Harsh Goenka backs debate on civic sense after German bus video of Indian tourists: ‘We have to respect local etiquette’ | Today’s news
Industrialist Harsh Goenka has joined the debate over a viral video showing a group of Indian tourists singing and clapping loudly on a crowded public bus in Germany.
Responding to the clip on X, Goenka acknowledged the group’s enthusiasm but said Indians traveling abroad also have a responsibility to respect the norms of the country they are visiting.
“A group of Gujaratis singing loudly on a public bus in Germany has reignited the debate. I love the Gujarati joie de vivre, but we are India’s ambassadors abroad. We must respect local etiquette and fellow passengers, otherwise we risk making Indian tourists unwelcome.”
What happened on the bus?
The video shows several Indian tourists standing in the lane of a crowded vehicle and turning part of the journey into an impromptu chant.
The group can be seen singing or chanting loudly while clapping, raising their hands and gesticulating enthusiastically. Some of them seem to be capturing the moment on their phones, while others smile and move to the song.
Their performance continues while the other passengers remain seated around them. The surrounding commuters seem noticeably quieter, a few watching the group as the singing and clapping continues.
Some passengers look disappointed while others just watch the tourists without joining in the celebrations.
The video subsequently sparked an online debate, with users questioning whether such behavior was appropriate on public transport and how much foreign travelers should adapt to local customs.
Goen’s comments added another dimension to the debate, particularly around the idea that tourists can influence how fellow travelers perceive Indians overseas.
This is not Goenka’s first post on civics
The industrialist has previously used social media to comment on public behavior and the experience of travelers in India.
About a week ago, another video circulating on X caught his attention. It showed the duty-free zone at the Delhi airport that international travelers pass through after clearing immigration.
The duty-free section features products including spirits, cosmetics, luxury fragrances, chocolates and snacks from international brands that are sold without certain local import duties, sales taxes or value-added tax (VAT).
The video included a flyer expressing displeasure with going through a shopping area after arriving in India.
Goenka shared this on X and criticized what he described as aggressive sales tactics at airports.
He said: “In most of our airports, when you clear immigration and go through duty free, there are vendors swarming around passengers aggressively pushing products. We can certainly do better. Let’s allow passengers a dignified and seamless entry into our country @RamMNK.”
