- Foreigner Jack Heaton debunks negative online image of India through his travels
- Heaton highlights India's hospitality and peaceful places like Bengaluru's Lalbagh Garden
- He points out many foreign tourists visit only unhygienic food stalls and miss other options
A foreigner has gone viral for debunking the 'negative and shocking' image of India portrayed online. Digital creator Jack Heaton, who is currently travelling across India, shared a video on Instagram titled 'I need to make a confession about India', where he highlighted the hospitality and warmth of the people, adding that the beautiful and good parts of India were not publicised.
"I have been in India a few days now, and I have come to some pretty shocking realisations," said Heaton, adding: "So what you see online, whether that's about the people, dirt, traffic -- now it is true in places but that is only a small part of it."
Heaton cited the example of Lalbagh Garden in Bengaluru, where he was roaming, highlighting how it was peaceful and gorgeous.
"I am in this beautiful park right now, it is gorgeous, peaceful, and quiet. You have even got a waterfall just behind the trees. And if you go down the average street in India, it ain't even that dirty from my experience. There's people making an effort to clean up."
Heaton also took a dig at foreign travellers who often end up at dingy and unhygienic food stalls and portrayed them as the reality of the country.
"I admire that people are working with what they have got. You also don't have to visit $1-a-day street food vendors. There is high end and budget options. Anything you want is here in India. People have been generally pretty friendly if you make an effort. Some people stare, but it's okay. You are in a city of 14 million people, and I have barely seen any Western white tourists," he said.
"It is shocking that the image portrayed online is negative and ignores everything beautiful. Most people only show one side to India. I'm hoping to show you the one what isn't on social media."
Check The Viral Clip Here:
As the post gained traction, social media users highlighted that only negative videos about India garner impressions. "Bro you won't get views if you don't post the bad sh*t, negativity works for attracting more audience its just how the world works," said one user.
Heaton said he was making a conscious attempt to show a balanced side of the reality of India. "I'm not here to ignore the issues but also to make sure I show a true balanced side, not hide away from all the beauty in this country because there is plenty and I can't wait to experience more of it," he added.
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