Industrialist Harsh Goenka has called for an upgrade in the civic sense of Indians, following viral videos showing groups performing garba dances in inappropriate public spaces abroad. His comments came after clips circulated online of Indians dancing on an airport tarmac in Vietnam and other locations, sparking widespread criticism. Goenka highlighted these incidents as examples of poor public behavior that tarnishes the country’s global image, according to livemint.com.
Goenka, chairman of the RPG Group, pointed to multiple episodes where Indians have displayed a lack of civic discipline overseas. He mentioned cases such as turning aircraft cabins into picnic spots and other public disruptions. His remarks emphasized the need for Indians to be remembered internationally for their excellence, consideration, and respect rather than for such unruly conduct. The viral videos have reignited discussions on public etiquette among Indian travelers, as reported by livemint.com.
The significance of Goenka’s statement lies in its timing and the broader context of India’s growing global presence. As more Indians travel and work abroad, their behavior increasingly shapes perceptions of the country. Comparable incidents in recent years have led to diplomatic discomfort and calls for better public conduct. Goenka’s call underscores the importance of civic sense in maintaining India’s reputation on the world stage, a concern echoed by various public figures and media outlets, according to livemint.com.
The viral garba videos and Goenka’s response have sparked conversations on social media and among policymakers about promoting civic education. The Indian government and travel bodies have yet to announce specific measures addressing these concerns. Meanwhile, the videos continue to circulate, keeping the issue in public discourse as of today, livemint.com reported.