look news india
Indian culture has been based on the sacred principle of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ for centuries, where every foreign guest coming to the country is treated with respect and cordiality. But in recent times, such shameful incidents are coming to light from many major tourist destinations which not only tarnish this glorious image but also raise big questions on the safety and dignity of tourists. One such shocking case has come to light, where people completely forgot their decorum and decorum after seeing a foreign female tourist in a public place. Seeing people trying to misbehave with the woman, staring at her and taking selfies without her consent, an alert Indian photographer present at the spot took charge and took down the crowd fiercely. The video of this incident is becoming increasingly viral on social media and people’s anger is at its peak.
According to eyewitnesses present at the spot and viral clips, a foreign female tourist had come to visit the historical and scenic spot of India. She was peacefully enjoying the architecture and ambiance of the place when a group of local men and youth surrounded her. Not only did people turn on their mobile cameras and come very close to him without permission, but many also started pressurizing him to take selfies. The foreign woman started looking extremely uncomfortable and scared due to this sudden encirclement. She was constantly trying to smile or step back in discomfort, but no one in the crowd respected her privacy and personal space.
An Indian photographer doing a professional photoshoot at the same spot caught sight of this entire incident. Seeing the panic and helplessness on the woman’s face, the photographer could not stop himself. He immediately came forward and stood as a shield among the crowd. He scolded the people in a stern tone and asked them to step back. The photographer bluntly asked the crowd whether they would tolerate such treatment of their mothers, sisters or women of the family by a stranger? He reminded the crowd that placing a camera in front of a woman’s face without her consent and surrounding her is not bravery but an act of sheer indecency and a legal wrong. Seeing the strict and fearless attitude of the photographer, the people who were forcibly taking photographs got embarrassed and slowly started moving away from there.
As soon as the video of the incident was uploaded on social media platforms X (Twitter), Instagram and Reddit, it went viral like wildfire. With lakhs of views and thousands of comments, netizens have strongly attacked this petty mentality of the crowd. Internet users have unanimously praised the courage and timely intervention of the alert photographer, who got the foreign guest out of an uncomfortable situation. Many people wrote that India needs such responsible citizens who have the courage to raise their voice instead of remaining mute spectators when they see wrong happening.
On the other hand, people have expressed deep anger over the lack of security arrangements and basic civic sense at tourist destinations. Users say that this is not the first time that a foreign female tourist has faced such lewd acts. At world famous tourist destinations like Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jaipur and Varanasi, there are often complaints of foreign nationals, especially women, looking at them strangely, following them and taking photographs without consent. People on social media are demanding that the tourism police should take a strict stance in such cases and heavy fines and legal action should be taken against those who harass tourists without permission.
This incident is not limited to just a viral video but it highlights the gross lack of attitude and basic courtesy towards foreign tourists in a section of our society. Seeing any foreign citizen, especially a woman, as a ‘wonder’ or a ‘photo object’ instead of seeing them as a normal tourist is indicative of a very narrow mindedness. When a foreign tourist comes to India, he comes to experience its rich heritage, hospitality and culture. But when he is treated in such a rude manner, it comes back with a negative and unsafe message about India to the whole world.
Tourism experts believe that there is an urgent need to run awareness campaigns at the local level at tourist destinations. Guides, shopkeepers and the general public around historical monuments should be taught that it is mandatory to respect the ‘consent’ of any tourist. Along with this, the local administration should put up warning boards at sensitive places regarding ‘No unauthorized photography’ and ‘No disturbing tourists’. If such activities are not legally curbed in time, it will prove to be extremely harmful for both the country’s international reputation and the tourism industry.