The thread brought to light a broader conversation on how behavior can influence perceptions and experiences of Indians abroad. Many commenters called for a more collective cultural shift, where basic etiquette, respect, and civic sense become ingrained, not only during travel but in everyday life, reflecting the values that individuals wish to project on an international stage
A viral Reddit post recently stirred conversations around Indian travelers’ behavior on international flights, with one Non-Resident Indian (NRI) expressing embarrassment over the conduct of fellow passengers, hindustantimes.com reported.
The user recounted an unsettling journey from Munich to Delhi, marked by loud conversations, disregard for fellow travelers, and a lack of courtesy, urging fellow Indians to “behave like human beings.”
The Reddit user, who resides in Krakow, Poland, shared their dismay over how such behavior impacts the perception of Indians abroad. “Sometimes, I am ashamed to be seen as an Indian,” they wrote, highlighting how unruly actions reflect poorly on the entire community. In the post, they detailed nine instances that left them feeling “ashamed,” illustrating situations where passengers engaged in disruptive behavior and failed to consider others on board.
The post resonated with others, garnering numerous supportive comments
. One user remarked on similar experiences, stating, “Playing reels and YouTube on speaker, loudly talking over the phone in a bus… Civic sense must be taught and promoted loudly.” Another person recounted a recent experience from a Mumbai-to-London flight, where a young passenger, despite limited space, insisted on pushing forward, leading to uncomfortable exchanges. “He can clearly see there’s no space for anyone, so I ignored him… Then he gives me a glare,” the commenter wrote, showcasing the frustration many feel in similar situations.
Others agreed, with one commenter reflecting on how these behaviors often contrast starkly with the expectations of courteous and considerate conduct in public spaces abroad. One frequent traveler noted, “I feel the same way. I have traveled internationally at least 50 times and had the same experience every single time. We never went through any cultural transformation or refinement to fit into the modern world.”
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