SynopsisThe growing trend of disruptive antics by Indian tourists overseas has sparked concerns. Flash mobs at airports and careless littering in breathtaking landscapes point to a troubling disregard for the cultural norms and ecological integrity of the countries they visit. To truly embody global citizenship, it is essential to recognize that international destinations are shared havens, not personal backyards.Indian tourists abroad have earned a reputation that’s travelled quicklyAll the world's a stage - and Indian tourists seem determined to audition for the lead role wherever they land. Once a payment is made, restraint, courtesy and self-awareness seem to be optional. Last week's viral reel of a group breaking into a flash garba on the tarmac of a Vietnamese airport offered yet another masterclass in our global outreach programme. But this was not an isolated case. Indians are well known for turning pristine Alpine snowfields into garbage dumps and haggling with flight attendants for 'just one more drink'. Many explanations have been offered for this 'my way or the highway' national habit. A newly acquired economic swagger? Entitlement? After all, Indians were the third-largest applicants for Schengen visas in 2025. Chronic shortage of civic sense? These are convenient diagnoses, but they miss the larger point. The real problem is our spectacular misunderstanding of what it means to be a citizen, especially a global citizen.Global citizenship comes at a cost. But the currency isn't money. It's respect for local customs, shared spaces, queues, silence when called for, and the radical idea that other people exist. Until we understand that foreign countries are not extensions of our drawing rooms or dress rehearsals for big fat Indian weddings, we will continue to earn a reputation as Bharat's boorish brats. ...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now