Reactions Emerge Amidst Growing Concerns Over Civic Impoliteness in India

Civic Sense Debate Reignited as Indian Guests Come Under Fire

Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Enterprises, has sparked a contentious debate around civic sense after recalling a viral X post from years ago where he encountered a Swiss hotel notice listing special rules for Indian guests. The notice, which included rules such as not taking food from buffet counters and maintaining silence in corridors, left Goenka "appalled" that such instructions were necessary.

The post has snowballed into a broader online discussion, with users sharing personal anecdotes of "uncivil" behavior both abroad and within India. Many have linked the experience to recent viral clips showing Indians engaging in behavior that is considered unacceptable in public spaces.

Buffet Chaos in Thailand

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One of the most widely shared responses was a detailed account from a traveler recalling a disturbing incident at a Phuket resort buffet. The traveler described how a father walked around the buffet spread and used his hands to taste various Thai curries, causing staff to panic and scramble to deal with contaminated dishes.

The incident highlights the need for Indians to be more mindful of their behavior in public spaces, particularly when traveling abroad.

Disruptions in Public Spaces

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Other accounts have pointed to behavior in shared spaces such as museums and exhibitions. One user described a visit to Dubai's Museum of the Future, where a group entered the meditation room and started chatting and laughing loudly, causing others to leave. Another user cited a separate incident in Muscat during a flower show, where many people walked over the flowers.

Road Rage in Delhi

While much of the discussion has focused on behavior abroad, some users have drawn parallels with everyday conduct within India. One widely shared post described a road rage incident in Delhi that occurred at 1 am, where a BMW pulled up behind a car and started honking aggressively, demanding that the driver drive through a red light.

'Uncivil' Indians Make Headlines

The lack of civic sense among Indians has led to a large number of viral videos showing them in action and global headlines depicting the country in a poor light. Earlier this year, videos showing visitors allegedly stealing books on the final day of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 went viral and triggered widespread outrage on social media. In another instance, a viral video recorded inside a hotel room in Agra shows the visitors vandalizing the property by stomping on the beds with dirty shoes and pouring water on the floor.