The CommonWealth Games are coming up in Delhi in a few months. The government expects over one hundred thousand foreign athletes and tourists visiting the city.
Our attitude towards foreigners needs to change drastically if we hope to entertain any hopes of this being India’s coming-out party in a way even remotely close to what the Beijing Olympics were for China.
Foreigners are the easiest target in India. They are the most cooperative (willing or not) when it comes to fleecing. They will be charged auto/taxi fares that are exorbitant even in dollars. They will be mobbed into submission at the hands of beggars. They will be harassed, groped, molested, sometimes much worse.
Not sure if attitudes can change in such a rapid time frame, but here’s a step towards spreading awareness. A radio version of this ad is appearing rather often these days.
So the next time you think of misbehaving with a tourist, just picture Aamir Khan doing a Ghajini on you.
That should help.
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yeah! If only some people had more sense! Apart from the atithi concept that most people couldn’t be bothered with, if people wish to perceive tourists only as money trees, this behaviour would be categorized as being penny-wise pound-foolish!! Unfortunately, most people are not even penny-wise!!
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Well, well, well ! I have encountered other situations as well. In Goa, you are served / paid attention to / talked to etc etc only if you are a foriegner ! That too, by Indian shopkeepers ! Ofcourse, its the dollars and euros and roubles that do the talking over there. So i think.
On a fundamental note, the concept of having a guest and ensuring comfort is lovely. In the melee of day to day living and life, it often goes for a toss though.
Roshni talks about penny-wise ! Well, penny wise necessitates ‘wise’ !
Hope things turn out to be good.
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am waiting to read more news about foreigners being molested, robbed off and raped.
afterall, its our national pastime.
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Stories, blogs and forums talk of many situations where tourists feel they have been taken advantage of. Without seeing both sides of every story, it’s hard to know the truth. If one travels Internationally, and they don’t do some research ahead of their journey on the local customs, they are fare game. It happens in the US everyday with contractors, tradesmen and suppliers. New customers that are “green” to how the system works are fleeced. It only takes one or two times before you learn the game. No better or worse in India, part of the entire experience.
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Last time when I visited to India, Unfortunately I lost my luggage. But because of Rakesh the next to my seat in train really help me out that situation and finally with his efforts, I found my luggage.
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Aamir, is doing a great job, hopefully the thinking changes! with many amreekandesi abroad, it is sure to change!
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We should really respect all visitors and give such an impression of our caring and hospitality that they should carry this impression that india is a country worth visiting and we/ our children when visit their country, they are looked upon with regard but not with hatred.
we should see all as if we see God in them and give due respect and in turn God will care for us ,in many ways, one must do so to experience it.
If we have have faith in God, we should DO every thing to avoid HIM becoming GHAJANI.
IN NUT SHELL. VERY GOOD POST TO REMEMBER AND ACT
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I love India however it is the only country in the world where i have been harrassed & yes assaulted albeit in a crowd but nevertheless its happened a few times- im well dressed, respectful & am not new to India. I also think that India has become anti foreigner – i spend a lot of money in India. This year i think i am to go elsewhere in Asia as i have become
tired of this. Obviously these are just the few & there are thousands of others who don’t behave like this & are so welcoming & friendly but it does put one off visiting at times…
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I apologize to you on behalf of my nation. I am ashamed that we treat our guests so shabbily….but please don’t think badly of all Indians because of this. I wish you a safe journey wherever you travel:)
Bests
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