.
- Loud conversations and disturbances in airport lounges.
- Treating aircraft cabins as picnic spots, disregarding other passengers.
Goenka noted that these incidents frequently ignite polarized reactions online, with some expressing embarrassment while others argue that such isolated events unfairly stereotype an entire nationality.
Davos Anecdote and a Call for Global Respect
Further illustrating his point, Goenka shared an anecdote from the World Economic Forum gathering in Davos. He claimed an Indian businessman once played Punjabi music at an excessively high volume in a club, audible across the town. This, Goenka remarked, was termed "soft power" but caused considerable annoyance to others.
Drawing a stark contrast, Goenka pointed to Japan, a nation widely admired for its public discipline and courtesy. He asserted that if India truly aspires to be a global superpower, its citizens must be remembered for "excellence, consideration and respect for others," rather than for instances of poor civic conduct. His call underscores the importance of public behavior in shaping India's international image.