Industrialist Harsh Goenka on Wednesday shared a thoughtful post on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on how Indians despite being admired globally, fail to follow basic public decorum.
Goenka, the chairman of RPG Enterprises, wrote about three candid comments he overheard in Europe, each highlighting the growing influence and respect Indians now enjoy internationally.
He began the tweet with random comments that he had heard in Europe from a shopkeeper, a businessman and a professor.
Goenka on Indians’ behaviour while travelling abroad
The tweet said, “Shopkeeper: ‘We used to like Arabs, now Indians.’
Businessman: ‘Tech to VC – Indians are everywhere.’
Professor: ‘My brightest students? Indians”
These remarks, according to Goenka, reflect how Indians are now perceived as a powerful and capable global community — from corner shops to boardrooms and university classrooms.
However, he did not stop at the praise. In the same tweet, Goenka pointed out a contrasting reality he believes needs immediate attention. “Yet when we travel, we talk loudly, cut queues, litter freely, and ignore public decorum,” he wrote.
His tweet concluded with a strong call to action saying that if Indians want to “conquer the world, we have to conquer the hearts. It’s time to civilize ourselves!”
‘New breed of Indian travelling abroad are a disgrace’: Netizens react on Goenka’s ‘public decorum’ post
Goenka’s post quickly sparked conversation on social media, with many agreeing with his views. Some users acknowledged the dual image Indians carry abroad, one of professional excellence and cultural pride, but also one sometimes marred by disregard for local etiquette.
Commenting on the post, an X user pointed out, “Absolutely in one of the international airports when I asked where is the boarding gate for Delhi the lady said wherever you see chaos and noise that’s the gate.”
Another user said, “Just say it, the new breed of Indians traveling abroad are a disgrace and are ruining the reputation built over the decades. Their inferiority complex comes out too frequently and their misbehavior is another level.”
Goenka latest message stands out as a reminder that while India’s rise on the global stage is undeniable, it must be matched by responsible and respectful conduct, especially in international spaces.