Harsh Goenka Shares Swiss Hotel's Rules For Indian Guests, Sparks Debate On Civic Sense

Industrialist Harsh Goenka has reignited the debate around civic sense and public behaviour after recalling a Swiss hotel that displayed special rules exclusively for Indian guests. His remarks come amid a wave of viral videos showing Indians performing garba at airports, restaurants and other public spaces, both in India and abroad. 

In a post shared on X, Goenka said that he was "appalled" to find a set of instructions issued specifically for Indian visitors at a hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland. Hotel Arc-en-ciel's notice asked Indian guests not to remove food from the breakfast buffet, to stick to the provided cutlery and to keep noise down in hallways and on balconies. The hotel added that buffet items were for breakfast only and that lunch bags were sold separately.

"Today, videos of garba in restaurants, loud conversations in airports, and turning aircraft cabins into picnic spots keep doing the rounds. Even in Davos, an Indian businessman blasted Punjabi music in a club so the whole town could hear it, calling it “soft power” to everyone's annoyance, he added.

Comparing India's global reputation for civic sense with Japan's, Goenka penned, "Japan earned global admiration through their courtesy and civic sense. If India wants to be a true global superpower, the world should remember Indians for its excellence, consideration and respect for others. Our civic sense seriously needs to be upgraded."

A Swiss hotel once displayed a list of special rules exclusively for Indian guests which I personally saw and was appalled.

Today, videos of garba in restaurants, loud conversations in airports, and turning aircraft cabins into picnic spots keep doing the rounds. Even in Davos,… pic.twitter.com/ccljdLmDfk

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) May 31, 2026

Harsh Goenka's post triggered an online debate about civic sense among Indians, with many users sharing similar experiences. One user wrote, "Civic sense matters, but it's always about individuals, not an entire country. Generalising never helps the conversation." 

Another added, "Pathetic". But I would not have had an issue if they had mentioned that you cannot do garba at the drop of a hat on hotel premises! That would have been apt."

Someone else commented, "Gov needs to pull in all the influencers from all segments and do a civic sense campaign for a full one year and maybe more – IG, FB, WhatsApp messages, news channels, railway stations, airports – every eye and brain should be captured."

"Well said. Civic sense should not be limited only to visiting abroad but should be practised domestically. A sense of responsibility is needed, and rules should be respected," read a comment. 

The debate points to the challenge of ensuring individual conduct abroad matches the excellence India seeks on the world stage.